My son said something quite funny today.
Just before lunch, he said he wanted me to make some chilli oil. He proceeded to teach me how to make chilli oil. I followed his instructions and made it.
We decided to try it during lunch.The oil was a hit and my efforts were duly praised by junior Sk.
I had roti with some chilly oil rubbed on it. Because the oil was garlicky, the roti started to taste like a Naan. Samarth was pleased by this.
So I said that we have invented a way to transform a humble roti into a Naan.
Then Samarth piped in, “How is this any different from what scientist do at CERN, when they use two elements to make a new element? We have made a huge invention as it tastes better than whatever people make at CERN.”
When you are an aspirational geek hasbeen and your kid makes a joke about a particle accelerator and Naans, it is a #proudfather moment.
I had roti with some chilly oil rubbed on it. Because the oil was garlicky, the roti started to taste like a Naan. Samarth was pleased by this.
So I said that we have invented a way to transform a humble roti into a Naan.
Then Samarth piped in, “How is this any different from what scientist do at CERN, when they use two elements to make a new element? We have made a huge invention as it tastes better than whatever people make at CERN.”
When you are an aspirational geek hasbeen and your kid makes a joke about a particle accelerator and Naans, it is a #proudfather moment.
Samarth is so grown up now. He has been quite independent for the past two years - waking up, managing school work, commuting to school. On days he has an early gym class, he leaves home by the time we wake up.
Apart from studies, he spends time in music and cricket.
In music, he plays the guitar and piano. He puts a lot of time into picking up things on the Guitar himself using YouTube. He is part of a band and they put up a performance of 2 to 3 songs every term. They also put their students on the cover of their music books. Piano is also proceeding but at a slower pace.
He plays cricket. He has a few matches from school or from his local cricket club every week or so. I hope he gets better at cricket because he really wants to, and puts hard work in it. I think we just need to get better in the way we practice.
When not doing something, he goofs around in the house and plays guitar and troubles his sister. They have a love-play-fight cycle. He is constantly on the lookout for opportunities to get junk food from the corner store.
In a good mood till he’s with his guitar or eating, even homework won't bother him. But if he is asked to study more than usual, clouds gather on his forehead and thunderous outbursts might follow.
Reading habits could be better - but it’s more to do with the lack of time than anything else. He does read on holiday, but I think he can read a bit more given everything else.
Another tiny wrinkle is being in front of a camera. He cannot bring himself to smile when in front of camera, which is why the photo below is really precious.
He has a large group of friends-some from his primary school, some from video game friends and current school, and some friends who are children of my friends. He also keeps in touch with his aunt and his cousins on WhatsApp.
This time in Delhi, he was pleased to meet his buddy from nursery. We had lost touch with the parents as they had moved away from Gurgaon, but they are now back.
I can’t think of a higher privilege that could be afforded to a parent than being around their kids as they grow older, and then growing old with the kids around.
