A book called

This was almost 3 years back when Anki was travelling on her maiden journey

to Singapore. My Sis and Bro-in-law were paranoid because they did not know

how she would handle the food there and whether her health would co-operate

with the weather, water et al.

Needless to say after lot of deliberations, the tickets were booked. Anki was a 4 year

old kid at that time and was barely out of her playschool. She pranced up and down the

staircase near the gate all set with her furry bag with a tiny rabbit plonked on it. She

was all set for her “vacation”. Wanting to irritate her some more, I began throwing

improptu questions at her which she answered with great amount of thought and grace.

“Where are you going Anki?”

“I am going to Singapore!”

“Wow! Quite a nice place. Is this closer to Hyderabad!!”

“God! Pachi, you don’t know anything??”

She slammed her tiny hand on her head.

I was trying hard to control my laughter.

“Why? Its not close to Hyd huh??”

“No Pachi, it's a different country!!”

My girl is irritated now. Let me push my luck a little more.

“I see! Hmmm..Even I want to travel Anki!!”

“You can Pachi! Its very simple!”

“Is it?? Tell me naa!!”

“See it goes like this. All you need is a book called Passport. If you have it, you can

go to any country!!!!”

I laughed aloud and gave her a bearhug. To this date, the tiniest glimpse of passport

tickles my funny bone.