When my parents left for Hajj, they left me at my aunt’s house in Karachi for 10 days. At first, I thought the 10 days were going to be some of the worst experiences of my life ever. Little did I know, these were going to be some of the most memorable holidays of my life.

From the moment I arrived in the wonderful city of Karachi, my cousins welcomed me warmly with open arms.

What I thought was going to be an anxious stay quickly turned into a whirlwind adventure. Every night became a practical cinema club, lights off, unlimited snacks and us clinging onto each other for dear life whenever a jump scare popped up in a movie.

After we turned off the movie, each night we talked about crazy school experiences, friendship gossip and stupid family stories, which always ended up with us laughing till our stomachs ached. Somehow, we absolutely loved every bit of it.

We explored Karachi’s old neighbourhoods, wandering through the streets rich with history and life. Every single corner had something new to explore. At one day I was eating delicious street food and the next, I was chasing my sister on the beaches of Karachi.

The best part of the trip was spending Eidul Azha together. The house was filled with laughter, conversations and the fresh aroma of freshly cooked mutton dishes. The mutton nihari, karahi and pulao my aunt cooked with love and effort were genuinely some of the best meals I have ever eaten.

Every meal brought joy and every gathering reminded me of how fortunate I was to be hosted with such warmth.

By the time my parents returned from Hajj, I realised something. The sadness and loneliness I had feared as a result of missing my parents never truly arrived. Instead, my cousins had filled that sadness with joy and comfort. They turned what was supposed to be a quick stay into an unforgettable experience, one I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Published in Dawn, Young World, June 6th, 2026