A few weeks back, we heard of a separation of a couple we know, parents of one of Akank's friends from her kindergarten days. We were shocked and decided not to tell Akank about it. Its not like Akank has not heard of divorce or we protect her from the ways of the adult world but we decided not to anyway. Last week I had a telephone conversation with the mom and she mentioned that her children were coping well with the changed status. The lady in question also mentioned that her older child showed 'fatherly' affection to his younger sibling.

I gave an update of the news to Akank, who was keen to find who I was talking to. Having felt guilty about not letting Akank know, I casually mentioned that her friend's parents were not together anymore. When Akank heard the news, she said that she "kinda guessed that something was not right". That took me by surprise and when I asked her on what basis she judged that, she mentioned that she knew it when I told her about the older siblings fatherly affection towards the younger sibling! I told her that she would understand why adults have issues with relationships when she is a little older.

Yesterday when we bumped into a neighbour, a lonely old gentleman who lives with his wife, we stopped for a little chat in the foyer of the apartment.. He mentioned that he was a ' forced bachelor ' for the next few weeks since his wife was away. Akank excused herself and went home while I stayed on to talk. When I got home, Akank asked me this - " Are they ( my neighbour's) separated?" I had to stop laughing before I told her that it was not the way she thought it was and that the lady will return from her break soon!

On another note Akank also needed assurance from me if we ( her dad and I) were in it together for real and that we weren't contemplating any such horrific 'd ' words ever?:-)

Rest assured, Akank.