Meet the Jha's

It's the night before Diwali and I am so very excited. I get to spend my first Diwali in India. For some reason, no one could focus on work today. I think its all the excitement and the build up to the festival of lights. All we did today was exchange gifts (our own x-mas) and eat tons of sweets. I have a feeling by the time I return, my nickname will be michellin baby :) But the best part of today was that my co-worker and very quickly becoming one of my closest friends, Annu invited me to spend chota Diwali ( small Diwali) with her family. She was kind of down because her daughter would not be able to join her for the festivities but, as luck would have it Khusbhoo (her daughter) was able to surprise mommy dearest at the last minute.

So, we were off to rohini sector to celebrate and have some fun. I fell in love with Annu's family instantly. Her husband Arun, is one of the nicest men I have met. He insisted up having us sit down and put our feet up and relax while he bough us cup after cup of hot tea and coffee. They are family full of laughter and all I remember was laughing hysterically for hours on end. Ayush, Annu's ten year old son is so cute and sweet. You know that when grows up there is going to be a line of women chasing after him.



With Annu's Family ( Mom and Niece)

It was about 10 PM and we decided to go check out the local markets (open till 2 am). We browsed till we dropped and everywhere we went Annu introduced me to her community of friends. Ever have freshly squeezed Anar (Pomegranate) Juice? Trust me with a little bit of chaat masala, it's a must have drink in India. We sat in the market admiring all the stalls and meeting Annu's friends. I felt like I was in a Cheer's episode (where everyone know's Annu). She introduced me to her family (sister, mom and her crazy younger brother who was intent on me cooking Biryani for him) and each house we visited, it was more coffee! Did I mention I love coffee? I love the area where Annu lives. It's one of the quieter areas of Delhi and its small and secluded. We didn't get back until midnight. Only then we did the middle eastern thing and ate loads of good home made food. Nothing like okra fry, home made aloo dhum and lots of fresh dahi (yogurt) to end off the night. It seemed like the night of fun and just good old fashioned laughter ended too quickly but, I am glad to have met Annu's family. I didn't feel so homesick after all. Spending the festival with loved ones helped me get through it. Next up, the real Diwali festivities with the Chawla Family. I am so excited! Can't wait to see the fireworks and meet little Keshav ( Amit's 8 month old nephew- adorable little doll of a man)