"Ask for Bellam Avakaya. Trust me it will be sweet". Gargi was advising Kartikeya, my youngest grandchild.

"But Avakaya is spicy, let us try sugar", whispered Shruti with a fake expression on her face.

"Arre, Bellam Avakaya has jaggery. It is sweet and a little spicy at the same time. It is very very tasty". Gargi was a bit frustrated as Shruti was not letting her influence Kartikeya.

She looked at Kartikeya and said, "You are not my brother if you don't ask for Bellam Avakaya". She turned to the other side with folded hands indicating her stand sternly.

Kartikeya was super confused, he joined the breakfast table late and even before he could realise why, the sisters were making the pickle choices for him.

A moment later, he pleadingly looked at Gargi and said "ok". Gargi swiftly turned to him with an ear-to-ear smile and shouted loudly "Grandma! Karthikeya is asking for Bellam Avakaya! That is his final choice it seems".

Now a little backdrop - Gargi and Shruti went into an argument on what to eat with Upma. Gargi wanted Bellam Avakaya while Shruti wanted just sugar. I intervened and asked them to wait till Karthikeya joins and then whatever he chooses would be final. They had to agree.

Now I know who is a better lobbyist among my grandchildren!