Of soft boys and men
The boys are 4 now. Almost 4 and a half. It's beautiful. They hug, kiss, and thank me for the meals I make. They can't stand it if Kartik and I argue. Ajjus's face tenses when we yell. It's usually about the laundry, or the milk, or one of the countless other things that go into running a house. It's inconsequential and we know it. He doesn't, though. We are quick to reassure him, we hug and smile at each other to show him we are fine. His face relaxes, and then both of them rush in for a group hug. Our family hugs a lot. The boys get up in the morning and hug my legs when I am in the kitchen. Ajju randomly hugs people around him and gives them a kiss. He won't cuddle when we want, but he cuddles on his own terms. I respect that. Sidhu demands cuddles, keeps track of the cuddles not given, tells me it has been too long. He is like a teddy bear come to life -- always wanting to be held close. I relate to that. These summer weekends, when suddenly things a...
