NOT THAT MAD

 It’s Saturday morning, and I wake up later than usual—feels so good. Maa serves chai with Parle-G biscuits, the perfect combo. My favorite cartoon is on, but I’m just waiting for 11 o’clock because, at sharp 11, MAD will be on TV. While Maa cleans the house, my brother and I have been strictly warned: "Don’t roam around, and don’t make a mess! "What a peaceful morning it is… The only thing we care about is what to play next.

The clock strikes 11, and my brother and I are glued to the TV, eyes wide with amazement, in awe of the incredible art unfolding on screen. Meanwhile, Maa gives us an ultimatum:"As soon as MAD is over, we’re leaving the house—so be ready!" And just like that, we’re set to leave for Nani’s house, our little paradise—where anything you ask for, you get!

Let me paint you a picture of Nani’s place. She lives in a cramped colony in Mulund, where everyone knows everyone. We reach in the afternoon, and the narrow galis are already alive with kids running around. You won’t spot a single open window—just rows of clothes drying in the sun. The entire day is spent playing all the games—soan sakli, luka chuppi, pakdam pakdai, and more. By nightfall, Maa drags us inside. Exhausted, the moment my head hits the pillow—I’m out.

And suddenly I wake up, there’s a smile on my face. I glance at the clock—10 AM and while I figure out where was I? my phone buzzes with a notification - "Join the Zoom meeting at 11 AM." For a moment, I let myself believe I’m still there, in that past, where Saturdays meant play, MAD, and endless joy. 

Life has moved on from watching MAD to being mad!