Eidi 

The summer morning unfolded in a tapestry of warmth and light, with the gentle breeze carrying whispers of anticipation. It was a lovely Friday, marked by the chime of the bell that signaled their arrival. "They're here," my dad announced, prompting my mum to rush to the front door with eager anticipation.

From the corner of my room, I watched as tiny tots adorned in colors gathered on our doorstep, their eyes sparkling with excitement and joy that seemed to radiate from their every pore. Children, adorned in their finest attire filled with boundless energy, their laughter echoing as they asked for their eidi. I couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, envious of their enthusiam. 

As the door closed behind them, I was filled with questions, seeking understanding in the midst of my confusion. My parents patiently answered each one, and together we set out to celebrate the festival by visiting the grand mosque, I was in awe as I beheld my name elegantly written in Arabic the lovely henna stain on my hand and with plates of delicious sweets and cups of fragrant tea laid out before me, I couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and contentment wash over me. Amidst the warmth of the gathering, I found myself wishing "Eid Mubarak" to those around me, even then, my longing for eidi lingered, a desire that was met with laughter and loving indulgence from my parents.

Years have passed since those cherished moments, and well, life has led me down new paths and to new places. Yet, amidst the changes, the memory of those childhood Eid celebrations remains etched in my heart. I miss the innocence of those days or to be honest my childhood. But despite this adulthood messiness of it all, there is this beauty in the realisation knowing you're now contributing in a part of someone's childhood. Each movement, each giggle, seems to carry with it a sense of freedom and innocence that I long to experience once more. But now in their smiles and laughter, I find solace, a reminder of the beauty and resilience of youth.

So last year, as I walked past a group of children celebrating Eid, a lovely girl approached me with her adorable smile and a massive headdress perched precariously atop her tiny head and fully immersed in the spirit of the festival. With all my heart, I placed her eidi in her tiny hands, knowing that someday, like me, she too will feel the joy of giving and receiving in equal measure. "Her eyes sparkled with excitement, and in that moment, I found the happiness I had longed for.

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I know growing up is as exciting as there is pain but I await these moments, these little slips of joy that bring you the same expression and feel as the end scene of the "Pursuit of Happiness" and Will Smith in tears.  Yeah I might be exagerating but neverthless you know what I mean. So without further ado wishing you a very joyous Eid Mubarak in advance and take care until the next article

- Monisha Anil Vyas