My Child & I

After a wonderful fortnight with the grand-kids , Grandma is preparing the boys for her departure that evening.

Grandma: " So, next time I shall tell you more stories, OK?"

Firstborn: " But Appatha (grandma), why do you have to leave?"

Me: "Because Appatha has to go help and take care of Ayya (grandpa)"

Firstborn (curiously): "Why, only small boys need help - ayya is a big boy ! "

Me: "But appatha is ayya's wife right?"

Firstborn (surprised) : " Really?? appatha is married to ayya?!"

(After a pause)

Firstborn: " But ayya could just come here and that way appatha need not go and we will all live as a joint family, happily ever after!"

Grandma: "Sounds good! You call ayya and tell him that"

Firstborn rings grand-pa and starts chatting.

Firstborn: " Ayya, I cannot send appatha- You just have to come here to Bangalore!"

Grandpa (over the phone- teasingly): "But I am old, I don't want to travel..."

Firstborn: " What is Old?"

Grandpa: " Um... "

Firstborn: " Like the lion in the story-who is tired, can't run fast and needs help to find food? And appatha will help you find food as you're old and she's your wife?"

Enough (stories) Said!