Dear LNP,

The names used in this content has no relevance to any handle names in LNP. Any resemblance is pure a coincidence. If it sound like any of the members here, then deeply regretted. More over my command over English is not that great, hence the article is not flawless.

Lazily switched on TV on that Saturday morning and started flipping channels. My toddler in her baby-talk asked me `haddhya kyaa hai`. Surprised and wondered.... I tried to reason out why she wanted to know the meaning of murder.

Reporter in a sad tone saying `Pacheese Saal pehle ....`

My thoughts drifted back to that gloomy Wednesday on which I was cursing Mr Aanish Kapoor, my English teacher for his decision to continue with the next hour. I had planned to complete my maths home work during the next hour as it was free. Ms D Dutta our History teacher was on a long leave. Amidst of worry about the imminent punishment, cursed Mr Aanish to the heart content. And then came the news of an assassination followed by holiday declaration. No school, no fear of welts from Mr Mahinder Dagwani our Maths teacher. A brilliant teacher but tormentor for cunctators like me :(((

Thanked God, as I was taught to thank Him when unexpected help pops in. Of course later that day I cried along with my parents probably not knowing the gravity of the loss. 25 years later my daughter is asking is me the question `what is the meaning of murder?` What can I answer her and how???

Unable to answer her, sent her to kitchen to fetch those yummy chocolates which we bought the day before during our week end shopping. She rushed back to kitchen running over the well cleaned eloquently carpeted floor with a guaranteed hope to chew those finest crackers. Those Kashmiri carpets were to protect her from injuries due to accidental falling. A bit costly though.

She looked cute in that Tri colored T Shirt and diaper covered bottoms. Her legs were tender and to see her running is priceless. But she was not as cute as the one which I saw recently on Semmozhi`s page. Nothing wrong if kids play on a muddy field. Who cares for these petty differences like carpet and diapers. Unity in diversity is what Indians are taught since childhood. That kid might be of same age of my daughter. I guess so.

Looked over my shoulder and found her happily chewing the prize. I was flipping channels mechanically while her question still echoing in me.

Discovery was airing some thing related to squirrel. A harmless creature and its helping nature dates back to Ramayana. They look beautiful. This whole world is beautiful. After a short commercial break, they started a story about fiery shark. Shark and Squirrel are wildlife but so much of contrast in their nature. And then they showed how snake feed on reptiles and amphibians. None can dodge death, thats what i felt then

By now my daughter had moved on to another candy. I told her mom to brush her teeth w.o fail. She replied back, how many times you want her to brush. In poor parts of our country do people get water to clean themselves at least once a month ?? I kept quite as the content being aired was very absorbing.

Bombs were going off every where with loud explosions, houses were burning, people were running for shelter, children were wailing. Amidst all this a security personal was proudly walking with a child in his arm in the backdrop of unfolding human made disaster. It looked like he had rescued a child amidst of mayhem all over.
Dark fumes, scattered dead bodies and body parts. A result of an irresponsible society in an unimaginable quantity. Her mother inquired softly `do you have a feeetishh for violence OR your have turned into a follower of voodooism. I know she caught me on the wrong foot. Shaken by any thing but soft voice, i turned around. Now she was cosily sitting on her mothers lap.

Can you not fan your fancy for blood when you are alone ???....... It stuck me like a missile (not the usual pussvedi this time around). She was right, children are not suppose to see these kind of violence at this tender age. What about those children who endure, i thought.

They were showing how children men and women were running for shelter when bombs were going off. Immediately i changed the channel...... With in a snap of my finger living room was sanitized from those deadly terrorist and their violence.

I was off my mind because of the bickering and my fingers frantically jabbed the remote. After some minutes I settled down with Aastha. Finally some thing worth while to watch. Krishna was preaching Arjuna `Yada Yada hi dharmasya.........Sambhawami Yuge Yuge `

Wonderful chants in Sanskrit, lucky that i can understand it though it s no more used as a medium of conversation. Relaxed for a while listening to the chant and accidentally pressed quick view. Back to that absorbing channel. Looked around if her mother is still around.

Both had moved out of living room to bedroom in the first floor. Now they were airing relief operations with patients and doctors all around. Reminded of my daughter`s vaccination schedule and called up Appolo. A sweet voice on the other side checked with me on the purpose of visit. I insisted on meeting Pediatric MD for the simple routine vaccination. Job Done! Appointment fixed. Felt very happy and thanked God for the comforts he has showered on me.

After a petty quarrel for more chocolates she was climbing down the stairs adjoining our bedroom. Off late she s quite comfortable in climbing up and down the stairs. What a sight to watch her tender feet balancing each steps. She almost reached the last few steps.. Dhamaaalll.... A loud explosion.... hmmm my neighbor son is still bursting crackers.... since Diwali. Rattled by the sudden sound,she almost lost her balance but safely managed to reach me. I latched her into my arm and consoled.
Government should do some thing to control noise pollution during Diwali days. What a coincidence, the channel too was airing news on aircrafts bombarding enemy targets. Do civilians live in the combat area. No way, foot soldiers are not civilians..........

She and I enjoyed watching Tom & Jerry for next one hour or so. How nice it is stay with your loved ones during week end. Human who invented technology are great. They have wide range of invention from television sets to missiles. Around 2 pm some time she dozed off over my shoulders. I safely put her on the bed, covered with a blanket. This year winter is harsh and with unprecedented rain mosquito menace has multiplied. With out fail i switched on the mosquito repellent unit.

Logged into LNP, the Asian Bashing Club, Devils Embraced Forever. Had some fun with Tamizh Eezham supporters. While posting comments tried to reason out what my daughter asked. Couldn`t think straight. Why waste an after noon nap for some thing which is meaning less and which i dose not bother too. Cuddled my daughter and thanked God again. How nice to be with loved ones. She smiled in her deep sleep. I rejoiced!