The Joy of Giving

[cadet_amara]

Amara wasn't sure exactly what had possessed her to do this. She hadn't even mentioned Diwali since she was a little girl, and even then as a kid they'd barely celebrated. She remembered the fireworks, and the lights, and the excitement. She didn't quite remember the origins or how to celebrate Diwali properly. She supposed she was having something of a cultural identification crisis. She hadn't been back to Mumbai, or India even, since she was seven, and after that she lived in so many places it was hard to form any type identity. She'd never really given much thought to her culture, besides the fact that she loved the old Bollywood movies. However, since she decided to have a new attitude, and be a more positive person, she started to look more at her own background, searching for some good that she could have from her past, and the good included festivals.

She didn't want to be extremely obvious or overboard about it. Honestly, she didn't like attention, and she certainly didn't want to answer questions (she probably wouldn't know what to say anyway), so she planned to be covert about it all. Besides, the gifts were her way of saying thank you to everyone. She didn't want anything in return. 

First she went to the mess hall early in the morning, in the hopes that it would be relatively empty. She was in luck. Just the odd crewman getting his morning coffee. She set out the plate of sweets she had made for all to enjoy. Next to it she put a sign: "Happy Diwali. Enjoy." She made no attempt to claim any of it, and hoped people would just eat the food without questioning where it came from. 

 Next were the personal gifts. Each one was wrapped with a card that only said "Happy Diwali", again, she hoped people didn't put too much thought into where these things were coming from.

First she stopped by Admiral Pike's office. Luckily, the Admiral wasn't there yet. She very carefully set the beautifully iced cake on his desk with the simple card beside it. She had enjoyed icing the cake, even though it had taken her most of the night, it was worth it. She hoped he enjoyed it.  

Next, she went to Christine's quarters and set her present outside her door. Blue looked good on Christine, and she imagined she would like jewelry. She hoped she'd done a good job picking out the set.

Finally, she stopped by Frank's and left his gift. She hoped he would find it... informative. She smiled a little as she left. That one might benefit her in the end too. 

She then went about her duties, just like always. However, today she felt rather good and was smiling a great deal more than usual. It had been fun, playing the Diwali Fairy... or Santa... or whatever. Amara had a nice warm and happy feeling that she was unaccustomed to, and it made her feel giddy. It felt good. She would have to do it again sometime.

Comments

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

I don't know exactly... I think it has something to do with making people equal... when everyone's covered with paint you can't see who's rich or poor... or castes or anything like that. It's called Holi. And I'll admit I had fun doing this. I like making food.

As long as people didn't know it was her. She really didn't want the attention.

[christinechapel.livejournal.com]

Ah, good idea for a festival. Chris smiled at the PADD. She ate some more food before she finished the message.

Well, thanks, Ama. It's so thoughtful. I really love it.

How are you doing with the staying positive thingy?

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

Today I seem to be doing much better than usual at it... though all the attention is making me nervous Truthfully it was only Christine and Admiral Pike who had said anything to her, but that had been enough to make her a little uncomfortable. She considered getting Frank's gift back before he opened it, but dismissed the idea as ridiculous. Besides, she wanted him to have it.

[christinechapel.livejournal.com]

Well, enjoy the attention. I won't tell anyone, promise. However, this is a really nice thing you've done. Just revel in the good vibes you're getting today and brush off the negative energy.

She smiled and sent the message off. Ama was coming around. It was going to be a hard road, but Ama would get through it. Chris was sure of it.

[cadet-amara.livejournal.com]

I'll try. She sighed a little, sending the message. She really hoped people wouldn't question where the treats in the mess hall came from.