Last week, was at my in-laws place in Jayankondam. Evenings, I usually visit the Gangai Konda Chozhapuram Siva temple and then come back into the town to my favorite muttai parota kadai. Was such a regular there that the kothu was made special for me! That day, had taken Nandan with me to the temple and then to the parotta kadai. Nandan grew restless in seeing all the preparation. So, I promised a goyaa chocolate (standard in all TN potti kadais. Just ask.) and looked around for a potti kadai. There was one across the road. I left Nandan standing in the shop surrounded by the parotta master, his two helpers, one server and the kadai mudalali. I crossed the road and Nandan lost my sight. I did have an eye on him as I got the chocolates. And then it happened. I first thought he would get all scared and at least appear visibly nervous. Understandably, the guys surrounding him did not paint a pretty picture. But then I was open mouthed and gaped when the potti kadai lady repeatedly called me to give the change. There he was, three years old, standing with one of his hands on the table, the other on his hip and his legs cross-legged like I usually stand and looking out at the road traffic in general. No fear. Just amusement. At that moment, I knew 'Nammala pirichi meya oruthan vandhutaan da'. When we went home, he excitedly described in a kiddish way to Ramya on how they did the kothu. Am sure Ramya loved the kid talk and loved the kid in him as well.
I just smiled.
