Maya settled her weary body on the bed for her siesta. The heat outside was unbearable, summers in Delhi  are very severe.  Just as she felt her eyelids drooping she heard a resounding thud followed by a shattering of glass. "Damn  those kids. Why can't they stay quiet atleast in the afternoon!! Playing cricket inside the compound and breaking windows. No shanti(peace)  in this Shanti Kunj Apartments. Wonder when the summer holidays will be over. " she grumbled getting up to check the damage.

Outside,  the kids playing ran for cover before they could get caught. They hustled behind a huge tree in the far corner and began discussing about who would get the ball back.  Raju, whom the ball belonged to said

"My parents definitely won't buy me a new ball. I have already lost three"

" I went to fetch the ball from Rao Uncle’s balcony and got a good scolding" added Bunty.

" I am scared  of the cranky granny" whined Arya.

Finally after much arguments it was decided to send Chotu to Maya's house to bring back the ball. Chotu was the youngest among the kids and had moved in quite recently and wasn't aware about what a grumpy old woman Maya was.

Maya was in her late sixties and lived all alone having lost her husband few years back.  Their only son lived abroad with his wife and little son.  He visited  her once in two years for a short period.  Maya was bereft of company and longed to have conversation with someone.  Most of her neighbors were working couples who hardly found time to exchange pleasantries in their busy life.  Being used to living alone in a silent house, Maya hated any kind of noise or din especially the one created by the boisterous kids. She snapped at them all the time and was known as the cranky granny. 

Chotu ran up the stairs and rang the bell to Maya's house. Maya walked towards the door ready to give a good dressing down to the naughty child.  She opened the door to see a little boy, probably the same age as her grandson, looking at her with his wide, innocent eyes. Before she could tell anything, he blurted

"You look just like my granny. I miss her so much. Can I hug you?"

And without waiting for her to answer, he ran and hugged her tight with his little arms around her waist. A hug is always the right size.

Maya was taken aback by this unexpected show of affection and felt her steely resolve melting. She tousled his hair and hugged him back.  Then she led him in and returned his ball along with a pack of cookies, aptly named Melting Moments.