Here is a story of little Veer who is 2.5 years old and lives in Kochi, Kerala by the backwaters of the Arabian Sea. Veer lives in a colony that is filled with coconut trees and wonderful neighbours. Veer’s parents, Preetha and Sandeep recently moved back to their hometown after living in the UK for almost 7 years. The entire family has been enjoying their time back in Kochi, especially Veer, who loves the company of his grandparents, riding in the auto and visiting the beach.

Veer has recently picked up a habit, often to the concern of his mother, of imitating just about anyone who comes to their house. Preetha says he picks up any mobile phone, holds it like his father, and marches up and down the veranda of their house, mumbling something to himself. Recently, she caught him coughing just like her father and scratching his head like her mother. The one that drives Preetha crazy is the way he has been calling her, “Pi-ree-dha” just like the help in their house. Telling him not to call her that way has triggered mischievous giggles from Veer and the name has stuck since he refuses to call her any other way.

One day, Preetha noticed Veer holding his big toe and complain of pain. She immediately checked to see if everything was alright and even massaged his toe. To her surprise, Veer had not even flinched while she was examining his toe and was unusually calm for someone who was complaining of severe pain just a few moments ago. She gave him a kiss on the toe and assured him that everything will be okay and asked him to go back to playing. The moment she got up to get back to work, Veer’s mysterious toe pain reappeared and this time, he started limping. This made Preetha worried sick and she decided to put the matter to rest by taking Veer to a paediatrician. Thankfully, Preetha’s neighbour Aruna was a doctor and also a good friend. Veer was also familiar with her since he often went to their house to play with their dog, Tommy.

On explaining to Aruna about the mysterious toe pain, Preetha was surprised to see her laugh. It seemed like Aruna couldn’t control her laughter and almost had tears in her eyes.  Finally, on calming down, she explained that her mother, who lives with her, had hurt her toe earlier that morning and was walking with a limp. Little Veer who had been to their home that morning to play with Tommy had obviously noticed the different walk  and had resorted to imitating her.

Preetha was relieved to learn that there was nothing wrong with Veer’s toe and had a hearty laugh with Aruna. Aruna, then brought out a box and told Veer that she could help by giving him an injection for his pain, just like she had given grandma.  That was the end of Veer’s pain!