Ruchira Khanna's Blog, page 6

"Can your pebble reach that lotus leaf?" queried the six-year-old Robin as he pointed yonder. "Oh, yes! Why not?" I said with confidence as I squinted one eye and aimed for that particular leaf that had that flower blooming next to it. Kerplop"Oh! missed it!"I said with a crooked nose dreading that my nephew might be upset.  But instead, I heard a "Wow!" I frowned then followed his vision. There

  Welcoming year 2020 was not any different from previous years. We stayed awake until midnight as if assuring that the time ticked gracefully into the new year. We ushered in 2020 with the same kind of hugs, cheers, and jubilations as any other year. But like you invite a guest over and don't realize what impact that person will leave upon you...we were as clueless as to the world. Although the

"Daddy, your lunch is ready," ten-year-old Mel shouted from the kitchen while trying to balance herself and the plate in her hand.Dad was quick to rush into the kitchen, "Impressive, Mel." he said with arched eyebrows as he was quick to get the plate from her hands and then help her stay still."Yummy! PB&J Sandwich, my favorite!" "I can understand the apron, but what's up with the stilettos, doll

“Yummy! did you cook this?” inquired my teen as he licked the last crumbs off his plate.“Obviously! In this shutdown, I’ve been cooking every day.” I said in an exasperated tone, which was easily caught upon.“Chill, Mom. I was complimenting your cooking.” That praise made me quickly come and hug him since getting appreciated for my cooking was the last thing I had ever dreamed would happen. I had

"Are you ready for tomorrow? What time should I wake you up?" inquired A."Do we have to?" asked P with a long sigh."Of course! We ought to keep the tradition alive. So what if we can't run the Turkey Trot with people. Let's do it by ourselves." "And just like all the times, I'll keep the pie, mashed potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and lasagna ready." I chipped in with a broad smile to encourage my

"Sure, I can babysit my seven-year-old niece." "Thanks, Sis." Pedro grinned, "I'll pick her up by 9 p.m."The evening was going well until Sarah needed to use the potty.I took her to the bathroom. She stood there with a dazed look.  I beckoned her to sit on the potty; she squealed and placed her fingers on her parted lips, then moved back n forth. Perplexed, I left her alone and stood outside.

"What is that green thingie on my toast?" I inquired with flared nostrils."Oh! Sweetie, that's avocado. It's supposed to be very healthy for you." Mom said in a gentle voice as she got busy with the cleanup."I just want my PB&J sandwich." I moaned. "Besides, I will end up becoming a grinch if I eat these toasts." "Who said?" Mom inquired with hands on her hips and a crossed brow."Marsha said her

My owner was one careless soul. One day she came to Lake Superior for a picnic. She was careful to remove me before a dip but forgot to pick me up after that. Time ticked away, and I saw many sunrises and sunsets. One evening, I felt a wet grip and realized a canine had fancied my ticking sound. He dropped me in the water when he went to fetch the ball. The waves welcomed me. I found a new home

"And then what happens?" inquired my three-year-old with wide eyes and a mouth wide open.  I quickly put a spoonful of rice in his mouth while thinking of what would happen next if a bear would come.Just then, we heard a loud thud. An eerie silence followed that as even the crickets had gone silent. Only the bonfire was crackling and popping. I held my son in my firm grip while the other hand had

"Pick up your plates, Nate. That's the least you can do around the house," I shouted at my teen in a high decibel."Mom! I get tired doing the same chore three times a day." he retorted.I stopped stirring the pot and gave him a confused look as if he had just declared that he has graduated from college; without going to one. He saw that look and muttered, "A teen's life is all about being with