Many days had passed since that event. That day I saw many new faces but there were few familiar faces among them. I don't exactly remember their names yet I can make out when they are near me.

My stomach is filled. I am feeling so happy now.

Suddenly, I saw a few women surrounding me. They were smiling widely and whispering something. One of them pulled my cheeks softly and remarked, "She is so cute! My bujji!"

Huh? Bujji?

Another woman nearly shouted, "She's as radiant as gold. My bangaram!"

Bangaram?

Within a few minutes, I was called as budri, kanna, chinni, chinnari, pinky, cutie pie, cute girl and what not. Then I was taken to another room. It seems today is also a special day. Similar arrangements were made this time. Instead this time I saw a man in white dhoti with a shiny golden border. Similar white cloth was draped around his upper body which covered his shoulders and chest. He was blabbering something under his breath.

I was made to sleep on the lap of the familiar-scented lady. But as usual, I didn't sleep. I lay there looking at everyone. Most of them were women with shiny things around their neck.

Another man sat next to her. I recognized him. He would steal glances to look towards me, making weird faces. I smiled a bit but I was not understanding what was happening around. I needed my answers soon otherwise I had my ways of finding out. Actually, my way because the only way I know to find answers was crying.

The blabbering-under-his-breath man said, "From today this little baby girl will be called Anika. Anika Reddy."

The the familiar-scented lady corrected him, "Panditji, Anika M Reddy."

"That's what I was telling, Anika M Reddy. Now, Anika's parents, decide a nickname for your daughter."

"But Panditji, Anika is already a five lettered name. You want us to keep nickname fo-"

"Madam, this will prove beneficial for your daughter's future. It's your wish."

She looked at honey-bottle-lady who looked equally surprised. Manavendra looked around and declared, "From today, my daughter Anika will be called Anu."

The familiar-scented lady glared at him. Five kids jumped from the crowd that was sitting in front of us and started shouting, "Anika! Anu! Anika! Anu!"

Suddenly the room bursted with chatter and I got more confused. I started crying. She tried to console me but in vain. Exactly that moment, the priest gestured that the ceremony is over. Honey-bottle-lady instructed everyone to proceed towards lunch.

I was taken back to the same room. She tried to breastfeed me but I turned my head away. I am not hungry. I am sleepy.

The door of the room opened and I saw Manavendra entering. Yes, I remembered him by his name. He sat next to us and smiled. I felt a rhythmic tap on my chest as she gently tapped me to sleep. Gently running his long fingers through my hair, he said, "Anika Reddy. My Anu."

"Evandi, I wanted to know one thing. Why Anu? Anika is already a small name. Why didn't you ask me before telling the name? We both decided to keep as Anika but for this you didn't even consider taking my advice."

"That's over, Chaitra. I decided to keep as Anu. Didn't you hear what Panditji said? It will be good for our daughter. Don't you wish for her well being?"

She lifted me and laid on some soft material in the strange blue thing. "What sort of question is this? Which parent wouldn't like their children to be prosperous and happy? I am just saying that these priests introduce any such custom-"

"I don't know that but when they're telling then there might be some good in that. Anyways, you look good in blue saree."

"How come you're complementing? I thought you don't know how to give a compliment."

He sighed. "Fine. You are looking simple like you always look. Now are you happy?"

"Evandi, don't misunderstand m-"

He left the room. I heard her muttering under her breath, "This man will never understand when I am teasing him. Or is it some other reason that made him upset. If I ask him, he won't reply. What should I do?"

The speed of rocking increased, perhaps.

***

Translations:

Bujji, bangaram, budri, kanna, chinni, chinnari: Telugu and Kannada words of endearment for children

Evandi: Telugu term used to address husband