Hari Raya Aidilfitri was celebrated with much pomp when I was growing up at the RMAF quarters in Butterworth during the 70s. My best friend was a Malay girl. We were the same age, and she lived opposite, where I stayed. Aishah was a very pretty girl, slim and tall, with long hair and a beautiful, infectious smile. In fact, she looked Middle Eastern, with her fair colouring and her eyes, a lighter shade of brown. She was a talkative girl, and we would spend hours in the park, giggling at the stories she told, while sitting on the swing, and, basically, enjoying each other's company. She was great company.
Aishah was always the first to invite me to her house on the 1st day of Hari Raya. The whole neighbourhood would come alive with Malay Raya songs blaring loudly, and the aroma of delicious ketupat and rendang wafting through the homes of the Muslim community was heavenly.
She'd sit with me whenever I visited her home, making sure I ate all the cookies she baked and the delicious food her mother cooked. She was a good cook too, and helped her mother with the cooking and household chores.
Before Raya, I would see her changing the curtains, sweeping out the dust, and cleaning the house till it was spotless.
She looked elegant in her Raya baju kurung, and I'd compliment her on how she looked. She'd smile and wave away my compliment. We'd hold hands and wish each other joy and happiness. She was a wonderful girl.
Unfortunately, we lost contact since I moved back to Kuala Lumpur. However, I'd like to wish her a Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. I really wish we could meet one day. I am not sure where she lives now.
Those were happy days. Every Hari Raya, I think about her and the times we spent together.
Selamat Hari Raya to all Malaysians and Muslims throughout the world. A special wish to the Malaysian Police and their International counterparts for keeping my family and me safe throughout the years. And of course, to all the dignitaries and luminaries of this beautiful nation, I wish you great joy, happiness, prosperity and most of all peace on this great occasion.
-shobana-
Read my poem, The Beautiful Woman, on SHOBANA, https://shobanagomes.blogspot.com, in conjunction with International Women's Day, 2026.
The Faction Revolution Modules 1-3 can be purchased on Shobana Gomes' Bookstore for only $0.99/RM3.85. Have you got your copy yet? Don't miss out on knowing about the revolutionary storytelling method that blends facts and fiction.
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