Homework and Laddoos
Meera: "Riya, let's finish this math sheet first."
Riya: "But the laddoos are calling me, Meera! I can smell the ghee from here."
Meera: "Aunty said we can eat after homework. Just a little more."
Riya: "I’ll just touch one laddoo. Touching is not eating."
Meera: "Riyaaa, your fingers are already sticky."
Riyafeelings, no?": "Fine, one tiny bite. The laddoo also has
Amma: "Riya."
Riya: "Uh-oh. That 'Riya' was full of disapproval."
Meera: "Her eyebrows went up like angry parrots."
Amma: "Homework first, then laddoos. I’m not happy you didn’t listen."
Riya: "I know, Amma. I can feel your disapproval staring at my sticky fingers."
Meera: "Come, we’ll finish the sums super fast."
Riya: "Okay. I want Amma’s smile more than laddoos right now."
Amma: "Good. When you’re done, my disapproval will vanish… and the laddoos won’t."