a small gift

she wrapped the kulfi in a piece of newspaper. handed it to him with a smile. the ice cream vendor on lullanagar road. the sound of the kulfi wallah's bell. the way he'd call out to the children in the neighborhood. the cold sweetness in her hand. he took a bite. closed his eyes. the world narrowed to the taste of cardamom and cream. she watched him. felt a sense of peace settle in her chest. the way the light filtered through the trees. the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves. it was a small moment. but in that instant. everything felt right.