The 'saala' word

The newest word on my kids' lips is 'saala'.

Thanks to songs that either prefix 'Aye Saala' (Rang De Basanti) or suffix 'Pappu can't dance saala' (Jaane Tu) the word, I am livid when they sing these songs. Try as I may, they can't be contained. My inability to restrain their ardour is quite disconcerting although quite frankly, I like these songs too.

It is getting increasingly tough to control external influences on the children. I'm in a real fix here.

Last week I was in Delhi attending a wedding when I saw him again.

I was surprised when I realised how easy it was to ignore him, and the effect he had had on me in the past. For the first time in many years, I enjoyed the occasion despite his presence.

Chatted with his wife.

Removed the hate from my heart.

Moved on.

I guess I grew up.

Branded

I am used to being called a 'Madrasi' by many illiterate and uncaring relatives...especially because I grew up in Kerala, and according to their dim thinking, everyone south of Bombay is a 'Madrasi'.

The latest I heard from my mother, who often ends up entertaining relatives travelling on work to Kerala is the following:

Natives of Kerala - Kerlians (I wonder where he got that from!)
And Hold your breath
Natives of Tamil Nadu - Tamil Nadians!!!!!

Gosh... While we espouse the cause of exposing our children to the languages and cultures of the world, wish someone, just someone, would teach my ignorant and self indulgent relatives a bit about South India!

Sometimes we take decisions that will affect not just us, but all those around us, especially the people who we love and who love us.

Yet in our best judgement the decision seems right and we are inclined to go ahead with it.

Does that mean that our actions show that we do not love our near and dear ones? Or does that show we love them so much that we'd be willing to take a decision that will benefit them even though it saddens us?

If only life was easier!