The Curious Case of 13 STEMBER!

There are some childhood stories that never fade away—they just grow sweeter with time. One such story from my life is how I could never pronounce September. For beginners I am born on 13th September, as a talkative kid I used to proudly declare to anyone who asked that I was born on “13 Stember.” Of course, my little tongue couldn’t get around the word, and the whole family would burst into laughter every time I announced it. Even today, ask anyone in my family what my favorite childhood word was and they’ll say: ‘Stember'. Kaju Barfi being a close second! 

Even now, decades later, “Stember” is a family joke that never gets old. At weddings, festivals, or just over chai, someone or the other will say, “Arrey, our 13 Stember girl!” and the entire room erupts in laughter. My cousins would tease me endlessly—sometimes even making up fake months just to see how I’d try to pronounce them. My parents, instead of correcting me, lovingly let the joke live on. And now, it’s one of those stories that feels like a family heirloom—handed down with joy and affection.

As a child, I was the classic second daughter in a traditional Indian household—mischievous, endlessly talkative, and forever up to some prank or another. I was that kid who couldn’t sit still, who had a story ready for every occasion, and who somehow always managed to get away with trouble thanks to my chatter and charm. 

I didn’t just tell stories, I performed them—with sound effects, hand gestures, and an audience that had no choice but to listen. From my mota moti joke to my toota hua gate riddles, I was the kid who didn’t just talk to people—I’d talk to walls, toys, and sometimes even plants. Someone had to listen! 

Now, as I stand on the edge of turning 45, I look back and laugh at how some things never change. I may not mispronounce September anymore, but the mischief, the love for storytelling, and the childlike energy are still very much alive in me. My family still teases me that I was a free entertainment package before TVs got remote controls. Well, I'm still one without any such controls! I proudly proclaim to my cards group(of course I have one, doesn't everyone?) that I am more than just teen patti- I am the entertain they don't give royalty for!

Over the years, life has been a mix of adventures and lessons—school days filled with laughter, the ups and downs of growing up, building a family of my own, and watching my daughters grow into their unique selves. Each phase has added a layer to who I am, but the core remains that same spirited “Stember girl.”

Most of all, I feel grateful. Grateful for parents who nurtured me, for siblings who joined in the laughter, for my husband who has been my partner in every adventure, and for my daughters who keep me young at heart. My family has been the constant thread of love and support that makes every birthday feel like a celebration of us, not just me. So indebted to my roots- My Khemka and Aggarwal Family who lovingly message me on 1st September- STEMBER is here! No one has forgotten that and more! I am blessed and loved and forever in debt!

So this week, as I turn 45, I raise a toast to all the laughter-filled stories, the quirky childhood memories, and the incredible family who has stood by me. Because in the end, whether it’s 13 September or 13 Stember, the date only matters because of the people who make it special. To my family—thank you for letting me be loud, mischievous, curious, and completely myself. You gave me wings when the world only handed out labels.

Here’s to staying mischievous, staying talkative, and staying forever young at heart—even at 45!

Lets admit it- I was born in September, but honestly, Stember sounds way cooler!