Category: Happiness
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Gifts of attention
“Do you want to see your gift now or tomorrow?” He asks almost shyly. “Now of course!” I beam, happiness brimming from me at the sight of my dear Saathi. Absence does make the heart grow fonder. Digging through his suitcase, he lifts a rectangular box with its trademark logo. Almost grabbing it from him, I…
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The unimagined future
I swing with Laddu on my hip swaying to the upbeat tempo of Mental Manadhil. She shrieks with laughter as I do. We circle in the tiny space between the stove and the kitchen island. As I turn, I notice the okra smoking on the stove. I rush to turn the heat down and salvage…
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One turn around the sun
You sit up next to me, your fingers prying my mouth open. I open one eye, not yet ready to wake. I feign sleep and turn around. I feel your chubby hands pulling my hair. Unable to resist your overtures, I push the covers away and sit up. You hold my shoulder and pull yourself…
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Right here. Right now.
The baby swing in the back yard sways in the breeze. I notice Ammu and Pattu in my peripheral vision trying to dislodge a ‘popsicle’ from the faucet on the outside of the house. It is bitterly cold. My nose burns. I feel alive. I glance absently at the stretch of road visible from my…
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Shhh! Surprise!!
I stand on the driveway, laddu in my left arm, her weight starting to tell. The sun beats down mercilessly. The air is pregnant with moisture. My tee-shirt sticks to my back. I feel irritation creep into my voice as ammu and pattu insist there is no better day than today to bike. The heat…
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Lullaby and goodnight
If there is one thing I regret in earnest since laddu was born, it is that I cannot sing to save my life. As I hold and rock her back and forth as she expresses her frustration the only way she knows, I wish from deep within that I could croon to her. That the…
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Unharried moments
In a couple of hours, we will wind down what has been an uneventful yet memorable two weeks of staycation. Each day started predictably with the twins snuggling in bed with us. What followed was largely dictated by the weather and where their rich imaginations led them. Some days they built towers with blocks mimicking…
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Older, Wiser
I stand in front of the mirror, you in my arms. I move the dryer in gentle circles around your head. Your curls shine and tighten. I put the dryer down and tousle your curls. There is a smidgen of moisture left. I look at us in the mirror as we walk out. I love…
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Letters to my daughters: Milestones
Dear Laddu, My left palm rests on the top of your head. The warmth from me seeping into you, lulling you into sleep. You smile in your sleep. I find myself mirroring you. The apples of your cheek shine with the sheen of the coconut oil I massaged into your skin. It was not too…
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Happiness in a cup
I walk down the stairs my head throbbing from too little sleep. The smell of coffee wafts my way and I cheer up. Even as I warm the milk for my coffee, I notice Amma fixing Saathi’s lunch. I am tempted to envelop her in a hug. The moment passes and I sit at the…