My Grocery date with Mumma

One day, Mumma and I decided to go grocery shopping. But, getting ready was not so good. She picked me from waist up and carried me like a log to the wash basin. I was cranky all the time, banging my arms and legs with watever came in the way. But her grip never loosened. Very nicely she washed my hands, legs and face. Not to mention, I was playing with water. And then I wanted to wear my full pant, but Mumma ensured that I wear a half-pant with mickey mouse t-shirt, just because the spider-man tshirt was new. I looked at myself in the mirror, still cranky, and in the next 2 minutes, mom was ready after draping her full 5 meters saree. Awesome speed right! Yet, I felt she was making us late. Being a 5 year old, I was super-excited about even grocery shopping.

I ran down the stairs. But once on the street, Mom was constantly holding my hand. Oh, I saw a puppy and then a Dairymilk wrapper but she'd never allow me to pick up. I waved to the cycle-wala, bhel-wala, idli-wala but Mumma never stopped. And then I was about to start singing my cry song, when she played running race with me for the last 2 blocks to the shop. Obviously, she never left my hand and yet I managed to stretch as much possible, run and pull and all and get first! :) With a heavy breath, we entered the shop. My steps turned towards the chocolates and candy rack. But then I was flying in mid-air, to land straight on the counter top. The shopkeeper uncle had scooped me up and then, I climbed and sat in his empty seat. So, while Mumma was collecting the grocery, I was fiddling with his phone, playing with some coins etc. And then Mumma came to the counter to pay for the stuff she picked up. Uncle was telling me about which note to give, and how many, and then indirectly i tended the change. Wow, I was so proud. Mumma hopped me down, took me to the chocolates rack. I chose a dairy milk. We gave the money and bid good bye to Shopkeeper uncle.

Happy with my chocolate, I walked the first 2 blocks smoothly but then I wanted to open and eat it but Mumma was holding my hand so tightly that I couldn't. I kept nagging her and she kept scaring me in the name of Police uncle and school teacher. So, we managed another block. But, now my patience was wearing out, and my sobs were turning louder. Thats when she decided to play "I-spy" while walking. Wow! I was excited again. Obviously, I started the game.

She always guessed it right, so I wanted to give her a difficult one "I spy white". She started listing so many things - the notice board, a grand ma's hair, her teeth, my teeth, the mickey mouse t-shirt I was wearing, his teeth, the milk bottles seen in a store, a baby's teddy bear, a cat but I was so intelligent, I kept saying no to all. So, I gave her last 3 chances but she lost. And then I pointed up in the sky. But the sky was blue and the evening sun was orange, and then I looked up again finding it, and pointed her the moon :) For the first time.. I won!!!!

It was then, her turn. She said, "I spy brown". So, I started guessing, the tree trunk, her sandal, another boy's bag, but nothing. So, I asked for a clue. And she said it is with us. I started scouting her carry-bags, but she refused all the browns I pointed. We were already at the gate of our apartment. I didnt want to give up. Looked up at her sadly. She was smiling and her eyes were pointing to my hand. I looked at my hand. Ahh.. brown for the chocolate. There was a brown picture on the wrapper. Finally, I guessed it. I told her that I wanted to eat it. She looked at me and I understood. Smiling, I replied, I'll eat after reaching home.

From that day, till date, I smile and remember our grocery date everytime I see a dairy milk.

My dear Mumma... I love you so much! :)