In her own quiet way, Suhana brought smiles and joy into our house even before she was born.
I stayed in my van for two days outside Breach Candy hospital to be near Gauri when she delivered our second child. I left Aryan at Juhi's house. In between I would get frantic telephone calls on my cell phone about how Aryan was scandalizing the servants and members of Juhi's family by stripping and running buck naked through the house shouting "Look at me! I'm Tarzan!" It's his favourite ploy to get attention, which he needs in a constant and undivided manner. I think he's going to grow up to be an actor.
Suhana, unlike Aryan, was quiet from the time she was born. Like all children, Aryan was a little concerned about the new entrant into his family so we tried to avert the sibling rivalry by giving him chocolates and saying they were from Suhana.
Amongst the hundreds of telephone calls I received to congratulate Gauri and myself (and to give us advice on raising children!), I particularly remember one from Anil [Kapoor]. He said, "Are you sitting on the side of God and whispering into His ears what you want? First you get success, and fame and then you get a perfect family too - a boy and a girl." I thought it was very sweet.
Initially, I was scared to pick Suhana in my arms. She was so fragile, unlike Aryan. I could toss up Aryan and play rough with him but Suhana was different, she's a lady. Very quiet and loving, but I have a feeling she'll grow up to be very naughty.
One year has passed since she was born. She can barely stand now. And Aryan is learning how to get along with his little sister. We decided to have them share the same room so that they could bond. Gauri makes them eat together too. Of course it's very difficult to get Aryan/ Superman/ Batman/ Spiderman to sit in one place long enough to eat a meal but Suhana is so well behaved. She just smiles quietly at the world. She's very loving, even towards complete strangers.
But of course, Aryan, like all children, hates having to share the spotlight. He's very proud of the fact that Suhana is not allowed to play in the garden (because she's too small and delicate). And if you come home, he'll tell you proudly how Suhana keeps crying, unlike Aryan, who's a big strong man!
So one whole year has passed since she was born. She is growing more beautiful as each day passes. She has wonderful large eyes and an adorable, sweet smile. People say her hair is like mine. People say she's as beautiful as her mother. I think she's taken after an angel.
~Shahrukh Khan |
