I sat outside, reading while basking in the sun,
My Sunday turned out to be very much occupied with serving guests. They had been planning to visit us for the past one and a half months and were finally able to spare some time this Sunday. My brother got married recently, and my sister-in-law had not yet been visited by her relatives. This was only the second time since my brother’s marriage back in May 2025 that my sister-in-law’s brother, along with his family, visited us.
It was a well-awaited visit. They had planned to come last month as well, but unfortunately they lost their grandmother a day before the scheduled visit, due to which they could not make it. For this arrival, arrangements had been going on for the past few days. Not only I, but my brother and my sister-in-law were also fully involved in preparing everything.
some typical Kashmiri cookies,
It was a day full of work, and for that reason I had to get up very early in the morning. However, because of the cold and the sharp dip in temperature due to the winter season, life has become quite tough. It is difficult to stay outside for long, and even after waking up early, we cannot go out immediately. We usually have to wait until the sun rises and spreads some light and warmth, which then allows us to step out and begin our work.
Today was no different. After having breakfast at around 9:30 AM, I went outside and sat in the sun for some time to soak in the warmth. Meanwhile, my sister-in-law set up all the necessary items that were to be served, and my responsibility was to serve the guests with whatever had been prepared.
famous coconut cookies for guests
The guests arrived at around 11:30 AM, and from that point onwards, the actual work began. First, I had to serve them some edibles, which is a custom here. We usually place dry fruits along with some beverages in front of the guests as a gesture of welcome. After that, we served the traditional Kashmiri kehwa, a spiced tea that is quite tasty and loved by almost everyone. Apart from its taste, it also has health benefits, which makes it a favourite among many.
me with the kid
After the kehwa, I waited for lunchtime, as it was again my responsibility to serve the guests. For that, I had to carry a lot of plates, bowls, cutlery, and other items from the kitchen to the dining room. Unfortunately, there was a power cut due to some unknown reasons. It was then time to use the gas heater, which is quite bulky. Fortunately, there was a reserve gas cylinder in the store, otherwise we would have had to rely on electricity, which was unavailable.
Gas heaters and cylinders always come with a sense of apprehension. I am always cautious about using them in closed spaces. Although the area was not completely closed and there was enough movement in and out, I still prefer to remain careful and not take such things lightly.
The guests stayed with us for the entire day until evening, and it was an exciting time for all of us. Not only because of their presence, but also because of their little son, who is just one and a half years old. He is quite naughty, very clever, and has a strong affection for cars. He always holds car keys in his hand and, despite not being able to speak properly yet, he knows exactly which key belongs to his father and which belongs to others. He kept a close watch on his father’s car, not letting anyone touch it or even think of driving it away. He stood near the door, keeping an eye on the car to make sure no one left with it. Watching him was quite entertaining for all of us.
At such a young age, his mother has inculcated some good habits in him, and those habits were clearly reflected through his small actions. We were all impressed. I took a few photographs with him, and it was truly an enjoyable time. It also reminded me of a broader life lesson—that if good qualities are instilled in a child from an early age, they surely reflect in their behaviour as they grow.
They left at around 5 PM in the evening, and it was an emotional departure. My sister-in-law became emotional, as she is newly married and still shares a strong bond with her maternal home and family. After all, it is usually the women who have to bear this emotional burden. A girl spends 20 or 30 years in her parental home and then moves to a completely new place, where everything initially feels unfamiliar.
keep playing with the toys and enjoying them
However, for our sister-in-law, things are different. She is more like our own sister. My mother treats her like her own daughter and makes her feel completely at home in her in-laws’ house. That is what makes us happy and brings peace and excitement into our lives.