abu & rabad

every once in a while, rabad comes up to me, extremely dissatisfied with life, “why didn’t you give me two names, why do i have only one?”

me: of course, you have two…the other one is rabad, see…

rabad (in full form – curled brows, the hint of a tear in left eye, and all): i don’t like rabad…

me: well, i think it is sweet

rabad (letting go of all dignity, wailing away): you never give me what i like…

navin: ok, i have one for you – “bollywood” and abu can be “hollywood”

rabad (instantly reducing the decibel level of the room): huh?

me: don’t like that either? how about “melodrama” for you and “drama” for bhaiyya (older brother)?
(you cannot imagine the sinister, sadistic, and completely satisfied grin on my face)

rabad is puzzled.

me: see, you asked for two we gave you four!

aren’t we the bestest parents ever?