Simple Joys, As Time Goes By

Simple joys are, well... simple — to start with.
Once, eating out felt like freedom.
Now, a warm plate of mom’s sabzi and fresh rotis brings more peace than any restaurant menu ever could.

There was a time when loud laughter in a movie theater made the day.
Now, it's watching a film uninterrupted, legs curled up, heart quiet.

Hot dosas flipping straight from the tava to your plate — joy.
Not asking "What’s for dinner?" for once — joy.
A new book from your favorite author in your hands the day it's out — joy.

A coffee date that wasn't planned,
a dinner where words flowed without effort — joy.
Bringing home a saree that made mom’s eyes light up — joy.

And always, always —
the simple joy of loved ones near,
talks that wander without agenda,
laughter that fills the room without needing a reason.

A few years ago, joy looked different.
It was louder. Flashier. Quicker.
But time, and a little growing up,
teaches us that joy is often quiet,
and always, incredibly simple.