Their diet and metabolism is so poor/stupid that the process of natural selection should have wiped them off the face of the earth.
But they found a trick. They made themselves cute.
The same technique is being used by my parents as they wish that I take them under my wing. They are old and need support. I am their only child, and the sole source of solace (hope).
They behave endearingly to soothe my heart, so that I ask them to live with me. Mother and father almost fight for my attention. Maa is almost sad when I show affection towards Papa.
She puffs out her belly, which is already pretty well rounded, assuming I think it makes her cute. She may have got the idea as at times I bury my face into her paunch.
Father hugs me like a fool. When he does so, he feels like a destitute who has not eaten for days, and suddenly finds a pizza. He is a simple man, who can’t hide his fondness of me. Living with me has given both of them added engagement and support.
When I was a kid I always thought parents’ love, care and attention was all unconditional. They didn’t expect anything in return. They just liked doing these things.
But it isn’t so. At the least they expect you to take care of them in their old age. Any other benefit would be extra.
Probably in a year or two I will be faced with a decision to keep them with me or let them stay in Patna. I would just be delaying the responsibilities if I stalled their moving in. Of course I could fabricate reasons for deferring the same.
I’ll probably decide to stay with them, for they will help me track my food, medicine, and exercise schedules, as I need to live a specific lifestyle to protect my health. It would not be a decision taken for their welfare.
If it was not evident yet, I declare that I am a selfish person at my core.
Maa especially places a premium on staying with or around me. She lures me with money and things, food and tea. Anything she can do to keep me interested, she does.
So if she has to become cute, she will.
Comments