Lock n Key

When we were getting this house done up, the carpenter asked what kind of locks we wanted on the cupboards in the bedrooms. I thought, ‘Why do we need locks on all the cupboards?’ This is our home, not some fortress. And then again, what do we have that needs to be kept under lock n key. “No. We have nothing to hide!”, I said And told him to forget locks on all cupboards and got him to fix locks only in our walk-in wardrobe area. Just in case we did want to keep something under lock n key. I was not being cheap here. I just thought there is no need to have a lock on a cupboard that is just going to house clothes. Stupid, stupid me!!!!

I did the same thing with the kitchen. Earlier the kitchen was a separate area with a door. But we thought it would be nice to have an open kitchen. So we broke the wall and removed the door. You cannot imagine how many times I have kicked myself for it.

What am I getting at here? That little imp called Neha is normally up to no good. Even in my sleep, I am conscious. Nothing, I tell you, nothing, escapes her eye.

I even have to guard silly things like band aids and ear buds. The other day Neha had this tiny hurt. It really wasn’t visible to the naked eye. I just pooh poohed it off. She turned for sympathy towards her father, who promptly had to show some sympathy. Neha insisted on a band aid and off they both went to get it. I heard this whole conversation and I realised with horror, what was about to happen. I screamed and ran. But before I could stop the man, they had accessed the one place Neha never knew about, and got the band aid. My husband looked at me like I lost my marbles. And Neha had a wicked grin. When I cut my finger yesterday, I had to borrow a band aid from my neighbor.

As Neha is growing up, I am realising the need for such hiding places. Now where am I supposed to hide band aids? My make-up stuff which comprises of one lip stick, one lip liner, one compact and one eye liner is constantly the target. I guard it with my life. I used to have several shades and hues, but I have given up. Well, I used to have one nail polish too. But I had to throw it out after repeated warnings, on not using it on her nails.

So also with the kitchen. She drives me crazy (and believe me when I tell you, crazy is a mild word) when I am cooking. How I miss that door to the kitchen! I can’t store any goodies at home. She will get to work the moment she senses an opportunity.

I keep an ear out, even when I am in the loo. You can’t imagine how sharp my ears are. I know exactly in what room she is and I would be shouting warnings from the loo. And to compliment my ears, she is quick and light on her feet. We have this cat and mouse game on the whole day! When I hit the sack, there is tremendous relief that the day has gone by and then the impending fear of what tomorrow will bring with it!

Neha and her cousin, Niharika.