Category: Laddu
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All Of Twelve
She hugs me from the back, cheeks pressed to the middle of my back. I feel her warmth before I see her. When I turn and kiss the top of her head, she looks up at me, still short, barely reaching my chest, face cherubic and entirely pleased with itself. This child has been counting…
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Birthday Baby!
“It’s birthday eve, wake up.” I caress Laddu’s forehead as I cajole her into waking. Her sleepy eyes look at mine before fluttering shut. “In a minute…” she mumbles as I leave. All week long, I have been celebrating this child of mine. She is a gawky tween. A child on the cusp of teenhood.…
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Fleeting Childhood
She is staring out the window, a stuffed bear under her elbow, a piece of paper with the drawing of a little girl in her hand. In a week she will set foot into a new era. One in which her life will be ruled by teachers, friends and timers. In the eight months she…
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Milestone: Five Years Old
“Can I towel myself off?” “Can I put Aveeno all by myself?” “Can you help me with my shirt?” “Can you warm this pasta up?” “What did you pack for lunch today?” “Can I have some chutney please?” This girl of mine is exceedingly polite. She says sorry and thank you. She asks for permission…
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A Big Girl
I circle the school parking lot a couple of times before resigning and finding a spot in the grass farthest from the entrance. I grab the folder containing documents that I need, close the door and help Laddu from the car. She is bundled up, her hood covering most of her face. Her tiny hands…
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Glorious Days
Laddu is hard at work at the breakfast table, the lamp throwing a halo around her tiny head. Her hair covers her face. “What’s next after GO amma?” “How do you spell AKKAS?” I call out spellings even as I muddle through improper fractions with Ammu and Pattu. After the twins stuff their homework into…
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Be Careful What You Wish For
A few weeks back as I nuzzled the top of Laddu’s head as she curled up against me in the afternoon, I felt an intense need to keep her close and never let go. It hit me that this child will soon be in Kindergarten, taking the bus with her sisters. This time I get…
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Fun In The Sun
After what seemed ages, we had a sunny day today. The kind of day writers eulogize as bright, cheery, clear, warm and happy. A little after breakfast, Ammu and Pattu were nowhere to be seen. After peering through the windows to see if they were biking outside, I looked in the garage and the two…
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In The Blink Of An Eye
I curl myself around Laddu. My hand strokes her back. She snuggles closer. It is 7:30 AM. I could have woken her up. Instead, I lie and stare at this bundle of cuteness. She senses me watching her and looks up. Her face breaks into a smile that is pure joy. We cuddle some more…
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This Little Girl Of Mine
“You are making sad choice!” “Because it is very cold outside?” “I enjoyed The Nutcracker.” She speaks in sentences. Her eyes sparkle as they meet her sisters coming down the stairs. Her hair cascading in waves frame her tiny face. She holds a rag doll and is ready for school. On our drive she remarks…