Paapu, the Tapori

Meet the new Tapori in the block.

She is fearless. Once the doors are open, she can walk away into the unknown lands without as much a glance back. Her focus remains set on walking right ahead undistributed – except, of course, if there is a chance spotting of a ‘birdie!’, ‘bow bow!’ or ‘baloooo!’ (balloon).

She is aggressive. Nobody, not even an elder boy can mess with her and get away with it. If her toy is snatched, she will pounce , grab by the collar and snatch it right back – then run away at the speed of light.

She is shameless. Fruits are her weakness and nothing can come in between her favorite food when she wants them. If a mother in the park is feeding her lad and she happens to be hungry, she will walk right in between the mom and her lad and open her mouth for a spoonful – never mind if Amma’s cheeks go red with embarrassment.

She can fire up the stage. With her speeches – loud and expressive. Especially if the ‘stage’ is a tall chair or the table top – doesn’t matter if the audience at home are clueless about her language and the ‘hidden meanings’ behind those fierce sounding words.

She is the master of herself. No demands, requests or even begging will work unless she  wills to do something herself. A kiss will remain out of stock when demanded, but flow freely when she is up for it – they are spontaneous and most abundant at most unexpected times.

She knows to pull the strings. When needed. Politically correct names like ‘Appa’ and ‘Amma’ will be used at first, but when the going gets tough, she can switch to their nicknames without a second thought. As long as it gets her things done, all is gold.

She is a busy body. Especially with the phone. There is so much business to finish and deals to be closed. She starts off with a cheery ‘elloooooo?’ but then goes on with serious discussions switching phone from one hand to another. It does not matter that there is none on the other end of the phone anyway. There are a dozen expressions on the face in less than a minute – now, that must tell a lot.

She is a performer. When it comes to dancing. Bollywood, Rock, Carnatic or Jazz – anything can make her shake the booty. Heck, she starts jiggling even if someone utters the word ‘dance’ – never mind if there is no music whatsoever.

She is an inventor. Of words .The ones that has been coined and caught up famously in the household are ‘ChappalAppa’ and ‘Chappalamma’. They connect two of her favorite things – Chappals and Appa-Amma. What context to use them, you ask? Use them just like that – when you are walking around the house doing nothing. What else?

She is a soother. Humming songs comes naturally and carried out with much enthusiasm right during the bedtime. The humming goes on until the eyelids close in heavily and sleep takes over. Stroking Amma’s hair is also carried out as an accompaniment to the humming , without fail.

She is the new Tapori in the block. Give way please. And respect.

😛