The absence of humans out and about made the world seem brighter, calmer and as I sat at the window looking out, the birds flitting about sounded like a harmonious melody. It struck me as to how we allowed life to go by without noticing these wonderful gifts from Allah. Such perfect creations – the vivid colour of the fragrant blooms, the beautiful blue sky and the warm rays of sunshine – all of which exist by the permission of Allah.

Is the coronavirus a reminder from Him to us? Is He sending us a message, telling us to slow down and smell the freshly cut grass! I sat with my own philosophical thoughts when the peace was shattered by loud chatter coming from the kitchen. My curiosity got the better of me and I walked into a warm kitchen filled with spicy aromas to find my aunties and mum standing at various areas of the kitchen holding one of their soirées.

Before I get a word out, Nani walks in, looking quite annoyed. “This is not fair! Three days into Ramadan and I have not smelt a single samoosa?  Standing with a hand on her hip, scarf hanging skew over her white hair and wagging her right, index finger at the women in the kitchen, she continues her rant, “I would have more luck finding Sofia a husband than I would be trying to get a samoosa in this house!”

Ha! Now I am being dragged into her samoosa tirade because I am not getting married!

But the sight of my aunties, preparing savouries whilst social distancing in our kitchen brought a smile to my face. Let us hope our SAPS stay busy with those trying to sell atchar on the street and not pay us a visit today. We would all be arrested, and Nani would not be seeing any samoosas this Ramadan.

My heart swelled with love for these women who, although afraid and fearful of the unseen yet deadly virus, still choose to spend their time in our home, together.

Family is my anchor, and I cherish the closeness we share. Like all families, we have our many differences, but there has been a rule instilled by our grandparents that we are a team and all fights fought today, are forgiven tomorrow. Nana was famous for saying, “Ha behta, no hold grudges and no break family ties. Allah will make your scale heavy on the left.”

Nani’s rant was short-lived as a collective “Oh no!” silenced her. It was the annoying load-shedding again. Well, there was every chance that the rant would be continued as soon as the lights were turned back on, but she would get going on a new subject, for sure.