The day begins early in an Indian family, usually around 5:00 or 6:00 am. The elderly members of the family often start their day with a quiet moment of meditation or prayer, while the younger members get ready for school or work. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed tea and the sound of sizzling spices as the family gathers for breakfast.
Meanwhile, the school bus honks. Twice. My nephew is still looking for his belt. My sister is braiding her daughter’s hair while simultaneously Zoom-muting herself on a work call. And my grandmother, from her armchair, announces: “In my time, children woke up before the sun.” No one responds. This is also tradition. bhabhi mms com updated