She hated every minute of it there and barricaded herself in their cramped flat when her daughter left for work. They didn't live in a particularly swish area because her beti didn't earn much.
The one time she had dared to venture out on her own, the neighbourhood kids - little goondas! - had followed her jeering, mocking her sari, her accent and the way she shuffled forward in her chappals. They'd thrown spitballs at her and tried to trip her when she tried to get past them. Worse, instead of chastising them, their mothers stood back and laughed.
There was a reason behind this. The old lady prided herself on her green thumb and had managed to grow methi, dhania and sarson ka saag from seeds on her tiny balcony as well as onions, ginger and tomatoes. But the little ruffians when playing a game called baseball, sent a ball speeding in and broke two of her pots. She'd screamed at them in Hindi. But instead of apologizing, they'd stuck their tongues out and run off.
When she complained to her daughter that evening, she dismissed it in her newly-acquired drawl, with, "Maa, don't bother. Kids will be kids". And now, her daughter was telling her about a ghastly festival called
Halloween, when the little horrors would dress up like bhoots and land up at her doorstep, demanding candy! She shuddered at what would happen if she didn't give them treats.
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Denne historien er fra December 2022-utgaven av ParentsWorld India.
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Nutri-rich Indian SNACKS
Indigenous snacks are healthy and nutritious alternatives to processed junk food. They are rich in protein, carbohydrates and micronutrients. Try these three nutri-rich Indian snacks
Exposing children to CAREER CHOICES
PW invited parents from Amarjyoti Saraswati International School, Bhavnagar to share their thoughts on how they introduce children to diverse career options
Switzerland IDEAL FAMILY GETAWAY
From exploring ancient castles and medieval towns to embarking on exhilarating alpine adventures and cultural experiences, Switzerland promises a family vacation filled with discovery and wonder
Common childhood nutritional DEFICIENCIES
Growing children need a variety of nutrients and micronutrients for optimal physical growth and development and smooth function of the nervous system
Student Leadership at Sarala Birla Academy
Sarala Birla Academy (SBA) was set up with Mr. Kumar Mangalam Birla's overarching vision of \"igniting minds and creating in the students a love of learning and continuous development, by making the learning process an enjoyable experience and by doing so, help develop a higher sense of self-esteem in the student and endeavour to equip the student with life skills that will place him first among his equals, when he steps out into the real world.\"
Sky-high demand for ASTRONOMERS
There's no dearth of employment opportunities for qualified astronomers in government organisations, research institutes, 40 planetaria across the country, observatories, museums, colleges and universities
Strategies to boost children's ACADEMIC MOTIVATION
My daughter is uninterested in her schoolwork and often procrastinates before completing it. Please share some strategies to motivate her academically.
Developing healthy SOCIAL MEDIA HABITS
What can you do if you think your teen already has unhealthy social media habits?
Financial literacy PRIMER FOR TEENS
Understanding how to manage money prudently enables adolescents not only to navigate the present but also equips them for long-term success
Importance of pursuing CREATIVE HOBBIES
Creative hobbies entail creative use of the mind, body and emotions. They enable flowering of a creative personality and growth of an individual who can offer something new and beautiful to themselves and the world
