It was vacation time. My friend and I had decided to go out shopping for the better part of the day. Her 2-year old little girl was convinced that it was too hot outside for her to accompany us. She reluctantly let go of her mother's hand and agreed to play with her dad. My friend's husband Vikas, is usually travelling and has not been much of a hands-on dad at all. Since he had the day off, he volunteered to entertain his little doll, Gudiya. Leaving the indulgent father and playful daughter together, we set off.
Gudiya soon tired of the various games her dad played with her.Dad was not as much fun as mom she reckoned! Out of sheer boredom, she brought her little box of fancy hair clips and proceeded to fix the little teddies, Hello Kitty clips all over her dad's hair. He was so engrossed watching the cricket match, he barely realized what his daughter was up to. After about ten minutes, she had finished decorating her dad's hair with all kinds of clips and bows of vivid colours! She asked her dad to walk up to the mirror to admire her handiwork! He was most upset that a crucial wicket had been lost and was awaiting an action replay. So Vikas just vaguely nodded his head at his little one and continued staring at the idiot box. Little Gudiya realized her dad was in no mood to indulge her, so she retired to her room with her favourite teddy bear. The relieved dad continued watching the match.
An hour later, the door bell rang. Wondering if the ladies had returned earlier than anticipated, Vikas went to answer the door. On opening it, he found surprise guests at his door. His cousin had come with her husband to visit them. He was slightly taken aback as they were great snobs and generally did not drop by when they came on their annual holiday from the U.S. Vikas welcomed them warmly, but they kept looking at him and at each other barely able to conceal their sniggers! He wondered why. After offering them some drinks, he settled down for a chat. He found a look of puzzlement on both faces as well as a lot of amusement. He wondered what was so funny about his appearance that they gave him those looks. He was mighty relieved when the door bell rang. His wife and I had returned. The minute his wife saw him, she burst out laughing! I could not stop laughing either. The cousin and his wife also joined in. My friend's husband was annoyed and did not understand what we were all amused about. When we had finally stopped, he asked for an explanation. His wife quietly took him to the dressing table mirror and it was his turn to laugh out loud! He realized what a funny sight he presented, with all those ridiculous clips and bows stuck all over his head! He then remembered Gudiya asking him to step up to the mirror to admire her piece of artistry! The visiting cousins were relieved that their worst fears of their cousin having gone bonkers were unfounded! Over tea and snacks they laughed over and over again at the dolled-up daddy!!
