"Da" se " Dumroo"

Once upon a time there was a village

In the village were many green fields.

In the middle of one green field was a small white school. 

In the small white school was a playground.

In the playground were many small children.

And the small children were sitting inside a circle.

" Shall we play a game?" I asked the children.

" Yes. Yes." Said the children.

And the circle moved closer.

"Shall we play a fun game?" I asked the children.

And the circle moved even closer.

" Shall we play a very fun game?"

"Yes.Yes.Yes. Yes!" said the children.

And the circle moved so close that the children were almost all on my lap.

So we played a game.

" I will tell you a letter. In turn, you will give me words."

" I say ka"

" You will say??"

They thought and came up with with answers one by one.

"Ka se...kaka!"

" Ka se kakdi!"

"Ka se kamba!"

Everyone said in unison.
Their words tumbled on top of one another.

Only Mimi was quiet. She said nothing.
"Come on Mimi," I said. " Come play with us"
I looked at her again and I said " Ka se?"
Mimi looked at me.
And she said," Dumroo."
"No No," said the other children. " You have to say Ka se!"
Mimi did not budge.
Okay, we decided and moved to another letter.

I said, " La"
Children said 'La se Lassi', 'La se Lamba', 'La se Lathi',' La se Lal!'
I looked at Mimi and I said," La se?"
" And Mimi said " Dumroo"

I said Pa
Children shouted : 'Pa se Papita', 'Pa se Papa', 'Pa se Pani.'
Everyone looked at Mimi and said, "Pa se?"
Mimi looked at everyone and everyone held their breath.
Mimi looked at everyone.
And Mimi said,"Dumroo."

Now it was very good fun.
Everyone knew my game.
Everyone knew Mimi's game.
Okay fine, I said.
"Da se?"

Everyone looked at Mimi and shouted, 
" Da se Dumroo"*
And Mimi gave me a big, big smile.

And Mimi said," Da se Daflee!"*

Explanation of Words 

Dumroo- an Indian drum, typically made of wood with leather drum heads at both ends.

Daflee- Tambourine

Ka

Kaka= Uncle

Kakdi= Cucumber

 Kambal= Blanket

La

Lassi= yogurt drink

Lamba= Tall or strong

Lal= Red

Lathi= stick

Pa

Papita= Papaya

Papa=Father

Pani= Water

* Note: This is a real life story (almost!) that happened to Dr. Rukmini Banerji. 

Photos : Dana Schmidt