“Maya, Its 3am come to sleep.”
“Margaret, My project isn’t complete yet. How can I submit it at the conference tomorrow at office?”
“Maya chill, mine is also not complete.”
“Margaret, why don’t you complete it?”
“Conference has been postponed three weeks later because of DIWALI.”
“Diwali holiday in America? Why?”
“First of all what is Diwali?”
“Margaret, it’s a festival.”
“Tell me more Maya.”
“Later.”
“Maya please.”
Just then Maya’s mobile started ringing.
“Maya let me talk.”
“Ok Meg.”
“Hello.” Said Meg
“Hi. Where is Maya?”
“Tell me what do want to tell.”
“Tell Maya to come to India for Diwali. This is Archana’s first Diwali after marriage. Her mother also wants to see her.”
“O.k. I will tell”
“Maya” she said.”
“Meg I know she had called me in the afternoon.”
“I will go to India tonight
“No, we would”
“Meg you cannot go to India.”
“Why Maya?”
“You won’t be able to manage. But I know won’t leave me. I have booked your ticket too.”
“Thanks, So sweet.”
That night they boarded the plane.
“Maya what is Diwali?”
“Meg, Later.”
“Where do you live? Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi......................”
“Sarovar pur.”
“Where is sarovar pur?”
“Patna”
“Oh”
They landed at Patna and took a train to Gaya and then a bus to alameda and then ultimately a minicab to sarovar pur.
Every one welcomed them.
Maya said “Meg this is Sonia. She is my sister.”
“Sonia can you tell me about Diwali.”
“Yes meg.”
“Start then”
“First come to my room. Have a seat. Drink something. Take a bath then.”
“Ok.”
After all those formalities Meg sat on the bed.
Sonia began. “Diwali is celebrated usually in November on a new moon day. According to a legend on this day lord Rama, Goddess Sita and Lord Lakhshman came back to Ajodhya after their 14 years exile. The people of Ajodhya decorated everything with millions of candles and clay lamps. They also burnt firecrackers to welcome them. We also repeat this process every year to welcome them. On this day we prepare Rangoli. We decorate our houses and eat sweets. Diwali also marks victory of good over evil. On Diwali new business year begins. It is believed that the people of Ajodhya lighted so many lights and firecrackers that the night seemed almost like a day with so much brightness. That is why Diwali is called ‘FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS’. On Diwali we worship lord ganesh and goddess laxmi. Diwali is a great Indian festival. Meg you are so lucky that you could see this great festival.”
“Sonia. Can I burn firecrackers on Diwali?”
“Surely you can, Meg.”
That Diwali was meg’s best day of her life. She loved Diwali very much. Maya and Sonia made that day unforgettable. From then on Meg celebrated every Diwali of her life with Maya and Sonia.
