Lil’ things - I

(Part 1)

I put my laptop aside and enter the kitchen. I make a cup of hot coffee with extra sugar and milk, just the way I like. I pour it into a mug and take it along my laptop to the balcony. Folding my legs, I sit on the swing and make myself comfortable. As I take a sip of the coffee and it starts pouring. Halfway through my coffee I feel the lack of something important. Hot pakoras made by my mom. She would have definitely made them for me had she been here. I sigh and watch tiny kids playing in the neighboring park, engrossed in their own world and not in the slightest caring about the rains. A silly game of cricket is enough to give them happiness. How lucky!

I keep the mug on the table and take the laptop in hand to resume my pending work when the doorbell rings. I get up and open the door to see a little 5 year old standing there with a ball in his left hand. I ask him what he wants to which he says," Didi, humare saath khelo na, please." (Please play with us) "Kyun?"(Why) I ask him. "Didi, woh aniket hain na woh ghar chala gaya." (That aniket went home.) Oh! So they are a player less in their team. This explains the pleading. I smile at the kid," but mera kaam kaise khatam hoga?" (How will my work be finished?) To which he says, “mein help karunga aapko." (I’ll help you complete it) I laugh at his innocence and say, “okay." I take my keys and put on my sports shoes. I hesitate for a moment and wonder if I should take my raincoat with me, considering the fact that I do not love the rains like many. I decide against it, step out and latch the door.