Make way!!! New-Age Nani is here

"Oh!!! you like this video! let me save this offline, for you!!! Says the Nani of my two year old.

I had a pre-conceived notion that taking my toddler to nani will bring a change in her habits. Instead of videos, she will play with nani, she will learn some bhajans along with rhymes and what nots. All this vanished when i witnessed the new-age nani. My toddler loved the way nani made her play games on the tab and nanu fulfilled her every wish. Move over the old age nanis who used to make aamras and pickles for you. This new-age nani says, "Let's have a fanta float" or a slice of pizza at the new outlet!

I faintly remember our summer holiday trips to Nani's place. Firstly, our nani stayed far away. This 'far away' seemed way too far away as our mommies towed us in railways rather than flights, the mode we prefer for our kids these days. The journey to our nani's place itself was fun. When we reached there, the joy of hugging nani after a long journey and after a long time cannot be described here in words. She used to wait with bated breaths for us. The first line always used to be, "Kitni badi ho gayi hai" And for us our nani seemed a little old every time. There were no whatsapps, video calls or anything for nani to see us growing. Every summer, we grew up a little for her. With so many cousins, it was always a huge get-together and so much fun. We had to share our toys and play together. We learnt to eat all kinds of veggies and fruits as that's what nani had prepared for everyone. (And my mother prepares what my toddler likes, so that there is no fuss)

Visits to the temples, giving grains to birds and reading holy books was a natural thing at Nani's place. These days, there is a huge shopping list and visit to the malls during holidays. I am still pampered by my nani. But, both of us are more materialistic now. Because, this is the way we have learnt to measure love. In spite of so many changes, some things have not changed like 'pampering' 'binging on food' and 'lots of love'. The method of pampering has changed, though.

However, one thing that i love in new-age nanis is that they are open to change. While they love flaunting their iPads to their grandkids, they even take them to temples. Their is a fine balance they have embraced and no-one's complaining.

But, even now, i yearn to take my toddler to the good old summer holidays - when there was no screen-time, just face-to-face time playing dark room, hide-n-seek and so many games. Talking of games, we used to play so many of them... Wait, that will be a new topic altogether...some other day. For now, let me surprise my nani, not with gifts, but a visit with my little one. She will be more than just happy!!