Barbie, Bungalows and Bribery

Dadu was my get-out-of-jail-free card. I could get anything I wanted from him, and I knew it.

But one time, when he was visiting Baroda for a few weeks, we had a disagreement. I was upset with him—classic childish behavior. To pacify me, he took me to my favorite store.

I was obsessed with Barbies, and at the store, I picked out this cute bungalow for them. But right next to it was this glorious three-story apartment, which of course caught my eye.

Because I showed excitement, he didn’t just get me the bungalow—he got the apartment too.

Dadu with Baby Chinu

My parents were… less than thrilled. Especially with the space it took up. But that was Dadu. He would do anything to make me happy. That kind of unconditional love—only a grandparent gives you that.

-Chinu