There are times when I vehemently oppose the ganging up of the boys at home. The general inclination being to get away with anything I don’t like by trying to either unite in defence or ridicule the whole purpose behind it. Everything from my penchant to have a clean kitchen or the orderly way in which clothes need to be folded is scorned at, much to my dismay.

It hence gives me immense pleasure when better sense prevails and the more matured one, read A Jr, comes to me to seek some advice if only to reinforce what the less matured one, read A, has taught him. 😀

The other day we went to the market for some grocery shopping. In the mood to teach a thing or two to A Jr, A was asking him to identify all the fruits that a nearby fruit vendor had, while I was busy haggling over some grossly overpriced vegetables.

The smart boy that he is, A Jr identified all of them, except one. Plums. A tried a lot to convince him otherwise, but he just wouldn’t have it. He was adamant that they were small apples. Like a hapless warrior who couldn’t win against a super-strong enemy A gave me a wretched look as soon as I joined them, victorious by the way, and shared his predicament with me.

What happened next was something truly interesting. A Jr asked me, “ Mamma, what is this fruit called?”. I replied, “ Baccha, its called a plum. It’s sweet-sour in taste. You want to try it?” He said he wanted to try it. And while I was being the haggler again, A Jr pompously showed off his new found knowledge to A, “You know Papa, it is called a plum. Mamma told me na, now I know it is!”. *pleased with himself on being smarter than Dad* 🙂 🙂

A Jr agreed with me without any persuasion, but the look on A’s face was unforgettable! It was a precious blend of hurt, disbelief, dejection and embarrassment. He couldn’t come to terms with the fact that, his pal and partner in all crimes committed against me, had so unceremoniously discredited his judgement. 😛

He displayed his offence quite literally by taking back his promise to treat A Jr with chocolates. Undeterred, A Jr highlighted to him the fact that his dear Mamma can also do the needful. The sarcastic smile on my face seemed to be pasted with Fevicol by then and refused to go all evening. 😀 😀