Column

This month had another landmark in our lives — a birthday, but no small one this, for it was exactly 21 years ago on an early morning in November that I embarked on my journey — of parenting, when Aakanksha entered our lives.

For the last four years, spending time together has been at a premium, with Aakanksha having moved out — what with hostel life and internships. Last year it was a moot that summoned her from Mumbai on her birthday — so her school friends gathered home at midnight to usher it in. This year, she had flown off to the capital for an internship.

Fond mother that I am, I was determined not to miss out on her 21st, and airdashed to the capital with Gaurav to be with her on D-day. We found ourselves outside T3 terminal waiting for her to arrive on the metro from the centre of the city. “Mom, it looks like you are receiving me, and not vice versa,” she screamed when I hugged her.

After that, the Gang of Two settled down in the backseat of the sedan. I was left directing our driver towards our friend’s home. The initial greetings and much delayed lunch dispensed with, the children disappeared into the bedroom. Soon, we could hear chortles emanating from the inside.The siblings had a lot of catching up to do.

But, of course, there are times when Mum is needed — and shopping is one of them. So, we went to a mall (where else) to buy something for the birthday girl. Son, more focussed on pet (stomach) than present, halted at the first pizza joint we saw. Brother asked, sister melted. A slice was bought and shared among the two for both ruled it was forbidden fruit for me.

A pair of jeans that fitted like a second skin and a pair of glares that overshadowed her face — her shopping was complete. Watching me watch her buy stuff, a Delhiite asked me, “Are you not helping her choose?” I laughed, “I stopped doing that a long while ago. It’s more fun to let her get what she wants.” On the way out, the kids popped in at KFC to get some chicken popcorn for the ride home. Ah, the unending appetite and enthusiasm of the young.

Dinner was an elaborate spread — with cake and chicken for celebration. And a few minutes before the stroke of midnight, her cell started ringing and didn’t seem to stop as friends and family called. I fell asleep half way through all that chatter. But I do remember a hug being given and one returned.

The next day was total family time as we left early to do a day trip to the Taj Mahal. In hindsight, I owe them an apology as a round trip is not possible in a day. Nonetheless, the sight of the monument eased one’s tiredness after a six-hour drive, navigating all the traffic. On the way back, there was utter silence from the rear seat, both having crashed out — for me, just having them there made my world complete.

The days sped by — and Gaurav dashed off one night to stay over with her at her friend Prateeti’s home. And the time the kids — along with Surabhi who was also interning in Delhi — spent together made the holiday more special. Seeing his gleeful smile as he returned alone on the metro and seeing their interaction on the evening we spent again together reinforced my belief that no matter how often they might squabble, together they are a Team United. Or, in their case, Arsenal United. And, for them two is definitely company… Third, fourth and fifth are just mom, dad and family!

The writer, Executive Editor, Verve, is, in her personal space, often driven to distraction by her two growing ‘young adults’, but she loves the madness of it all.