Written By: Renishaki Kamal
One ring. One knock at the door.
My feet scurry down the steps to turn the knob and welcome the faces that have yet to lose their secrecy.
As the door opens, my face lights up as the reflection of those on the other side.
The door swings open and they all feel freed and welcomed in, in to a home that feels like their own.
“Come in, come in. It’s so wonderful to see you” as I lead the way to our living room with floral print sofas and a burnt burgundy coffee table.
My mother would turn to me as my father sits down, joining the guest as he continues to greet them. She gives me the signal. That eye blink, not a wink. It’s time for some chai because it’s always tea time and it’s the way to greet guests to our homes and hearts.
No matter the weather outside, it’s always an essential to sink in the sofas with some milk tea and side dish; oil drenched deliciousness! Chai, milk and sugar adds the sweetest touch to every conversation about others, others outside of our little circles but in the big circle we are apart of.
Who cares about the conversation, if the chai’s good the feelings at farewell will be left with a time noted for the next gathering.
Chai in the morning, chai in the afternoon. After a meal, before a goodnight. Why not?
If you ever come over, do come over, don’t worry about the chai, just bring good conversation!
#tamiltraditions
This post is part of the Tamil Heritage Month Initiative. Tamil Heritage Month began in 2010 and seeks to celebrate Tamil heritage, culture, and history. Throughout this month and January, we will be providing you with educational material and poetry such as this that seeks to help us celebrate and understand our culture, roots and heritage.
Tags: Speak Out, Tamil History/Culture
