Category: Daughters
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Don’t grow up so fast
I brush your hair back and efficiently pin it so your hair will remain dry as you shower. You turn back and the face that stares at me looks almost grown up. For a moment I get a glimpse of how you will look like at the threshold of womanhood. The next half hour passes…
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Of old and new. Dads and daughters
I stood by the window over the sink looking out into the dull, drab day. The sky was overcast and grey. Cold rain drizzled and left shiny streaks along the bricks in the patio. My thoughts were back seven years remembering the final moments with my dad. Time ticked by as he drew his last.…
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Taking pause
The sunlight streams in from the mullioned window in the foyer. I pass the room where your toys lie scattered. A momentary annoyance creases my face. I stand debating if I should clear it up or have the two of you do it when you are back from school. I pass your bedrooms. The crumpled…
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The lightness of being
I set my laptop on the kitchen island, set the saute pan on the stove and turned the music on. As I tempered and seasoned the vegetables, I swayed to the music. I let the music possess my soul and let go of inhibitions. “Mommy look! I do just like you!” I turned to see…
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Bubbles and bikes
The clock showed a minute to 9:00 PM. The sole light in the vast expanse of our first floor came from the low hanging fixture above my head. I folded clothes. Mechanically and without thought. The evening had been rough. Potty regression? Check. Power struggles? Check. Yelling and screaming? Check. Haggling and cajoling? Check. Crying?…
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Daddy Daughter Wars
It starts innocuously enough. I steam the rice on high, fluff it with a fork and set it on the island. “Are you sure they can eat it without yogurt?” You ask, the demand hidden behind the question. I acquiescence my head demurring. I set the two bowls out and your dad rounds the two of you up and…
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Rays of sunshine
Dear Ammu and Pattu, Today has been a day of anticipation. As I put the two of you to bed and blew air kisses, the last thing I did was to whisper “Happy Birthday baby!” to each of you. You see, you turn a year older today. I have been carefully building up the tempo…
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Visceral reminders
Walking back into the house after seeing the kids and spouse off, I did all the things I normally do i.e., pick up clothes and toys littered on the floor, switch of lights and look around before I get started on my day. Out the corner of my eye a bright swatch of color caught…
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Love in small doses
“I had the best day ever!” exclaimed Pattani as she licked the spoon clean. I watched her with an amused expression till she leaned over and gave me a wet slobbery kiss. I was pleasantly surprised and mulled over the day even as the wetness on my cheek dried. It has been a hard week.…
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Letting go
“Come and get me!” Ammani taunted as she stood a mere yards away from me, a white fabric frisbee in her hand. I sat panting after playing catch with Ammu and Pattu in the yard. “Am coming..” I yelled even as I heaved my heavy frame and went lumbering after her. I felt my tummy…