For children: Agalya has been cast as Rapunzel in the school play, but her excitement is short-lived

“Let your powers shine …” Agalya tossed her hair over her shoulder as she sang. She jumped on to the bed and spreading her arms wide, she continued, “ … make the clock reverse, bring back what was once …”

“Agalya, ennadi pannre?”

She stopped mid-twirl and collapsed in an ungainly heap on the bed.

Her grandmother entered the room and stared at her with an expression that was in between confusion and irritation.

“N … nothing, Paati,” Agalya said, hoping that her grandmother had not spotted her prancing around.

“Why are you lounging on the bed like that?” Paati narrowed her eyes.

Agalya jumped down from the bed. Having to share a room with her grandmother was tough. Paati was very particular about everything, and she was always finding fault with everyone.

Agalya’s eyes fell on the clock. Oh no! She was going to be late for school! She ran to the mirror and began combing her hair, which she had left loose and fl owing down her back in a bid to channel her inner Rapunzel.

Paati followed. “Shall I plait your hair?” she offered.

“NO!” said Agalya and began brushing out the knots.

Paati loved to pour copious amounts of coconut oil on her granddaughter’s head and massage it in before plaiting...

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