Siyona's story

It is bright outside with color. The air is filled with laughter and voices as I walk out. I take a moment to soak in the sound of my family and friends in all their bright clothes and the smell of the fireworks and sweets. It all fills the air as does the rough voice of my grandpa. “राम ने अभी-अभी रावण को हराया था . . . (Rama had just defeated Ravana. . .)

” Daada is telling the ancient tale to all the kids. All of us are in new bright clothes. The baby cousins are in a chudidar with a dupatta. Ma is cooking a delicious dinner with her sisters and friends all around her. They are talking about the latest news of their lives. Pa is over by the shed playing pachisi with his friends. I can hear them laughing while they talk and drink masala chai. Daadi is talking to her friends too.

Daada has finished his story now, and I wish to talk to him. That is when I see my friend Sweta coming. I am relieved to see her because I felt so lonely with no one here. As I turn to greet her, I see the kids getting fireworks, especially the chakkars. I see one kid standing so close to the chakkar while trying to light it up. “ Be careful beta!” Aunty pushpa says swooping up the child. “Hey Meena! Happy Diwali” Swetha says as she comes up to me. “Hey sweta! Happy diwali to you too. Where is Aunty Rani and Uncle Kiran?” I ask, since they always attend this festival at my house. “Oh, they couldn't come, they had to go to my Nana's house to help him, '' Meena replies sadly.

I am sad too, but I put on a smile and tell Meena to do the same because we shouldn't be sad today. As we start walking to the house, Dada calls. “ मीना, बच्ची तुम यहाँ हो! आपके माता पिता कहाँ है? (Meena, girl child you are here! Where are your parents?)" he asks her. She looks at me and I give her a nod. She and Dada have been friends since she was 2 years old. I was 3 when she first came over. She was shy, but when Dada told her stories she would laugh and giggle. Ever since then, Dada treats her like his own granddaughter. She walks over to talk to him. I walk towards the house to see what Ma has cooked.

When I get to the Kitchen, I can smell the mysore pak and Jalebi. “ So, Leela, how is your daughter's marriage planning going?” Ma is talking to Leela, her best friend. “ Great. I need to tell you some…” Her voice trails off as she sees me staring at her. Then she adds “ does your daughter know not to be nosey? Look how she is listening in on our conversation,” I can feel my cheeks burning and as Ma's eyes turn on me as I duck my head. Her voice is soft but,her eyebrows are curved inward as she says, “ Beta, you shouldn't do that. Now, go help Dadi with her flower garland” I look down at my feet and mumble an ok then go off to Dadi's room.

As I go into Dadi's room, I see her making a garland and humming a Rama bhajan that she knows. She doesn't realise I am there until I pick up one of her garlands. “ अच्छी बच्ची, तुम मेरी मदद करने आई हो( Good child, you have come to help me)” Dadi says. “हाँ दादी ( Yes Dadi)” I say as I sit down. I pick up a needle and start pulling the needle through some jasmines. Dadi looks at me approvingly and keeps humming her song.