It was a beautiful Sunday evening and our little Keith turned two. We kept it simple with a tea party in the garden, and somehow it became one of the sweetest gatherings we have ever had. The air felt soft and happy. The cake looked simple and lovely. Keith’s smile said everything.
We invited our neighbor, our parents, and big brother. We also invited Deepanath ayya and akka. They were the first to arrive, cheerful and kind. Then came Dulina, loku akka, nimal maama, and sudu nenda. A little later, podi akka, eranga ayya, and Yethum joined. Finally, my dad and ayya arrived and the celebration felt complete.
This time we planned a true tea party at home. Haroshani prepared everything with so much love. Burgers, sandwiches, hotdogs, spring rolls, cheeseballs, garlic bread, sausages, iced tea, and iced coffee. The table looked warm and inviting. Every plate returned empty. Every cup was filled more than once.
When it was time to sing, everyone gathered around the cake. Keith clapped along and looked at us with bright, excited eyes. We cut the cake and the garden filled with laughter. After that we invited everyone inside for tea. The food tasted wonderful and drinks were even better. Joy felt easy.
Devika akka helped Haroshani from start to finish. The kitchen looked busy, then spotless. Yethum and Manuki ran around with little Keith. They played, laughed, and made the house feel extra alive. It was exactly the kind of noise we love.
As the evening came to a close, Haroshani made sure kindness reached beyond our garden. She packed and sent food to Dharmadasa, Deyling aunty, and Mallika’s house. Keith, already beaming from the day’s joy, was even happier as he received several thoughtful gifts from our guests.
The evening faded into soft gold. Friends talked in small circles. Parents smiled. Children giggled. Keith leaned into his mama, still smiling, still excited. It was simple. It was beautiful. It felt like a memory we will keep for a very long time.