I lace up Laddu’s new hi-top shoes. She tests them out tentatively. I force a fleece jacket on top of her already cozy top. Her school bag is heavy. Her literature anthologies, fundations journals, composition books, iPad, charger, water bottle and lunch box weigh her down. She is ready though, masked, eyes twinkling and raring […]
Read moreCOVID-19 Diaries: Back To School 2020 Edition
I woke to a home smelling of coffee and a child already awake and excited. By 6:30 am, Pattu and I set out on a walk around the development. I walked slowly, savoring the chill breeze and the warm sun’s rays. Pattu was clearly thrilled. She jumped, skipped and danced as we wound our way […]
Read moreCOVID-19 Diaries: In A Rut
Life post book release has gone from adrenaline highs, early morning zoom calls and, signing books to thinking of it all in the past. Work is busy. The children are starting online school in less than a week. Our routine is predictable most days. I wake early, have kaapi with Amma, walk for half an […]
Read moreCOVID-19 Diaries: Back to School Rumblings
This week the school district my children are part of voted on a plan for the fall. Kids stay home until November. Then, they revisit the guidelines at that time, evaluate the safety of students and teachers and make a decision. The board meeting was telecast live. I tuned it and listened on and off. […]
Read moreFleeting 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 […]
Read moreAnnual Rituals: Back To School
“It’s not fair!” I exclaim to Ammu as the pile of hand-me-downs for Laddu grows in height. “That poor child always wears old stuff.” Ammu is silent as she chews on my remark. In a voice that is careful she says “No, you do actually get her new things.” I let go of my mock […]
Read moreNew Beginnings
I woke to the sounds of Laddu crying at 4:30 AM. Bringing her back to bed with me, we snuggled and she slept, an arm around my neck, her hair tickling my nose. Me? I was wide awake. For the past three months, mornings have been relaxed, days have been organic, eating, sleeping and playing […]
Read moreThe Last Days Of Summer
“Amma! Amma! There are eggs near the slide!” Pattu’s face is flush with excitement as she runs to me. I am at the patio door, half heartedly keeping an eye on them. I walk with her to see these mysterious eggs. They lie hidden in the grass, white, oval, spongy almost and small. Deciding to […]
Read moreThe End of Summer
It occurred to me at the beginning of August that I probably should start sorting through the kids clothes assessing what to keep and what to throw. I let the thought slide. There are four more weeks before school starts. Plenty of time right? Wrong! So, here I am with a day to go before […]
Read moreSpreading their wings
I circle the low-slung building that houses the elementary school scanning the sides for parking. Even as I despair of finding one, I spy a red arrow pointing further down for additional parking. The clock reads 5:55 PM. I park and hold the girls close as I follow the crowd to the doors. A few […]
Read moreUnharried 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 […]
Read moreDo I look professional?
I must have badgered K before we left to work. I tried different shirts on before I found one that I felt comfortable in and one that could pass off as business casuals. One of the downsides of working for a company that advocates casual dressing for its employees is that I have no clue […]
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