21. Food

                                    

                                          
Daniel Reynolds
"Kiara, it's the festival of Holi, day after tomorrow." Mom said as we all started eating.
"I know Ma." Kiara replied. Even though there was a smile on her face, her voice had a sad undertone.
"I'm surprised I forgot. Usually I'm aware of the upcoming festivals beforehand." Mom said.
It's been a week since Kiara and I returned from our honeymoon and we've been closer than ever. She's opening upto me and I love this new side of her.
We are currently at Jack and Savannah's house for a family dinner. We do this thing that every week, we gather for either dinner or brunch and have loads of talk. Jack and I are always busy with work and mom needs to take care of her NGO. We all rarely get together. So Kiara and Savannah proposed a family meeting every week.
Although today, Xavier and his girlfriend, Janet have joined us too.
"What's Holi?" Xavier questioned.
Xavier, Janet and Jack have no clue about the Indian culture. Mom has always taught us about our roots since we were small so we are aware of most of the Indian traditions and rituals. Indian festivals are so lively, colourful and meaningful. Be it Holi, Diwali or any other festival.
"It's the festival of colours. Back in India we used to celebrate it every year." Kiara said.
"We meet each other and play with colours and water. It's basically to celebrate the colours of happiness and joy with your family and friends. You get together and have fun but at the same time wish for success and prosperity for your loved ones." Mom further explained.
"Wow, it sounds like fun." Janet said and Kiara nodded with a big smile.
"So, Kiara, you're flying down to India to celebrate, right?" Jack asked. Kiara shook her head negative.
"Her parents aren't in Delhi. They're at her uncle's house due to a family matter." I replied on her behalf.
"One of my cousins is getting married and my parents and brother have gone to his house for the prior arrangements." Kiara further explained.
"Wait, are we invited to his wedding?" Xavier questioned. 
"Yes, of course." Kiara replied with a small smile.
"Great. I so wanna attend the big fat Indian wedding. I couldn't attend you guys' due to my grandmother's demise." Xavier said.
"I know right. I've enjoyed so much the last time. The functions, the decorations, the food-oh man, Indian food." Jack said the last sentence with a dreamy smile.
"Oh my, God. I so wanna eat some traditional Indian food. I tried making this chicken rice called biryani last time but it wasn't too good." Savannah said.
"I know how to make biryani. You should've called me, I would've made some for you." Kiara said.
"Not to blow my own horn but I make some killer biryani. You could've asked me." Mom said.
"I know ladies that you guys are expert in Indian food but I wanted to make it myself. That's the reason why I was struggling with the recipes on YouTube." Savannah replied.
"I'll teach you." Mom said.
"Me too, please." Janet said and Mom nodded with a smile. 
"Thank you," Janet said.
"Hey, how come you never make Indian food for me? I like Indian food." I asked as I turned towards my right where Kiara was sitting.
"I made you that wrap the other day. It's flavours were Indian-inspired. You loved it." She said.
"Not 'Indian-inspired', I want traditional Indian food. Why don't you make me some?" I said, air quoting 'Indian-inspired'. 
"Well... no reason. You never asked me to, so I don't." She replied.
"Well, now I'm asking you to. Please, make me some traditional Indian food." I said and Kiara nodded with a small smile.
"Look at them fighting like kids." Jack remarked.
"I know. Stop fighting like kids. Make some kids. They'll fight." Xavier said and Kiara coughed at little at his bluntness.
"Xav." I warned him as I passed a glass of water to my wife.
"Talking about kids, we have some news." Savannah said. She held Jack's hand.
"We're expecting. I'm pregnant." She said and all of us got up from our seats to congratulate her.
"That's amazing," I said as I hugged her.
After everyone congratulated the happy couple, we all took our previous seats and the house-help served us some dessert.
"But wait, can we please celebrate Holi, here in Pennsylvania? I won't be able to attend your cousin's wedding. I have to go to Spain for a case there." Janet said. She's a lawyer so she needs to travel a lot.
"Sure." Mom said.
"But I'm still bummed that I won't be able to attend an Indian wedding." Janet said.
"You can have yours there. Xavier would sure love it." I teased and Janet blushed furiously.
"Cut it, Danny boy." Xav said. He's using the ridiculous nickname he gave me in high school.
"Tit for Tat, Xavvy." I said and everyone laughed at the table.
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