One
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Back home after an obnoxious day at work. Rhea urgently leaves her Duplo blocks and makes her way upto me in brisk steps. Gives a hug and jump-hangs around me instantly. And delivers the most important message of the day.
: Mamma, you don't have to change. I love you just the way you are.
: WHAT ?
(It was a shocker. I laughed a little, could have cried as well, if not for the next statement !)
(It was a shocker. I laughed a little, could have cried as well, if not for the next statement !)
: Yes mamma. You don't have to change your hair-staayel also.
: What ?
: Hm...hm. (Smile and re-hug)
With her still wrapped around me, turning to get things done around the house, I saw two little cartoon elephant friends on the television. Maya, and Yaya. One sitting droopy with a terrible, beady, funky-coloured hairdo, and the other bringing her a cup of hot chocolate.
Two
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Another eccentric morning. Running against time ; failing, tripping, hurting knuckles, running again ; dodging moments ; shunning life.
Unaware, over the years, brows must have become permanently canted, face forever taut in meeting neither deadlines nor expectations.
While I was brushing her teeth, Rhea suddenly paused me, stopping my hand for a second.
: Mamma, why do you have an angry face ?
: ...
: Mamma, why do you have a sad face ?
: ...
: Mamma, why don't you have a smiley face ?
: Why, should I have a smiley face ???
: Because. I love you.
