even though there are six words for love in Tamil.
Instead we say,
சாப்பிட்டாயா
We say, have you eaten?
We say, I’ll make you a plate.
We say, how’s the food.
We say, you look thin.
We say, you’ve gained weight.
We say, how are your studies?
We say, how is Amma?
We say, do you have a boyfriend yet?
We say, சரி
We say, okay.
We slice a plate of fruit.
We double-bag leftovers for you..
We slip 50 dollars in your back pocket.
We drive you to the airport.
We pack you a snack for the plane.
Even though we know it might be years before we see you again.
Even though we know we will never see you again
we don’t say goodbye.
We say
போயிட்டா வாங்கோ
We say come back soon.
We say
போயிட்டா வர்றேன்
We say, I’ll come back soon.