This is the story of me, my husband Raghav and Sarah (our 9-year-old daughter).
Sarah and I went on a 9-day trip to Sadhana Forest last December. It’s probably the longest we both have been away from Raghav since couple of years. So, while returning to Delhi, we were on the flight and the below conversation happened between me and Sarah.
*******In flight conversation between Me and Sarah***********
Me (to Sarah): I really miss Raghav. I am just waiting to see him at the airport and hug him.
Sarah: I miss Papa too. He always hugs me first (when he comes from the office), so today also he will hug me first.
Me: But I want to hug him first Sarah.
Sarah: No, Mumma. I want a first hug.
Me: Please Sarah, just for today let me hug him first. I am really missing him.
Sarah: No Mumma, I am also missing him.
Me: Please beta.
Sarah: Mumma Please
Me (acting sad)
Sarah: (Trying to cheer me up): Don’t be sad Mumma. You can get a second hug.
I thought for a couple of minutes.
**********Conversation while we were waiting for our bags.**********
Me: Sarah, I don’t want the first hug. You go ahead and hug him first.
Sarah: But you can get the second hug Mumma. Is that ok?
Me: Yeah, second hug is actually better.
Sarah: Why Mumma?
Me: Because the second hug will be longer (there is no pressure of meeting the next person after that). So, you get the first one, I want the second one only.
She thought for a couple of minutes…
Sarah: But Mumma, won’t Papa hug me for long, if I get the first hug?
Me: No beta because he must hug me also.
Sarah: Are you sure Mumma?
Me: Of course, beta. But you go ahead and hug him first.
*******Sarah thought for a couple of minutes while we were moving towards the airport gate (after getting our bags)******
Sarah: Mumma, I want a second hug. I don’t want first.
Me: Are you sure?
Sarah: Yes, you go; hug him first.
In my heart, I was happy I would get to embrace Raghav. I really missed him and was so looking forward to a warm embrace.
The minute we came out of the airport and Sarah saw him; she left her bag behind and ran to hug him.
And while I carried both the trolleys, I stopped at a distance from both of them. I had a thousand emotions in my heart. I was just looking at my little girl and feeling proud of my husband. Their love melted my heart that day.
I patiently waited for her to finish first, till it was my turn to tell her on the way back that,
Me (to Sarah): You will go to college in 8 years, and then I will get all the hugs.
Sarah (just ignored me) and caught hold of Raghav`s hand.
By
Minal
Categories: Parenting, Random Thoughts
Encircling Earth!!! 