I mean, we are a hilarious bunch. The other day, a newspaper heading showed some Italian diplomat greeting his Indian counterpart with a kiss on her hand. The expression on the lady diplomat’s face was so quaint; it seemed almost incongruous to see her try so hard to appear European. I would have expected her to greet with the sterile “Namaste” but, we digress...

So, here we were at the dining table, the newspaper having arrived on time and I showed it to Puja and Arti. What happened next was quite out of the world: I was on my feet, Puja as well and we broke into endless “Mademoiselle’s”.... Puja and I, Arti and I, Anju and Arti, so on. A full complement later, we all rushed off to our schools/office.

[Good tea, hot! hot!!,, Listening to “Irish Birdsongs” by Seamus Byrne]

The more magical moment happened last night as we all hung around the bedroom. Before we could even realize what transpired, we broke into a spontaneous game of “Mademoiselle”! It was so fresh and full of laughter! Touch wood!!

Reaching such higher planes happens in minute pockets of time. One instant later and you have a totally new way of bonding with your loved ones. These are the real blessings, Om!

[Later on the flight read this article about the French discontinuing Mademoiselle - go figure!]