India, July 3 -- "Always keep a bottle of champagne in the fridge for special occasions. Sometimes, the special occasion is that you've got a bottle of champagne in the fridge." This random quote by Hester Browne recently nudged me into a bout of soul-searching-the kind that begins philosophically and ends in front of a crockery cabinet. More than 27 years ago, my parents gifted me a dinner set made of the finest Sri Lankan bone china as a wedding present. Like a dutiful daughter raised on the tenets of preservation, sentimentality, and the cardinal rule that "good things are not for everyday use," I gave it the ultimate respect: I locked it inside a glass cabinet. And there it has remained for nearly three decades-glowing regally behind yellow bulbs like an endangered species in a museum. Every now and then, on a "special occasion," I open the cabinet, admire the plates lovingly, wipe off imaginary dust, and shut it before anyone develops the dangerous idea of actually eating off them. Apparently, marriage wasn't special enough. Neither were anniversaries, birthdays, festivals, or guests. I am beginning to wonder if it will take a state banquet to finally bring out my china. If you think this mania is a psychological disorder unique to me, you are mistaken. Most of us are secret custodians of this fantasy; only the artefacts differ. Think of that premium whiskey ageing endlessly in the cabinet; the sterling-silver pen that has never signed a check; the expensive saree wrapped in tissue paper; or the designer dress hanging with its tags intact. We save imported perfumes so carefully that they emotionally evaporate before they physically do. We harbour candles too pretty to burn, the handbag sleeping peacefully in its dust cover, luxury shoes waiting for a red-carpet event, and the beautifully bound diary where only the first page reads: New Beginnings. We spend half our lives buying beautiful things, and the other half convincing ourselves that the present moment isn't worthy of them. In life, too, much like our prized possessions, we tend to preserve certain emotions and words for a "special occasion." We save compliments for grand achievements, affection for dramatic moments, apologies for the perfect timing, and tuck away gratitude for milestones that may never arrive. We postpone simple phrases like "I miss you," "I'm proud of you," or a warm hug, believing a more appropriate day lies ahead. But life, unlike bone china, cannot be preserved. It slips through our fingers like sand. Our relationships quietly gather dust in emotional cabinets while we wait for a ceremony grand enough to justify our feelings. Sometimes, the special occasion is simply a regular Friday afternoon. So, bring out that saree for the next dinner you're invited to, pop the cork on that well-travelled bottle of wine, and let's finally say cheers to the everyday....