Aayu: Ooops...What the? PAPA...PAPA!!
Yash: Wh...What...What?
Aayu: What's going on? Can't you two hug without causing a tsunami in here? I nearly drowned when I lost balance and toppled over.
Yash: Don't blame me. This time it wasn't me. It was mumma.
Aayu: Mumma!! My mumma!! Whoa...what happened?
Yash: She got excited because everyone said Yes for dadaji's marriage and well...ahem she...in front of all...she...ahem...she...
Aayu: Oh my God, Papa! Look at you...you are all red. Just because others got to see what I see everyday? Ha...ha...if only they knew what all I have seen. Now let me count (counting on his tiny fingertips...brows furrowed in concentration)...1. Hugs: front ones, side ones, back ones; 2. Eyelocks: near ones, far ones, side ones; 3. Taxes: Mostly the direct taxes these days...you don't do the indirect ones anymore; 4 Pulls & pushes...
Yash (Eyes wide...mouth open at the little one's impishness): AAYU!!!! Stay within your limits.
Aayu: There we go again...the limitless LIMIT talks. By the way, when mumma went huggy-huggy all over you, didn't you tell her to stay within limits?
Yash: No, I...C'mon pal, how can I say that to her? You know I can't deny her anything.
Aayu: I know, know...all the bloody limits are for moi.
Yash: Aayu!!!! Mind your language.
Aayu: Sorry.
(Silence...more silence...and some more...)
Yash (softly): Aayu!
Aayu: I am angry with you...and I am not looking at you...and I have my back to you.
Yash: Sorry Aayu. Promise I won't scold you. OK, OK...I'll do anything...anything...just turn toward me.
Aayu: Then promise me you will give mumma the best lovey-dovey gift...I haven't heard her special heart beats in a while.
Yash: Hmm!!! Promise.
Aayu: And promise you will let me watch you.
Yash: Right buddy...you are on. But you will have to be quiet when I give her the special gift.
Aayu: Yay!! Sure will do papa.
Yash : And no jumping, kicking, or talking at that time...you'll stay within...
Aayu: My limits...Yeah!! I know I know.
****This was on Naeema's request. 😳