Puttu!!!!

 

It will be the days—maybe I return from the market with bags stuffed and things waiting to be sorted and put back in their place, or on a long weekday when I come home already carrying a heavy list of EOD tasks still left to tackle. On those days, a small part of me hopes you might be asleep, just so I can sit down for a moment, maybe even hear myself think. But as I quietly push open the door and peek in, there you are—wide awake, in your own little universe, building castles out of blocks. That sweet post-bath scent still floats in the air, soft and warm. And the moment our eyes meet, you break into your happy dance, arms flailing, feet bouncing, yelling through giggles, “Neenu elle koochi maadamma”

There are days when I feel the tension rise—the exhaustion knotting inside me, everything needing something from me, all at once. And then there are days I surprise myself, whispering, let it go... the sky may not fall on anyone’s head. It’s okay. But whether I arrive wound tight or wide open, in that moment with you, the weight loosens. The day softens. The exhaustion melts, and I am exactly where I need to be.

Top of Form

 

Bottom of Form

And then, there are the nights where we play—when AppaChaami is busy on calls, and it's just us in our little world of giggles and games. We start our game of hide and seek. You shut your eyes tight and insist I hide in the same spot every time—and yet, each time, the eagerness in your eyes and the victorious grin on your face when you come looking for me never fade.

Then it’s my turn. I gently close your eyes, but you cling onto my back with your tiny hands wrapped around my neck, giggling and whispering, “Amma aanu huggi aathu, hudukamma!” I pretend to search every corner, acting like I have no idea that your soft weight is right there behind me. Finally, I sigh and say, “I give up,” and You declare it like a big secret revealed— “Amma, aanu elle edde!”
And I act all shocked, exclaiming, “Oh my God! You were here all along? I searched everywhere!”
And we both burst into laughter, wrapped in that warm, silly joy that only you and I know.

I know, in the blink of an eye, these little moments will turn into distant memories, as you grow and the baby things slowly fade away. But all I want is to treasure your sweet scent and that soft kunjni kembdes feelings!!!