Last night we decided to read “Tales from the Vedas and Upnashidas” that was gifted to Avyaan from my brother on our recent trip to India. This book has stories retold by Daaji Kamlesh Patel. The way these stories are formatted, it generates questions for the readers. We read the story of Nachiketa meeting yam. I could not resist but asking Aarohi and Avyaan if they were granted 3 boons what would they pick. First, lets hear what Aarohi said.

• One bag of red Dorritos
• A bottle of water
• Mommy reading stories to me

She picked everything she believes are essentials. I was relieved, I made it to her list somehow Phewww.

Avyaan was waiting for his turn patiently, and his thoughts were very clear for 9:00 pm which is way past his usual bedtime. As a family we let go of clock on Friday and Saturday night if we want to. Now, lets listen to Avyaan’s wish list

• 2 boxes of Kaju Katli
• A new girl friend
• Lighter skin color

Being his Mommy for 6 years, first 2 were totally expected. But he never spoke about skin color. So, I really needed some moments to even process that. Overall he was very casual about his wishes like he wanted it but would not loose his sleep over it. 6 years old typically dont loose their sleep over anything lolll. But you know what I mean . I took a few seconds to collect my thoughts and I asked him casually why do you need a lighter skin color? What he said next was more unexpected than the wish itself. He says and I quote that “all my friends with lighter skin color can do backflip and stand on their head with legs crossed and I cant do any of those”. Its interesting that he linked skin color with the physical ability. I am born and raised in India, where most of the population has been obsessed with lighter skin color since the beginning of time. But if anything in India lighter skin color is associated with beauty. It was already quite late so not the perfect time to start a conversation about skin color with a 6 year old American son of migrant Indian parents. So, I decided to continue with the rest of the story before its too late for bed