Money

It has been quite a while since my last post. It's not that nothing funny or interesting happened in the interim period. In fact, every day Diya or Aadi does something which absolutely deserves a blog entry.  It's just that I have been plain lazy. (It's so easy to think that I'll write tomorrow ... and then keep repeating the same thought every day ... until all the beautiful memories fade away, and there's nothing more to write.)

Anyway, this incident took place yesterday ... and I had to get back to blogging :)

I picked up Diya from her Adventure Club after work around 5:30pm and was driving home. Diya finished updating me with all the cool things she learnt that day. Then she asked, "Baba, I hope you are not very tired today, and can play with me".

I was mildly surprised by her tender thinking. I asked her, "Why do you think I will be tired?"

She replied, "Well, you must have worked pretty hard today. I know, Mamma and you work very hard every day so that you get the money". I realized that she's uttering back the same answer I give her when she asks me why do I have to go to work.

Then, after a pause, she asked in a concerned tone, "So, did you get some money today?"

It was not a paycheck day, so I truthfully answered, "Not today, darling."

"Buy why?!"

"Well, we are paid every other week."

She seemed to be satisfied for a while. Then she asked, "Baba, can you tell me something?"

"Yes?"

"Can you tell me where do the people get the money who give you the money?!"

I kept quite for the next minute (the first 30 sec to suppress my laughter, and the next 30 sec to think about what's the simplest reply to her question). We were almost home, and I was not able to think a 1-2 line answer. So, I decided to play a joke on her and end the topic. I replied, "Well, you know every (other) Friday those people give us some money. And after the weekend, on Monday, we give them back their money."

She thought for a moment. Then she said, "You know Baba, I don't really understand how will that work out. Well ... whatever ... Mamma is already back!" And she ran out of the car as soon as parked the car.

I think I have to pay for that over smart reply someday. Eagerly waiting for that "delicious" moment :).