Aaj Ki Kahani

I have avoided getting emotionally attached to kids per se. I keep them at a distance and get annoyed if they behave ....well, as kids normally do. I expect them to be this disciplined,well behaved, polite sweethearts rather than the unruly tantrum throwing running about breaking things kind. My "best half" is more considerate than I. Blessed with a lot of good friends who are like family, I find myself spending time with their kids. A sweet gesture by a good friend moved me emotionally, once I had casually told my friend, wish I had someone to call me mummy and he remembered and made sure that his daughter addressed us as Sangu mummy and Suju papa, Sweet Sia is indeed a daughter to us. I proudly have her love note stuck on my refrigerator. Another friend's daughter Meghana drew her family picture, a stick figure drawing and added us to her family as well. Me with my hair sprung in all directions just like how I sported my hair then, after a haircut debacle. I was ov...

It was dark and cloudy.  I stood on the side of the road and looked above craning my neck and stayed a while like that, trying to see the pattern of the cloud bursting in a downpour at some spots. I like the way the clouds open up and the rain falls at a distance .Then I would go to that spot to feel the drizzle. I know, eccentricity is an important ingredient in my gene!  I was unmindful of the stares of the passersby. As I walked along small droplets fell on my head and hands. I carried no umbrella so tried to quicken my pace. Had to carefully maneuver the puddles on the road, wasn't planning on slipping in the slimy mud and breaking my back.I walked making squelchy squishy sounds.  The cows were rooted to the spot moving their jaws incessantly. As I walked closer the cow brushed me with its tail, I let out a shriek. The giggling urchins were jumping and splashing in the puddles on the road side. They didn't have proper clothes on them but wore beautiful laugh...

"All schools, colleges and other educational institutions will be closed tomorrow due to heavy rains". The tv announcer announced with a smile in the corner of her lips. This piece of news gives me immense joy. I start dancing in my minds eye. As the rest of the news fades away, I begin to forward this news to my WhatsApp groups. I no longer study or work in an educational institution and this news has no bearing on me.  My day will be as normal as always. Still.... As the WhatsApp groups get active with this news shared, some talking about their kids’ joyous reaction at getting a holiday, some parents are petrified at having to engage the kids at home. A few of us go on a memory ride to our school days when this news meant postponed tests, cancelled plans, escape from assignment submission, one more day to forge a parent’s signature on the report card!  Plans are made to sleep late or finish up the pending assignment, study for the impending exams or just rela...