I have been reading to my son since the day he was born. I remember he would look up at me, eyes-wide only a few days old, listening to the words so intently. He has heard stories from his mother, his father, his nani and aaji, his loving mamas, and extended family too. No matter what the activity or tantrum, all would come to a halt for story time.

I looked forward to showers. Not for all the reasons you'd think, though. It wasn't because I had few moments to myself - finally reclaiming the body that had become so foreign to my eyes. It wasn't because I had a few moments away from the baby, who had become more of a fifth limb than a separate entity. It wasn't even the feeling of cleanliness after stripping off spit-up-stained shirts.