"The one with my bestest friend..."

To my most dear and loved wife, Happy Birthday sayang.

Who would've thought that a circa 7-years ago, we built the foundations of what we now have become from the seeds of an honest, selfless friendship. Back then, our actions and feelings towards the other was mutually and independently reciprocal but little that we know - back then all the small gestures and kindness we shared actually harbored mightier and grander connotations. For the next few years that came, our affections for each other blossomed into something so sublimely beautiful. We shared countless laughs and tears; hand in hand we journeyed through our ups and downs, and lest we forget - the journey along the way was paved by a myriad of love, affection, passion and a new founded respect for one another.

Alhamdulillah, through these years we have both grown so much. We've learned that trust is an essential feat in every relationship, be it marital or not. We've ascertained that perseverance can only thrive on the support from one another, and in our darkest struggles we acquire each other's respect through learning to accept ourselves for who we are. In all congruency, you have been testament to a reminder, that you don't have to be exact photocopies of each other to survive in a partnership. It's okay to have different views on even substantial things and still remain vividly in love for each other.

Most importantly, in all honesty my dearest - you have shown me how powerful faith and patience can be. In the years of our courtship, in times where time, vast oceans and land separate us, your dedication remained tethered. With every argument and fight that came with distance, your commitment and allegiance did not wither but substantially grew stronger. You may ascertain me a role model in your life, but you are a martyr of everything I hold dear in mine.

This year, you turn a year older. Older in the sense that you are a notch wiser than the last, older in connotation that you are bettered than you were the last. Characteristically you may also age a year older, but in my mind you will always be the woman I've locked sight with outside the UMS hall 7-years ago. You will always be that striking entity, a figure of unprecedented beauty; a marvel of angelic radiance. In my eyes you are perfect, in my mind ageless, and in my heart you are always it's queen.

This year you turn a year older, my love. But with that single increment, you are twice a warmer daughter, thrice a loving sister, and leaps beyond the woman you were. I am proud to still remain your best friend, but even words would fail to comprehend how much happier I am to have you as my wife.

To my dearest wife, soulmate and best friend Nur Afifah Ijap, Happy Birthday. Your hubby wishes you many happy returns, may all your wishes come true and all that is good leads your way. I love you so very much, and would continue to shower you equal amounts of hugs and kisses for the entirety of our lives.

-JeP

P.S : Thank you to everyone, near and far for all the warm wishes and kind gestures for her on her birthday. I appreciate it a lot.