Muthu tried to shield his eyes fromthe bright lighting that lit up the latest mall in Salem. His sistershad coaxed their father to take them to the mall. Muthu had tagged along, acting rather reluctant. Truth was, Muthu was very excited.
Muthu's mother grandly announced to his grandmother that they were going to the mall, pronouncing it as ‘maal'. Muthu corrected her- "mall (likein mawl) and not maal. Iwent to one in Mumbai, you remember?"
They were quiet whenthey saw their father approach and controlled their laughter when hebeamed and asked, "Allof you ready to go to the maal?"
They took a large van and it was one of those rare times when Muthu's father did not have todrive. The music and themovement just lulledMuthu to sleep.
Muthu was a bitgroggy* when they reached the mall. He asked that they get refreshments fi rst. They went to the food court and were mesmerised by the choice available. Muthu had french fries and a burger. And a milk shake as well."
I wonder why they are called French fries? Did they originate in France? I think they are called chips in England- they say fish and chips right in many of the books we read?" said Muthu.
"But chips are wafers aren't they? " asked his sister.
"In India, not in England," he replied.
"Well anyway, french fries or chips or fried potatoes- eat them first before they get cold and become limp fries," said their mother, ever the voice of reason.
Once they had eaten, they went windows hopping first. Their father had given the meach a hundred rupee note to do as they chose and the rest of the shopping was entrusted to Muthu's mother- clothes or books or cosmetics, she had to approve.
