Divali

This Divali was special. I was excited about the day, just like when I was a kid. I even bought new clothes for myself...after years of wearing old clothes on the day and making my mom mad, he he he. Why? Because this will be the last Divali that I will be celebrating with my family. From next year, Divali will be celebrated at my hubby's hometown and I might only be back on the second or third day. So, I was very determined to make it memorable. I was at my place on the eve, helping out with the preparation for the big day. It was nice chatting to my aunt and mom in the kitchen, just like the good old days. I was the one who tasted all the food before they left the kitchen, my aunt always says that I have the best toungue to tell what a dish is lacking. I woke up early the next day and had my hair rubbed vigorously with oil. After a good hot water bath, we had a family prayer and started preparing for breakfast. We were joined by my nieces , and it is very true, children's laughter cheers up even the most desolate hearts. My mom and aunt then went on to prepare for lunch while my brother, my nieces, my cousin sister and her hubby and my beloved cousin brother, all gathered to play fire works (the harmless sparkles only) and later Saidina (the Malay version of Monopoly). That lasted till about 1pm. Lunch was a sumptous feast of chicken, mutton, prawn, fish and vegetables, wonderfully coupled with ghee rice. Soon after lunch, it was time for me to leave my house. We were heading south to my hubby's hometown that same day and we wanted to reach there in time for his family gathering. My heart was heavy, the feeling was similar to saying goodbye to one that you know you will never see again. It will never be the same next year. I eventually left my house amidst the cheerful send offs. I kept glancing back to see my mom and aunt waying and I think I caught a glimpse of sadness there.