It was around sunset when I wandered through the streets of a small village in India, where time seemed to have stood still. A herd of buffaloes made their way home from the fields, their heavy steps kicking up dust in the golden light. Women were busy cooking, baking chapati over an open fire, while others returned from the fields, balancing bundles of firewood on their heads. Children laughed and played in the street.

Three women stood together, watching me with curious eyes. They smiled and gestured for me to come closer.  “Where are you from?” they asked, in a mix of English and hand gestures. They invited me to join them for chai. Once we were inside, they removed their headscarves, just us women among ourselves, it was so lovely.

As we sat together, sipping our tea, I made a few sketches to capture the moment. This portrait, ‘Rising Sun’, is a tribute to that lovely unforgettable encounter, a memory of warmth, connection, and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

xTiny