In a world of men

An elderly family friend with two sons was disappointed by a succession of four grandsons. She worried about who to leave her fabulous jewellery to. We made a pact that if I had a daughter, some of it would come my way. "Kaliyugathila Kai Mela Palan" my mother used to say (in kaliyug you get your desert in this life itself). One boy followed by another; I bid a mental goodbye to my share of the exotic collection.

For years, my firm belief has been that the birth of every girl is a gift to humanity, and every man will improve his life so long as he takes time to observe the women around him. God is laughing right up her sleeve I'm sure. For all I do these days is observe the three men in my life.

My little ones have a great fascination in watching what seems to me mundane activities such as changing a battery, repairing a toy or going to a car service station - and of course playing cricket. Some inbuilt mechanism begins to tick during each of these activities.

At garments stores all of them shop on one floor while a completely clueless me tries to "help" select from the mass of male attire. What can you do in a male section beyond shorts or t-shirts, trousers or shirts. Ah yes, sometimes you can wear a shirt over a t-shirt.

I can't help looking towards the girls section - at the pinks and the frills and bows and accessories - and the rows of varied clothing.

Sometimes, we are shopping for my clothes and then there is a free-for-all as the brightest colors are pulled out by the brats for my benefit. As I am usually outvoted, my wardrobe looks like a landscape in technicolor. My jewellery and cosmetics usually intrigue them. Bangles are most fascinating toys. Nothing more.

However, on the bright side,

• I don't really need to lock up my accessories or have sharing anxieties.
• They do not want to pick up hair bands, clips or other accessories.
• They can get three haircuts (and more) for the price of my one.
• Shopping for them is a speedy affair.
• When it's time to go out, it takes five minutes flat to get them ready.
• Whatever I dress in, I look great to them - no matter how badly co-ordinated.
• I can step out in house clothes, and they will tell me "you look great".
• I am the authority on females in the house.

Ah well, sometimes it is good to have only men around.