Afreen!

It lit up a thousand stars and I was left wondering what struck me. Droplets of innocence fell on the ground. I gasped to let out a whiff of brewing happiness inside me. He chuckled a little more. A perfect, perfect smile.. ear to ear.. pink cheeks smothered into a pair of rather wet, pink lips. No teeth whatsoever were in sight.. Just a set of pink gums - vehemently declaring his amusement! Oh, what a funny place this world is, he must be thinking. At the end of his chuckle, he drooled some more and winked at me. Not so much a wink, more like a squeeze of both his eyelids at the same time. I half-smiled and asked with my eyes - what are you so happy about? Think he understood, looked puzzled, may be even a little reprimanded. Uh oh, I was starting to feel a small pang of guilt. Why would I do such a thing when I always knew babies understand what you say with your eyes(And they do!). Just then, from under the blue hood, he stuck his tongue out and flashed his pink gums again in full defiance! I closed my eyes for a split second to store the picture. (I store happy pictures in my head for bad days and low points). Snap, shut and I started boarding my flight to India (yipieee)

"Leave Me A Message" - Oh, how I Love It!

Yes I had a message last night and I am to return a call. State of denial, that lasted for the whole day and up until ten minutes ago.

*Oh Darn it! May be I should just dial and get over with it.

*The next minute - hold your horses, Barnali! What's the matter with you? Calm down and take some time to collect your thought.

*I mean, haven't I been doing that for last 13 hours and change. :O

I performed a little stress release exercise ( it works! - just curl and uncurl your fingers). Alright, deep breathe. My heart is out of control and hands are sweating. Frankly, this is embarrassing - thank God, there is no picture transmission through phone (yet).

Dialing: 796-779-4932 (OF COURSE! This is a made up number, duh!)

Deadly silence.. *Ughhh, how I miss the under appreciated friendly automated voice companion (Thank you for calling Citibank. Please listen to the following menu and make your selection...)

Ring..(Please don't pick up)

Ring..Ring..Ring..(Pleaseeeee! No)

Ring..Ring..Ring..

Ring (Wait,I am actually feeling bad that there is a chance this call might not happen?!?!)..

Click.. Hello, he says

(Oh NO! Omg, my heart's in my mouth) Brief Pause. Breathe!

I hear my utterly adorable, calm and composed voice go - "Hey, this is me. Whaddup?" (What the hell was that!! this is supposed to be a serious conversation!! What was that "whaddup"?? )