Just then, a sweet voice drifted in through the gate—
"I'm here!"
I turned my head.
There was Zara, walking in with a bowl full of chitoi pitha.She wore a long, hooded black cape that draped over her shoulders and covered most of her figure. Beneath the dark cloak, a high-collared white tunic glowed softly, its long sleeves adding a clean, elegant contrast.Her legs were wrapped in black tights, and on her feet were brown, knee-high leather boots made for walking long roads.The cloak was fastened near her shoulder with a silver circular clasp, and around her waist hung a wide dark-brown belt studded with metal plates. A small leather satchel dangled from it, lightly bouncing as she walked.
Her smile was bright, her eyes warm; her cheeks flushed red from the cold.
Mom immediately called out,
"Ohhh... Zara! Come, come, so early in the morning?"
Zara laughed softly.
"Well… I didn't get to thank Riven properly last time. So I thought—let me come myself. And I brought some pitha."
Hearing that, I looked down, embarrassed.
My sister burst out laughing,
"Pitha to say thank you? Wah! Our Riven is a hero now, huh?"
Everyone laughed.I turned away, face burning.
Kelly teased,
"Mom! If I become a hero like him, will someone bring pitha for me too?"
More laughter erupted.
Zara lowered her gaze and replied,
"Oh please, Kelly… If you become a troublemaker like your brother, forget pitha—no one will even give you a glass of water."
The entire yard roared with laughter.
I scratched my head and stared at the fire in embarrassment.
Mom clapped her hands.
"Enough teasing! Come, sit. Eat the pitha while it's hot."
Before I knew it, everyone—Dad, Mom, uncle, aunt—gathered in the yard. A mat was spread out, and in the middle sat a large tray filled with fried pitha, steamed pitha, chitai pitha—all kinds, still steaming, the aroma filling the air.
Uncle grinned,
"So, Raiyan! How many will you eat? Let's see who wins today!"
Raiyan immediately accepted the challenge.
"Game on, uncle! I won't lose today!"
Aunt smiled, handing out date-palm molasses.
"This morning's cold needs a little gur too."
Zara placed a warm pitha onto a leaf plate and handed it to me. Her fingers brushed against mine—
a tiny touch, but it shot through my chest like a spark.Firelight flickered in her eyes.There was a shy little smile on her lips.
I took a bite—
and nearly screamed as the heat burned my mouth.
"Ahh! This is boiling hot!"
Zara leaned in quickly,
"That's what happens when you don't wait! Be careful!"
My brother laughed loudly,
"See? He already burned himself. Burning in the fire of love is next!"
Mom covered her face in horror,
"Don't say things like that! He'll die of embarrassment!"
Mom kept serving pitha,
"Eat before it gets cold, all of you!"
Zara inhaled deeply and smiled,
"Aunty, these smell different. Your hands must have magic."
Mom blushed.
"Learned it from my mother-in-law long ago."
Raiyan added,
"My grandma used to make pitha like this. Haven't tasted anything this good since."
Everyone complement Mom until she shyly looked away.
Kids were running around, laughing, feeding each other pitha.Riven was racing to bring one to Fahim,Kelly smeared molasses on Fahmida's cheek—"You're a molasses ghost now!"
Laughter echoed through the winter fog, mixing with the crackling of wood in the fire.
The whole yard glowed with warmth and joy.
Uncle pointed at the pitha tray,
"This side is Zara's team. That side is Riven's!"
Zara grinned,
"Then let's see who wins this battle!"
Raiyan took a deep breath,
"Okaaayyy… One, two, three—start!"
Everyone began eating like warriors in combat.Steam rose from the pitha, laughter filled the morning, and the soft winter sunlight touched everything with a quiet golden warmth.
And I…
I glanced sideways.
Zara was smiling.
That shy sparkle in her eyes again.
Mom happily kept serving,
"Here, take another milk-pitha, it's warm."
Aunt joked,
"And mine should be bigger! My cold hasn't gone yet!"
In the midst of all the laughter, Zara placed down her plate and spoke more seriously.
"Today we have an event at school—winter clothing distribution. For the poor kids… those who don't have warm clothes."
Everyone fell silent.
Her voice held a gentle warmth that softened the morning air.
"Families who can afford it are helping with the fund," she continued.
"Sweaters, blankets, shawls… everything will be distributed this afternoon."
Steven stepped forward.
"I'm part of that work too, daughter. Here—five hundred coins. Use it."
Zara bowed slightly, "Thank you, uncle."
Aunt softly asked,
"Can we help too? Thinking of the little ones makes me sad."
Uncle immediately nodded, "Here, two hundred coins. And if Fahim-Fahmida learn to help others, that's a good lesson."
Mom smiled proudly, "You're doing a beautiful thing, Zara. May God bless you."
Zara replied,
"Headmaster Henry is supervising the whole thing. But there's a lot of work—managing the funds, sorting the clothes, preparing lists… I can't do it alone."
Raiyan suddenly grinned and pointed at me,
"Then take Riven with you! He doesn't have anything better to do anyway."
I nearly jumped.
"WHAT?! Me?"