Day 5: Your definition of love.

My definition of love is when Ammi & Tabi Khala fight over the right to keep Nani & Nana in their houses, and debate with each other how either one of them deserves to keep Nani & Nana all to themselves. When Nana wipes his eyes and says in his gruffy voice how he's proud of the children he's raised.

My definition of love is the insanity in my facebook inbox & my refuge in the form of the messaging thread in my inbox by the name of "<3" that I never want to lose. My definition of love is Sarah's absolute craziness and my infinite bond with her. My definition of love is Marium's phone calls and her calling me an idiot for no reason at all.

My definition of love is the light in Ammi's face that suddenly starts glowing when Baba comes home. My definition of love is the smoochy kisses on my cheeks by Phuppos & Khalas and what/who not.

My definition of love is a sister that's just as crazy as me, and the fact that it comforts me. My definition of love is the other sister who rubs her nose when she laughs. My definition of love is the despair in my big sister's tone when she hears about my tales at school. My definition of love is Hassan bhai calling me & Shazra baji a "chotuu" and the fits of laughter at the Unkahi/Dhoop Kinarey/Studio Dhai references he makes.

My definition of love is when Aleeza cuddles Manal & Rumaisa just a little bit closer when she sees a stranger approaching. My definition of love is when Manal asks when we will come to her house. My definition of love is the delight in Aati baji's & Sarwar bhai's voice in the video where Rumaisa is taking her first steps.

My definition of love is when the family gets together and it feels like we never want them to leave. When the house rings with laughter and merriment. My definition of love is the tears that formed in Ammi's eyes when we were singing Wedding songs for Aati baji & Sabeeta baji.

I could go on & on & on, so simply put: my definition of love is every little thing that makes me thankful for being alive. And also occasionally the not so joyful slaps which I might get if I don't run to dinner now. But alas, that is love too.