Junior Vocab
Meera's Hair Adventure
Meera: "Ow ow ow, Amma, my hair is pulling! I don’t want two plaits today."
Amma: "Sit still, kanna, the bus will come soon. Your hair is dancing everywhere."
Meera: "Let it dance! I’ll just keep it open."
Appa: "Yesterday you said it was too hot on your neck when it was open, remember?"
Meera: "But these tiny knots are like angry ants. The comb is so poky."
Amma: "I put oil, see? Coconut smell, nice and cool. Just a few more strokes."
Meera: "Few more strokes always becomes one hundred strokes."
Appa: "When I was small, Paati used to pull my ears while combing. I had to endure both!"
Meera: "Endure means just suffer and suffer?"
Appa: "Endure means you feel the hurt, but you still keep going till it’s done."
Meera: "Hmm. Will I get anything if I endure this comb-monster?"
Amma: "If you sit without wriggling, I’ll put the jasmine flowers in your plait."
Meera: "The real ones from the balcony plant?"
Amma: "Yes, those. Everyone will smell them before they even see you."
Meera: "Okay… I’ll endure. But the comb has to be gentle, like cat paws."
Amma: "Deal. Gentle cat paws. Lift your chin, brave girl."
Meera: "Ow… okay… I’m enduring, I’m enduring… don’t talk, Appa, you’re making me laugh!"
Appa: "Look at you, already one plait done. The enduring is working."
Meera: "Hey, it didn’t take one hundred strokes. Just… maybe fifty."
Amma: "Last twist… done! Turn around, let me see."
Meera: "The jasmine smells so nice. My head feels like a tiny festival."
Appa: "So was it worth it, this morning’s endure-adventure?"
Meera: "Yes. I endured the poky comb, and now my plaits look like they’re going to a wedding."