Children's day

It is children's day today. This is the first time I take note of a children's day in a long long time. I can only think of two reasons for that. 1. The monotony of my new structured life is calling for a break and I can not wish for anything more than my summer vacations when back at school. 2. It is time to bear children.

While I let my thinking mind contemplate which one of these two is the cause, I meander back 15 years to revisit yet another of my children's days.

White shirt, white banian, white pants, white belt, white handkerchief, white socks, white shoes, black underwear and jet black spiky hair. While I now need a set wet styling gel or a visit to Green Trends to spike my hair, then, it was my regular hair-do. Perched atop a table, leaning against the window, I absentmindedly waited for the rain to stop as I stared at the tea-master's astute tea making at the other end of the road (rakkamma kaiya thattu blared from a loud speaker in the background). Those were the day's when breakfast meant a glass of milk, 4 dosais, a banana and a handful of toffees. As the thundering rain reduced to trickling droplets, the sun rose up brightly and it was time for school - time for my mum's suprabaadham. 'Did you do finish the maths homework? Look at your crayon box. It is scattered all across the floor. You should be a role model to your sister and here you are. Try not to dirty your clothes atleast today. Where is your social science monthly test paper?’ The theme remained the same, only the lyrics changed everyday. She dragged me away from the table, put my shoulder bag on and pinned a tri-colour onto my shirt pocket - it was children's day.