The Brilliant Night

"Ooof! Its a dark night!"

"Genius. Were you expecting a brilliant one?"

The argument was logical. Point 1 to me.

I marched along the wet, windy street. Thankful for the wilting street lamps.

Soon I would be there. I focused on it. I went right along.


It was in fact not until I had gone a good quarter of a mile that I heard the footfalls. Light, persistent and sure as hell coming towards me.

I picked up my pace.

"Coward."

"Oh yeah? You think I will stop?"

I slowed down. I stopped. Point 2 to myself.

I inched closer to a street lamp and turned.

"Oh Thank God! Thank you for stopping. So sorry to disturb you. But could you tell me how to get to here."

I was staring. Struck dumb.

"Quick! Say something. Say something."

"What? What- should I say?"No answer - this was a draw.

Her hair whipped around in confusion. Her lashes dripped anxiety. Her hands trembled under the weight of the paper.

I took it from her without breaking our gaze. She shivered. I shivered in response. I looked down at the paper. Then pointed silently at the ornate iron gate two houses down on the left.

She peered after my finger.

"That one? Next to that brick house?"

I nodded. Gulped. Then nodded again. It was safest to resort to basic universal gestures.

She smiled and the night turned brilliant.

Thanking me she hurried up to the house.

"Brilliant night eh?"

"Yes brilliant."

Grinning I turned into my red brick house.

K

Today is Adi's first day in K. He could not sleep last night- and woke up early today. How do I know?- I was the same:)
I surprised myself. It was hard leaving him in the daycare. He kept waving me off but I lingered- fussing over the sign-in, his snack pack, his pick-up locations. I worried. Will he make friends? Will he keep up? Will he excel? Stand out?Blend in? - Typical Indian parent? Or typical mom on first day of K??
And Vedant sensed it too. He was all quiet on the way in to his school. And snuggled against me and made me carry him in. He kept asking where is Adi- indeed where is he?

So life changes- my baby is in school. Big deal - say the seasoned parents. Yeah BIG DEAL- say I!!!!!!