Member-only story
Oops-tober
My Childhood Came With Zero Fiters
When I was little, I was known for having absolutely no filter. Whatever thought popped into my head came straight out of my mouth, no matter the place or situation. My mom loves to remind me of the times when this habit of mine left her red-faced, and now, when I think about them, I feel the embarrassment too.
The first story takes me back to our neighbor’s Jamni (a ceremony after a baby’s birth). I was there with my daadi (grandmother) and mamma (mother), behaving well … for about five minutes. Then curiosity took over.
Everyone was crowding around the newborn, showering him with blessings and compliments. I stood on my toes, trying to get a better look at the baby. The moment I finally saw him, I couldn’t hold back my honest little thought. In my loudest, most innocent voice, I said,
“Yeh baby toh kaala hai.”
(This baby is dark-skinned.)
The room went completely silent. My daadi gave me that legendary “one more word and you’re done” stare, while the baby’s mother looked worried. The guests immediately began comforting her, saying how adorable and healthy the baby was.
