Junior Vocab
Meera's Karela Curry
Meera: "Hey, that’s my tiffin box! Why are you laughing at it?"
Riya: "It smells funny. Eww, who brings karela curry to school?"
Kabir: "Don’t tease her, Riya. Meera’s Amma cooks the best stuff."
Riya: "Best? It’s all green and bumpy. I’d never eat that."
Meera: "I like it. Amma fries it till it’s crispy, and she sings while cooking."
Riya: "Still looks like monster fingers. I’d be scared to touch it."
Kabir: "I was scared of it too. Then Meera shared one piece with me."
Riya: "And you actually survived?"
Kabir: "I didn’t just survive, I asked for more. It’s salty and crunchy, like tiny chips."
Meera: "Amma says it makes our eyes strong enough to spot fireflies."
Riya: "Fireflies? You’re just making it sound fancy."
Kabir: "She’s not making it fancy. I’m her friend, so I’ll say it: stop being mean about her food."
Riya: "Why do you care so much? I’m just joking."
Kabir: "Because it hurts. When someone laughs at my lunch, Meera defends me too."
Meera: "Yeah, I told those boys your curd rice was perfect the way it is."
Riya: "I… didn’t know it felt like that. I just thought it was funny."
Kabir: "You can joke without making someone feel small. That’s what I’m defending."
Riya: "Okay. I’m sorry, Meera. I won’t tease your karela again."
Meera: "It’s okay. Want to try one crispy piece?"
Riya: "Hmm… fine. Just one."
Kabir: "See? The defender of karela has spoken."
Riya: "Hey… this is actually nice. My tongue is confused but happy."
Meera: "Next time anyone laughs, you can help me defend Amma’s karela army."