One Shots (Desi Edition)

8. Thiruvonam

The air in God's own country was filled with the sweet scent of flowers, the vibrant colors of traditional attire, and the joyful melodies of traditional music. The aroma of delicious Kerala delicacies wafted through the air, enticing everyone's taste buds.

y/n stepped into the courtyard, her eyes instantly drawn to the meticulously arranged pookalam, a stunning floral carpet.

"Whoa, did we accidentally stumble into a flower shop?" y/n said.

Ammu, the creative force behind the floral spectacle, chuckled. "Haha, We wanted to make it extra special."

y/n's imagination took flight as she replied, "Well, you've certainly succeeded! I half expect fairies to materialize from thin air any moment now."

Balan, always up for some fun, chimed in, "Oh, Forget fairies.. we've got a special dance planned to summon King Mahabali himself. And you, my friend, are the perfect candidate!"

y/n's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, how lucky I am! My dancing skills must be out of this world!"

"Perfect! We'll capture your mesmerizing performance on video and send it straight to him," Nakshatra, the resident storyteller, joined in.

y/n feigned horror, playing along. "Oh no, not Maaveli ! He'll probably make me dance on Onam for eternity"

Sneha, the ever-supportive cousin, reassured her with a grin. "Don't worry, y/n mole.. We'll vouch for you. We'll tell Maaveli Maaman that your dance is too good for his paathaalam standards."

Laughter filled the air as the cousins continued their playful banter, their voices intertwining with the sounds of their footsteps as they practiced the graceful Kaikottikali dance.

"Balan, I must say, your moves are impeccable," y/n complimented, her eyes shining with admiration.
Balan, modest as ever, replied, "Ah, but y/n, your dancing prowess is unparalleled. You might just steal the show!"

The sound of cheerful chatter filled the house as y/n's family and friends donned their traditional attire.
The men looked dashing in their white mundu with kasavu borders. Some paired it with a shirt or kurta, each with their own unique style. The women looked elegant in their set sarees, while the younger ones donned a blouse and skirt ensemble.

As the sun began to set, y/n and her family gathered around the beautifully laid out Onam feast, known as the Onam Sadhya. The banana leaves were filled with an array of mouthwatering dishes, from fragrant rice to flavorful curries and crispy pappadams. The aroma of coconut, curry leaves, and spices filled the air, making everyone's mouths water in anticipation.

Her father, with a twinkle in his eye, gestured towards the mouthwatering spread of Onam Sadya. "Ennaa Makkale, prepare yourself for a feast of a lifetime!"

y/n's stomach grumbled in anticipation as she replied, "Acha, you've truly outdone yourself. This Sadya looks absolutely divine!"

He chuckled, a hint of pride in his voice. "Well, I did put in some extra effort this year. I even woke up at the crack of dawn to prepare all the classics-avial, olan, thoran, sambar..."

y/n couldn't help but tease, "I hope you didn't forget anything"

Her father playfully rolled his eyes. "Of course not."

Balan's mouth watered at the sight of the enormous buffet. "I'm going to need an extra plate just to fit all these delicious curries!"

y/n's father nodded,"Don't worry, Mone. We're prepared for seconds, thirds, and even fourths!"

As y/n savored the first bite of the delectable Onam Sadya, she couldn't help but exclaim, "Achhaa! Mmm..this is pure culinary bliss! Thank you."

And so, amidst the laughter and joy, y/n and her family continued to savor the flavors of the Sadya, cherishing the moments of togetherness that made the festival so meaningful.

As the day came to a close, they exchanged heartfelt wishes and embraced each other tightly. With memories of laughter, dance, and delicious food, y/n bid farewell to another joyous Onam celebration.