Papa stands on a rickety stool, humming an old, cheerful tune as he carefully hangs strings of fairy lights above the balcony door. Each bulb catches the sunlight, sending little rainbows across the whitewashed walls. Inside, Maa is busy in the kitchen, her sari pallu tucked tight, hands expertly rolling laddoos and shaping namakpare, the air thick with warmth and the aroma of tradition. Aarav, their youngest, darts in and out, clutching a box filled with colorful diyas.
Aarav skips to his mother, his hands smudged with colors as he shows her a diya painted with his own small fingers. Myra, his older sister, kneels beside Maa, helping string marigolds and lay out the thali, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she sneaks a fragrant laddoo from the tray. "Myra, I saw that! You’ll have no room for dinner if you keep stealing sweets," Maa gently scolds, laughter in her voice.
Aarav arranges the diyas with pride, carefully spacing them along the hallway. Papa steps back to admire the lights, wiping sweat from his brow but unable to hide his smile. Myra and Maa place the finished thali at the center table, the silver plates gleaming with sweets, incense, and tiny clay lamps. "Look at our home! It’s shining brighter than ever," Papa announces, his voice full of pride.
The Farkandes stand close, hands touching as Papa strikes a match and lights the first diya. The flame flickers, casting playful shadows on their faces. Myra leans in, her eyes reflecting the light, while Aarav giggles, his excitement barely contained. "This… this is what Diwali is really about," Papa says softly, glancing at each of them.
Maa gathers everyone for a small prayer, their voices blending in gratitude and hope. Aarav nestles into her lap, clutching a half-eaten laddoo, while Myra rests her head on Papa's shoulder. The colors of the rangoli seem to dance in the candlelight, and every corner of the home feels touched by love.
In the hush that follows, Papa sighs contentedly, arms wrapped around his family. The house sparkles not just with diyas and fairy lights, but with the laughter, memories, and small, perfect moments they share. This Diwali, their home truly glows—outside and in.
