Friday saw me work from home, take a break to get gifts for my mom and bro, enjoy a conversation with an African born Indian that set me thinking and rush to my brother’s home to enjoy the yummy food Amma made. As I struggled to balance work and family, I remember feeling incredibly blessed to be able to have both.

The weekend was a non stop riot with my darling niece with both us sisters fighting for her attention. We read out loud to her, played peekaboo, throw and catch and catch me if you can. For the two days I was with her, I felt young and carefree. I laughed out loud, smiled more than I usually do. Driving back home Sunday afternoon, I relived every bit of the joy I experienced holding her, hugging her and kissing her. For the nth time, I thanked God for the pleasures of having family live nearby.

The rest of the afternoon saw me struggle with my paper. With K due to arrive in a few hours, the last thing on my mind was the management policy of Ben and Jerry’s. After I jotted down whatever little I understood of the case, I picked up the phone and called my BFF Akay to unwind. And talk we did. For close to two hours. Loading the dishwasher, cooking, cleaning and picking the stray piece of dirt on the floor, I did a quick scan of the house and felt happy with what I saw. With less than five minutes to leave for the airport, I hung up and raced to get ready. Bro arrived and we set off for the airport with an impending snowstorm and memories of getting stuck in the ice still fresh in my mind.

Back home, watching my bro drive away, K and I lugged his baggage inside and he went to freshen up while I heated the rather simple meal of rice, rasam and kootu. Plate in hand, we caught up on the past five weeks. Two suitcases open, jars of pickle, audio cds, a dvd pack of Malgudi Days, a couple of salwars, a set of bangles from Hyderabad, momentoes from SIL and BIL, a framed portrait of K’s family and plenty of pictures from the trip were set aside to be processed and savored later.

As we called it a day, I slept with a smile knowing I did not have to drive myself to work the next day. Or shovel the driveway or process the mail or put the trash out or feel responsible for anything in the house. I felt happy, child-like and loved. I am happy K is back!

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