Wednesday, November 26, 2014

A Very Short Cut

Here's to the pleasure of belonging to a mixed family!

Growing up, our family had a Sunday routine of first visiting the paternal grandparents in Lajpat Nagar, followed by a visit to the maternal grandparents in South Ex. This routine was followed religiously every Sunday, except when we were travelling. What a nice thing my parents did, I realize now, but that's beside the point.

My bauji and bhabhiji were "theth" Punjabis and my nani a proud bengali. Both showed immense pleasure if we, the grand kids, spoke to them in their language. While my sister and I made efforts to learn a smattering of both the languages in order to please the grand folks, my brother couldn't be bothered. He was at once lazy and clever.

That's how he greeted his grandparents on Sundays.

At Lajpat Nagar: Bhabhiji, kee gull?
At South Ex: Nani, kee gaul?

Monday, November 17, 2014

A Minor Point?

You need to be in minority to understand what oppression truly feels like. Oppression of words/slurs, of violence, of having choices taken away. You have to have fought for your rights to understand how precious and delicate these rights are. You have to have felt the paralyzing fear of losing everything you held close to your heart to understand those who have lost.

I am so proud to be a minority because it makes me a better person, because it makes my blood boil when others are oppressed, because I have the capacity to empathize with people regardless of their religion, sex, or economic status.

And if you are wondering why I am a minority- it's because I am a woman. And not just that, I am an independent, happy, single woman! Truly a minority. 

Thursday, November 6, 2014

The Little Magician

Aloka is turning into quite a magician. Here is her very original card trick!

Aloka: Nani, pick a card. Now check it carefully. Remember what card you have, okay?
Nani: Okay. 
Aloka: Now put it back with the other cards. 
(After nani puts the card back, the little magician shuffles the cards in her little hands with great difficulty)
Aloka: Now pick another card. Don't look, just pick a card, okay?
Nani: Okay, okay I won't look. 
(Nani takes a card without stealing a glance)
Aloka: Now look at the card. Is it a different card from before?
Nani: Yes, quite different!
Aloka: See, that's the magic!!!