Fond memories - I

Initially, I had thought that I would write a monologue about my Mangalooru (does the name rhyme with something else? :)...) trip. But then, I got bored with the very idea. So, here I am, touching about some of the highlights of my jhatpat trip starting from the most recent.

And this particular incident brings a smile to my face whenever I recall it.

It was the last day of my stay in Mangalooru. As I was packing for my return journey, my neighbour’s four year old grandson, Adi, sauntered in. I do not know the exact reason but we bonded from the beginning. Perhaps the fact that I helped him paint a bright yellow rose on the wall of his room helped. He is a cheerful fellow, very bright and intelligent for his age. But that day, he had a very petulant look on his face.

I greeted him with a cheery “Hi Adi” and a big hug.

He wriggled out of my hug and asked me in a very serious tone, “Are you getting married?”

I was flabbergasted to hear this question from one so young. True, there were quite some discussions about this subject but I never imagined that this would be made 'public'. I did not know whom to take to task – him, for eavesdropping, or his elders for such a blatant discussion. Well…..it might not be his fault after all.

He was still waiting for my answer with huge sad eyes.

I answered carefully, “Ya….maybe. Why?”

“If you marry, you will go and live with someone right? You will never come here, right?” were his list of doubts.

Oho….so that was what was bothering this little tyke. Stifling a laugh, I tried to pacify him, “Ummm……illa maraaya. It’s not like that. Whatever happens, I will come and visit you. Sari naa?”

He cheered up considerably but persisted, “Can’t you wait for some time till I grow up? Then you can marry me and become my beesssssssssttttt friend.”

On hearing this, I exploded into a belly-laugh, the likes of which I had not experienced for quite some time, until tears streamed down my eyes. Here's my man...if only he were slightly older ... :) !

Kudos to the innocent, uncomplicated and unconditional love of children.