Undo

“Undo*?”

My Amma’s voice floats through the phone as she calls to check in during a mid-afternoon slump.

“Undu.” I can hear the bustle of the office behind her as I reply, “Mmm,” Yes.

My Achan’s low rumble. On the screen I watch as his hand wipes away the sweat that runs down his face, “Undo?”

“Mmm….” I can see the morning sun begin its ascent behind him as I ask back,” Kazhicho**?”

The question, no more than a word, rolls easily off our tongues. So simple, a word, yet a whole sentence. It holds all the affection a word can, tiny, yet mighty.

*Undo: Have you eaten? Usually with the implication of rice

**Kazhicho: Have you eaten? No specific foods implied.