The key chain with bells

This is my  key chain with bells, the one that I keep clipped on my waist. Most Indian women (at least the old fashioned ones) have a key chain like this , clipped on to the sari. It was the ultimate symbol of a bossy and efficient housewife who ran her household like a tight ship.  It was much cherished and passed on like a baton by a mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law, signifying a transfer of power.

My key chain has no such provenance. It was bought with the money my husband gifted me the first Diwali we celebrated as a couple. Nor am I under the illusion that my presence makes my minions quake since I have no minions either!

But my key chain with its tiny, jingly, jangly  bells was a great early warning system for my little girls who used to be up playing in their room while Hubby and I were out for the night. The minute they heard the tinkling sound at the door, they’d quickly jump into bed, pull up the covers and shut their eyes tight while I looked in on them and kissed them good night.

Many of the bells have now fallen off and some of the keys it holds are redundant. I also don’t wear saris that often but still manage to tuck the clip onto the waistband of my trousers or salvar, enjoying its heavy feel, the jingly bells and the illusion of power.

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I’m participating with over 1000 bloggers in the 7th  A to Z Challenge  and will be blogging the whole of April about the ‘ Things around My House’, from A to Z. Today I introduce you to my Key Chain that jingles when I’m around.

Do visit the A to Z Challenge posts on Facebook.