Chapters (30)
‘And what?’ he asked nervously, bringing his leg up into the lunge position.
‘And I’m not sure we’re still doing the right thing anymore. Lying to a child is different from lying to a … a young person.’ She felt relieved to have finally said it.
‘We’re not exactly lying, Priya—we are her parents. We just haven’t told her the entire story.’
‘We just haven’t told her the whole story? Siva, this is not like those times when my mother asks me for a recipe and I leave certain ingredients or measurements out. This is the most important thing in the whole world that we have not told our own child!’ She looked at him, shocked.
‘Do you really do that to your mother?’ he asked.
‘Of course I do, I thought you knew. I’ve been doing it for years. Don’t change the subject.’ Priya shook her head at him.
‘Why would you do that to an old woman?’ he asked, bending forward and reaching unsuccessfully for his toes.
‘Because she drives me crazy—Siva, are you listening to what I’m saying? Are we still doing the right thing for Smrithi? I worry that now—we are doing this for ourselves. Listen to me please.’ Her face was flushed.
He stopped his attempted yoga and rested next to her on the floor.
‘I’m listening. I always listen to you. I listened to you when you brought her home and I don’t regret listening to you a single moment after that. You are smart and wise and neither of us know the answer to your question, kunju—I certainly don’t.’
‘But you’re the one who always wants to follow the rules …’ her voice trailed away.
‘I suppose so. I just don’t know which rule we are supposed to follow here.’ He put his arm around her. ‘I don’t agree with you on one thing—this is not the most important thing in the whole world. In the north, children are dying in the arms of their mothers in churches. We love Smrithi—you, me and Dhara—and between us we have kept her safe. That is the most important thing in the whole world. Call Dhara—ask your sister if she disagrees.’