Chota Bheem is the two-year-old child, grandson to my sister,
who keeps me busy with his innocent chatter.
“Don’t call me Hyerank, I am Chota Bheem” he says whenever I
call him by his real name.
The kid is smart, having mastered all the puzzle games on his
ipad, sliding his tiny hands on the screen with efficiency. He watches all the
TV cartoons with interest; his favorite show is ‘Chota Bheem’ and he identifies
with the protagonist.
All the kids are smart nowadays especially those who get lots of
attention from their families and at play groups.
There are theme birthday parties held regularly where these kids
seem to have fun, a big banquet hall, or an area around pool is selected as a
venue. The parties are celebrated on a large scale where the parents and
helpers are also invited. There is separate area of the room reserved where all the
helpers are grouped together and are served cuisine that is different from what
other guests are offered. The helper will be offered only ‘Tang’ drink and one
samosa while the other guests will enjoy a plateful of assorted delicacies.
“With 50 children there are 50 ayahs, the party becomes too
expensive” complains the host.
Today Chota Bheem returns from one such fancy party with a
return gift, guess what? hmmmn-
A fish bowl
During my growing up days, the return gift did not exist. It
used to be small party with just wafers, cake and biscuits. The return gifts
were introduced in the birthday parties during late eighties, but it used to be
a small souvenir or bag of assorted goodies, but live fish bowl? Need I say
more?
The fact is that kid is amused and watches with interest as the black
shiny fish swims in the small glass jar.
“What will you name your fish?” I asked equally amused.
We start the naming game, with everybody suggesting and prompting
him, soon the rare name is decided and now the fish is called ‘Chawal’
It’s Chota Bheem’s duty to see that ‘Chawal’ is comfortable and
fed on time.
