My Valentine’s Day

Those who know my age might wonder what I am talking about. Well, I too had a Valentine’s Day surprise.

I remembered the significance of yesterday on opening the news papers in the morning. There were reports about the security arrangements (at least in South India) to restrain the self-styled ‘Moral Police’ forces causing problems on Valentine's Day. Deciding to watch the TV after breakfast to see what happens, I moved to the dining room.

Suddenly my nine year old granddaughter Nonie (Olakkuda – Palmyra leaf umbrella) blocked my way. She said that the food was not ready and I should wait. That was surprising because the cook had come early in the morning and she is quite efficient.

I returned to the newspapers till Nonie finally announced breakfast. I asked her what was there and she answered ‘Poorie and potato curry’. That is something I like.

I sat down and took two poories in my plate, as directed my granddaughter. Then I realized there was something different about them. They were heart-shaped. There were two such poories for each member of the family. I assumed that Nonie had cut the pieces rolled by the cook to pattern with kitchen scissors.

The previous night she had asked me to set the alarm for her for 6.30 in the morning. I did that but enquired why she wanted to get up that early on a holiday. She had mumbled some answer.

My wife told me after breakfast that Nonie had planned everything the previous night. The little girl woke up with the alarm and went to the kitchen. She rolled the dough in the shape of heart herself. Not quite perfect but nevertheless a tough job.

My granddaughter would have learned about Valentine’s Day obviously from the several programs about it on the TV channels for children. And, undoubtedly, she made the surprise breakfast as an expression of love.

No dispute that the Valentine’s Day and the New Year that many people in India celebrate according to the Gregorian Calendar, are imports from the West.

At least the poorie is Indian!