Changing faces:

Mom and I:
When I was a little girl, I would stand by the mirror with my mouth wide open and watch mom apply lipstick and skillfully do up her face. She would wipe her face clean, dab some compact, apply some lipstick and was ready to go. To me, she was the most beautiful woman. Just like every little girl, I too would pull down her sarees, scarfs, and shoes. I would haphazardly drape the saree and then apply some of her lipstick and dab a puff full of powder on my face. Did I look pretty? Ask me no questions and I will tell no lies. Someone could easily sign off their name on the layers of powder that I dabbed on my face. I stood hours admiring myself in front of the mirror. The scene was no different when I grew into my teens, but this time around, mom was no longer my role model. She was growing old and our tastes often clashed. She would say 'white' and I would say 'black'. She would say 'yes' to lace and I would say 'no'. We had nothing in common. While in school, I remember someone complimenting my mom and calling her my elder sister. I was hopping mad at my mom. That was an age when I wanted no comparison at all. I always asked mom never to patronize me.


Daughter and I:
I was dressing up for a party and applying some lipstick. Eri was standing beside me watching my reflection in the mirror with her mouth wide open. After dabbing some lipstick, I pursed my lips to make sure it spread well. Just then the telephone rang and I went out of the room to attend it. When I returned, I couldn't believe my eyes, Eri was imitating me. All kids do. She applied some lipstick all over her face and pursed her lips. She then took my scarf and put in around her and gave herself an approving look. Did she look pretty? Ask me no questions, and I will tell no lies. It hit me hard, I surely was her role model and don't know for how long I will be. But I know, some day, she might just turn around and say 'Ma, I'm old enough, don't patronize me'.

GULP! I'll soon be eating my own words.