I had one of those rare moments of equilibrium on Wednesday afternoon as I floated in the pool at the site of our staycation in Goa. I revelled in the feeling of weightlessness as I closed my eyes and set my body adrift, the upper part of my body basking in sunlight while the rest was submerged in cool water. I could sense the anxiety leaving my body through my skin. What had I to worry about? Our child was lost in his siesta. My partner was guarding his sleep and could simply call out to me if I was needed. The apartments surrounding me were occupied by my family. I let the ease sweep over me. My niece was in the pool with me, and we either chatted or floated soundlessly together. It was pitch-perfect. For the first time since he was born, I was using his nap time not just for leisure but to ‘have fun’.

I have been having so much fun, because finally, the event for which I had been pining, has come to pass. I have been reunited with my family who are all now finally acquainted with the newest member of our little D’Mello clan. I’d felt privileged to have alone time first with my brothers and their family in Dubai, then with my parents in Goa, and then with my sister and my brother-in-law before all of us began to occupy the same space. It’s the first time we’re choosing to stay in a resort instead of at our home. This was our way of ensuring we could have as much fun as possible without getting into housework and chores. There’s a celebratory vibe to everything. Even my mother making chai on the hot plate in the morning. In the evenings, after our child is asleep, I can spend time with everyone and indulge in a single malt.