Last Thursday, around 7:45–8:00 PM:
I had just finished my evening barefoot walk around a large tree in the park and was sitting on the curbside to relax for a bit. I was dealing with a slight uneasiness and a headache... (Thankfully, I’m fine today. Maybe the ginger-lemon tea and sleeping with socks on helped!)
The park was moderately busy with a few elderly people and two or three couples—one partner present here, and the other on the phone! There were also a few tiny kids and young moms. I took a few sips of water and zipped my bag, thinking it was getting colder and darker, and that I should head home.
There was a two-step flight of stairs next to me, and people were crossing them on and off. I didn’t pay much mind to it.
When I turned to my right, I saw a tiny, chubby baby girl on the other side of the park walking towards me—likely to take the steps to get to the kids' zone. I didn’t pay much attention; nowadays, parents are often overly protective and don’t like strangers talking to their children. I have to consciously remind myself to stay composed and not be too expressive, which is hard for me because I love being around kids!
That baby girl—who, I must mention, had a massive personality—stopped abruptly near me at the steps. She stood arms akimbo, her little fists pressed into her dimpled waist; she carried an air of authority and fearlessness as if she owned the park playground.
She looked me right in the eyes with a puzzled look and asked, in a heavy yet sweet, innocent voice, "Yeeelliiii?" (Where?)
I couldn't stop giggling at this miniature person standing right next to me. I softly asked her, "Yaar yelli?" (Who and where?)
She: "Paapu!" (Baby!)
Me (Thinking she was looking for a small boy I'd seen earlier): "Yaavu paapu?" (Which baby?)
She: "Nimdu baby!" (Your baby!)
Me (Now laughing, but trying hard not to embarrass her): "Yaar helidu namde baby?" (Who said I have a baby?)
She: "Mate yaake bande park-alli?" (Then why did you come to the park?)
Me (In awe of her innocence): "Sumne, walk madake." (Just like that, to walk.)
Then, her dad arrived from behind with her toddler brother in his arms, and she followed them. I waved a loving goodbye to her and couldn't stop laughing.
I cherished the moment. This baby felt like she was "God-sent" just to make me laugh..
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