March 27. Me: How are the arrangements for Button’s birthday party coming up? Can I help in any way?

Daughter: The invitations have already been sent. The food is being done by Mumbai Caterers, a well-known vegetarian caterer. I’ve ordered pani puri, bhel, chaat, chutney sandwiches. We can make the jelly at home and get the vanilla icecream. I guess that should be enough. I’ve also ordered the birthday cake: It’s a chocolate cake filled with gooey liquid chocolate. What should we write on top?

Me: Perfect. Have the guests confirmed their presence? The writing on the cake can be— FOREVER 5? Let’s replace the raspberry jelly with strawberries. Button loves strawberries.

Daughter: Done. The guests have confirmed their presence. What I want you to do is take Button out for a long drive and come back around 7 in the evening when all the guests would have arrived. I’ll decorate the room in his absence and hide all the guests, put off the lights and, when you return with him, we’ll jump out from our hiding places and wish him and, hopefully, give him the surprise of his life!

Me: Just make sure it remains a surprise. He’s already sulking because he thinks none of us remember his birthday. Did you notice he was very quiet the whole day!

Daughter: I noticed he didn’t eat too well at lunch time.