how the air stuck to my skin in Mumbai
a bright yellow and orange marigold garland gently placed on my neck
the strange tonic of boiled water, ground turmeric and ginger, black salt, lemon juice, and honey
the sound of monkeys running and jumping on the roof at night
the first blessed taste of chai and biryani
my host sisters sang to welcome me
i wore a long magenta kurta and peacock earrings the first day of school
feasted on guavas sliced and sprinkled with salt and red chili powder
heard a cat purr for the first time
took my first dance class
relearned how to cross the street
relearned what a head nod meant
ran to get on buses
became used to the insistent sound of honking
gleefully met the milkman
dutifully bought cream rolls in the morning
spent an hour or two with the kids and teachers after school
had regular lunches at the Durga next door,
and took naps in the evening
i loved the smell of homemade ghee simmering on the stovetop
the metal cups and plates in every home
bun maska dotted with tutti frutti
the enthusiasm with which the kids took selfies
drives through rain-filled streets during the monsoon season
meals eaten sitting on the kitchen floor
When I was angry,
I bought books
When I was lonely,
I went on long walks
And when I was overwhelmed,
I found empty classrooms and danced
Days passed slowly, but weeks passed quickly
And now that I’m home,
These are the things I want to remember
