Traffic remains scarce still. Yes cars and automobiles and several hundreds of motorcycles, but in general a semi busy sort of environ. The presence of the much debated westerner is revealed only at the beaches, or the odd couple bare chested because of the heat, riding out to get a meal on the motorcycle, grocery, bank .. or for just … a ride !!

But by and large its time spent with Abhishek. He shoots nights so is free to mingle till he is asked to report. He will work all night and finish by 6 or 7 in the morning. His sister has just got him his delayed birthday gift … yes … the much talked of and recently hogging much of the lime light - the iPAD !!

In keeping with what we wrote and observed last night about the distractions of this generation, he has spent the entire day sorting out this rather sleek looking gadget and I dare say it is indeed a marvelous piece of equipment. Have pestered the daughter to get me my birthday gift in advance and present me one as well !!!

It is always a joy to find time for your progeny and spend it discussing so many things of the world with wisdom and understanding. We tend to ignore this most vital aspect of parenting as we see our children grow up in front of us. Time and dedicated attention avoiding us. But getting even those few stray moments of ‘quality time’ with them can become the most satisfying experiment of our lives. Many of us shy away from this responsibility. Sometimes through lack of interest, but most of the times of a strange fear. What if what I may teach is substandard or incorrect ? What if their own perception of life has not even the slightest space, for our argument and thinking, and worse, what if their thinking and the practice of it, is far superior to ours !!!?? What then ..?

We are elders by age and experience. But they can be elders too, by their own access to information and deed. Their superiority in various fields can stunt our attempts in trying to restore some kind of cultural order and belief. But most of the time, parents, satisfied with the knowledge that they are inferior to their children in academics, keep away from them. Not because the children know more, but because at times the ignominy within us compared to them, pervades, and we find ourselves being taught rather than be teaching.

Some parents do not contend with this. Some children do not either. But in this unfortunate confusion that gives rise to suspicion and inconsistency, the plot is lost. Our plot is the most sacred on this earth and if we were to merely exercise it with out any misgivings, we would turn out to be either excellent children, or excellent parents. Both to me are welcome …

Deccan Chargers beat Royal Bangalore in a most dramatic match this evening. And now the entire league has been thrown open to almost 8 teams to contend with each other as to who will play the semi finals and then of course the finals.

For the moment though I shall rather be in the category of the ‘good children’ and say after brushing my teeth and cleaning up before getting into bed - good night dearest ones !!

Love for you and you and you …

Amitabh Bachchan