Fun with Grandchildren

The three of us had travelled long distance from Hyderabad to San Francisco with great excitement on 27^th Nov 2024. Dhruv, well short of four and a half, and Tanvi, under three, were the main attraction. Used to their small world of four, both found it delightful to be a part of the big family of seven. They were small enough to have forgotten their India visit early this year. 

Bua, with her imaginative stories and innovative games became a quick favourite. Dhruv soon abandoned his bed to snuggle in with Bua to listen to her bedtime stories. Tanvi was of course small to even consider leaving her Mumma’s side for the night. It was however amazing to often find both, Dhruv and Tanvi, in Ankita’s bed listening to her attentively as she practised her morning ragas.

Aji made her special presence by making Laddoos and delicious dishes and playing with grandchildren. When prompted by Aji, both, Druv and Tanvi enjoyed racing up to my bedroom to shout out my name and give me a wake-up kiss in the morning. 

Since they were told that Ajo couldn’t pick them up because of spondylosis (for them expressed as bau in Marathi), they would open arms to be picked up and soon remember to say, “Oh you have bau”.

 It became a routine for me to accompany Niketa to drop children to the school. Neelima and I would take turns to accompany them to the evening swimming class. Together, we enjoyed watering plants in the backyard, washing cars, repairing their cycles. We all couldn’t have asked for more.

Children at that age are not always goody-goody. They throw tantrums when they don’t get what they want or when we try to force our wish on them. Dhruv and Tanvi were no different. While Niketa and Aniket grappled with the problem, we all knew that this temporary phase would pass off.

Happy times were sadly cut short as we rescheduled our return to an earlier date. Dhruv and Tanvi were happy as ever, oblivious of the impact of our early departure till the day arrived. They were all excited to see us pack our bags, pointing out things which they thought belonged to us and were being left behind. Dhruv began telling Bua to go back to India for just one day, keep her baggage and come back.

It was only in the final hour of the afternoon before our departure that Dhruv and Tanvi realised that we were really leaving. They won’t get something dear to them anymore. However, no tantrums, with God sent wisdom to these young kids to accept something which was inevitable!

Tanvi, used to throwing herself on the ground at the slightest displeasure, only meekly requested us, “Don’t go. Please don’t go!” And when she saw our sad faces as we climbed into the car, her sadness changed into a faded smile as she waved goodbye to us holding her mother’s secure hand. 

Dhruv came along with Papa to see us off at the airport. Before the security check, we had a little time at hand. So, when we sat down for a cup of coffee, Dhruv spent no time before jumping into Bua’s lap – an expression beyond words to say. “I will miss you.”

 

Unfortunately, only Dhruv could be accommodated in the car. Here again, normally adamant in comparison with what Dhruv got, Tanvi unusually accepted to quietly stay back with Mumma. 

After saying bye to us at the airport, Aniket gave Dhruv a promised ride on the airport terminal train. Dhruv enjoyed seeing the rails slide back under the driverless train. And Aniket got busy with the thoughts of a busy week starting tomorrow especially with only two of them, instead of five of us, giving company to children. 

Back home, having bathed and changed into pyjamas, Dhruv knew that there would be no bedtime stories from Bua. Aniket asked him, “Do you miss Aji, Ajo and Bua ?” Like Tanvi, wisdom also dawned on this small boy to accept the reality. He said, “No, I will play with Papa, Mumma and Tanvi.” As if to say, “You don’t be sad Papa. It’s ok with me!”

We saw Dhruv and Tanvi grow up in just one month. The next time we meet, they will be bigger, and Aji, Ajo older to pick them up in arms. However, bigger and wiser grandchildren will give us a wonderfully new experience the next time.

Pramod (Pama) Ajo 😘😘