My daughter is growing her nails nowadays. This is no casual event. In our house, this is an integral process and demands cooperation from all family members.

When we were in school, we were taught to cut our nails on time and that was the definition of being a good boy. I have been following this lesson to the hilt ever since. My nails are always cut and clean. But I guess- the rules have changed now. This is what my daughter makes me believe. She says long nails are an absolute must for girls and all her friends in school have amazing nails.

She was talking about nail art also but I didn’t pay much attention to it. The crux of the matter is that my daughter has decided to grow her nails atleast half an inch long in a span of one month. Our house is on red alert. We are all intimated in very clear terms that anyone who would refuse to cooperate will be labeled a traitor.

My daughter’s nails rest in her lap mostly whole day long. They are washed and massaged with oil twice a day. She refuses to grasp and hold any scratchy or heavy objects lest they bring damage to the precious nails. All nail cutters have been removed from the vicinity of my daughter’s room.

My daughter has made plans to visit a saloon and get her nails painted in red to celebrate the occasion of their growing the desired length. Frankly speaking, I am tired of this nail business. But my daughter is not and that is important.

Her face glows with delight and she waits everyday for her nails to grow. I guess these are all a part of our growing up years. We have our own fetishes. No matter how funny they may sound but they have their own logical reasons.

I also refused to let go my torn jeans much after I had outgrown it. I remember my mom scolding me to throw it away. But I never did that. It is still with me reminding me that nails and jeans are all coming of age necessities.

Let me take your leave now. Please take care. Bye.

The ‘common man’ woke up one morning to the shrieks of his daughter. He ran hurriedly to her room to find out what was the matter. Thankfully they were happy shrieks. The nails had finally reached their desired length. It was the happy day. Life was good.