Toyna: Mama why is it a holiday in school today? Mama: Because there were bomb blasts in the city yesterday and some people are trying to say it is not right. So they did a bandh. Bandh means that no school, offices or shops are open. Toyna: But how will a bandh help? Mama: I am not sure I can explain. Mama (thinking) : An 8 year old can understand there is nothing to be gained by these bandhs, but our senior 70 year old experienced politicians don’t seem to get it.

On the way back from visiting the Church and the Gurudwara Toyna: So Christians worship Jesus Christ. Mama (pleased. Thinking finally she remembers): Yes Toyna: They worship only one God Mama: Yes Toyna: And he died long ago? Mama: Yes Toyna: Hindus worship so many Gods Mama (happier now): Yes Toyna: All of them also died? Mama (getting worried. Not sure where this is leading): Yes Toyna: Sikhs worship the Gurus and they all also died. Mama: Yes Toyna: If all God died so long ago, then there are no God left on the earth. Mama (not sure how to answer this): Yes Toyna: Who takes care of earth now?…

Mama and Toyna planned for a birthday surprise including balloons, flowers, chocolates and cake for Toynas Tatta (Grandfather). After the planning is done: Mama: Toyna, you cannot tell about this surprise to anyone. Toyna (giggling): I will not tell Tatta, but can I tell Bamma (Grandmother)? Mama (with a serious face): No, you should not tell Bamma also. She will tell Tatta. Toyna (trying to control her giggles): Ok, can I tell Tataamma (Great Grandmother)? Mama (also trying to control her giggles now): No, you cannot tell Tataamma also. Toyna rushes down from her room to Bammas room. Toyna: Bamma, Bamma, we have a surprise party planned for Tatta. Don’t…

It is deep in the night. I am tired after a long day and there is no electricity in the city. Toyna: Mama, will you tell me a story before I go to bed Me: I am very tired darling. Can we go to bed without a story today? Toyna: Ok! How about I tell a story to you. Me: Sorry dear, I just want to crash into bed. Toyna: Ok! So, can I read a story on my own Me: Darling, there is no electricity and you should not read in the dark Toyna: Ok! So, can I tell myself a story before I sleep Me (smiling): Sure darling,…

Toyna: Mama, do you know how we can know if someone is lying Mama: How? Toyna: If you are lying your tongue will become blue, if you are telling the truth your tongue will be pink. Mama: How do you know this? Toyna: I was joking with my friend in school and she told me you are lying. I asked her, how did she know I was lying. She told me – because your tongue is blue. Toyna: Mama, now you can know if someone is lying to you. Mama (thinking): I wish!

Me: Do I have to work more? It is already 12 in the night. Myself: You had such a big cup of coffee, plus there is no sleep in sight, so you better work Me: Yeah, you are right, but what the heck – I am not even working, i am blogging Myself: So stop blogging and get back to work Me: Ok, Ok, just a couple of minutes more. let me finish this blog. Myself: You are nuts Me: Yeah, and if you kept quite, then the blog would have been over by now. Myself: (thinking) I better not say anything more. My Thoughts (not saying anything, just thinking)…

Boy to girl: I love you Girl: How do you define love? Boy (thinking): I hadn’t thought about that.

Toyna (7 years): Mama, it is so difficult to decide what do I become when I grow big. Mama: Why? Toyna: Because there are so many things I can become. Mama (thinking): I am so proud, she is asking this question, rather than just jumping on the most glamorous band wagon. Mama: You don’t need to decide what you want to become. You try and find what you enjoy doing most and just practice it more and more.