To Grandma, with love

              It is no news that I m a foodie. The sight of food makes me happy. Hot fried chicken, the layered and spicy dum biryani, mouth-watering chicken tandoori, the gooey dark chocolate cake, the list of my cravings is endless. But if I had to name my favorite, it would  be my grandma's cooking. Nothing in the world compares to her cooking.

              Nani has only one goal in life- To feed everyone. You can never go empty-stomach from her house. Eating is my passion and serving is hers. Having spent my childhood with her, I have relished her cooking. If there is food I dream of, it is her delicacies!

             I miss dal made by her. It was an everyday treat. The hot simmering of mustard, the aroma of curry leaves, the sound of her pouring the dal to the masala would make my stomach grumble. The tomatoes, the chillies, the salt, everything in the dal make a delightful flavor that arouses the taste buds. Hot dal garnished with coriander and white rice were what I lived on.
             When I was a kid, my parents had taken me to Mangalore for holidays. The boiled rice and curry were unknown to me. I despised them. I longed to go back to Nani. I starved myself and ate only bananas. The moment I came back, I rushed to Nani and told her I want dal rice made by her. After days I had eaten a proper meal!

            I miss the Sundays when she would make soft, fluffy idlis and crisp dosas and spicy green coconut chutney. Sunday mornings, she would send it through grandpa and I would wake up the treat of idlis and dosas.
           
           Rainy evenings, she would set to make onion and potato pakoras. She would sometimes make sweet potato pakoras too. The fried, warmth of the pakoras which ginger tea would be a perfect combo with the chill in the air.

          The savory mutton curry that she made on rare occasions makes me drool every time I think of it. The rich red colour of the curry  would have me salivating. The small cut, fresh tender meat would be cooked to perfection and the zesty curry would be heaven for my gastric pleasures. She would call me everytime she made mutton curry and I would dunk fresh bread in the curry and enjoy my meal.

         I miss the fresh lime juice that she would make for me. The salty and sweet fluid would tingle my senses and  make me want more of it. She always made it in excess for me. Some evenings she would make beetroot halwa. The sweet dish was a rarity because she had a belief that sweet caused stomach ache. Her halwa was to die for! Lavish gajar halwa would be made only in winter. Lot of ghee, khoya would make it deliciously fattening and filling. The orange colored halwa with dry fruits in it would be enticing!

        Ever since grandma moved to Mangalore, my indulgences have been limited to the visits there. Age has also made grandma slower and less active to cook like before. I miss her food. I miss her.

        Grandma always paid attention to how she served the food. No broken idli or torn dosa would make it to the plate. She gave importance to the crockery used and made food look even more appetizing. Perhaps only the best of the crockery can give her cooking an even more beautiful look. A look at BOROSIL variety was all I needed to be reminded of Grandma's cooking. How she would love to serve in those beautiful dishes and bowls!
       Next time I visit, I m taking some of those crockery to her. To Grandma, with love.

This post is written for My beautiful food contest held by Indiblogger and Borosil

Hooked and Booked

           

                                 
               
               The past week has been too stressful for me and S. After much deliberation and planning and untoward incidents that hindered the plan, I could finally accompany my family to our hometown.

               On 31st March our families met and our marriage is fixed for the 7th of December :)

              Although I feel like screaming it out to the whole world, I have to wait a little longer to do that.

              The feeling is yet to sink in and words are few.

              Until Later
              M 

A step ahead in love..

              The last post feels like ages back. The days are passing in a blink and I m at loss for time. There is just so much that I want to put into words but the thoughts scatter into a multiple paths.
              Last month, I turned 22. This year, I had decided to spend my birthday with my family. The day was spent at college and frankly wasn't too good with the result being declared the same day and I getting less than what I had hoped for. However I dumped the mess at college and returned home. I cut the birthday cake with only my family around. Later we all went to a temple and then for dinner. It was different. Last few years, I have been going out with my friends for dinner without even thinking that I missed out my family from the celebration. The cake was all they got. They never stopped me from going out, knowing that it was the age where spending time with friends is important. I took so much for granted. This birthday, which might be the last one at home, I realized how much I missed the simplicity of being with family.

               S was working over time to make the trip happen. Finally on the 26th of Jan, S met my family. I was really nervous that morning when I was waiting for S near my house. Accompanying him, I entered into the compound where Papa was talking to neighbors. S flashed a smile to him and I freezed ! The next few minutes were tense in the house. We waited for  Papa to come home while Mom was busy with sorting idlis for S ( She wanted to put out only the perfect round ones :P)

             I was made to serve idli sambar to S and then I sat next to him as he ate and Mom and Papa just made small talks. Once tea was served, began the grilling :P We had anticipated a lot of questions and prepared for it but to our surprise I didn't even have to open my  mouth !

            Mom began to list out my shortcomings. It was never ending list. Papa came to my defense, highlighting that I wasn't such a bad girl :P Mom thought it was her duty to warn S of the dangers of marrying me! At one point, S actually told her that I wasn't so bad and I don't cause him much trouble :P I m sure he had my parents at that.

          The talks became easy and relaxed and my parents found it smooth to converse with S. We were both sent to a temple and we came back rushing after the darshan. I and S had lunch at home and then we were allowed to go to mall. S left later that evening. The meeting was a success.

         Since that day, the talks are on about marriage and all the planning :O Next step is our parents meeting each other and I hope it all goes well.

        In another news, I hope this is our last valentine away from each other. I can't believe we had 7 valentine days away from each other. A journey of 7 years!!
        S really surprised me last night. I kind of had the hint that he could call but not what he had in store :) IT was a beautiful start to 2014, a very special birthday and a very romantic Valentine :)

                                   

A year of Changes

             The first week of the new year is not yet done, so technically I m not really late :P Wish you all a very happy 2014!
             
             What did you guys to welcome the new year? Facebook is still flooded with photographs of the New Year vacations and parties. As for me, I slept in 2013 and woke up in 2014 :P
             I have never been big on New year parties. It is what I do the rest of the year that counts right? I have spent all my new year with family. We used to order food from outside earlier as waiting for tables in over crowded restaurants did not really appeal to any of us. In the recent years we have stopped doing that. My brother's birthday is just a day before so all the celebrations happen that day. 31st is usually lazing at home, watching award shows, having a quite home made dinner and sleeping.

             S was in Delhi for work this year. We kept chatting on watsapp till 11 pm and I didn't know when I slept. When I woke up, it was 5 am already and S had called at 12, sent messages and then finally gone to sleep. I called him up and picked up drowsily, talking to me like the first time I called him on a New Year. It felt like we were back there. A journey of 8 years that passed since that New year!

            This year is going to be a year of changes for most people I know. Many friends will start working, many will be going abroad for higher education, many friends are getting settled, cousins are on a look out for a life partner and I will be starting on an exciting ride.

             My parents now know about S and me. S would come down this month mostly to meet them. I m keeping my fingers crossed. So thrilled and so nervous about the new turn in my love story. Dad agreeing was a total surprise. I had expected him to be mad at me, discuss a lot and then maybe come around but his instant approval came as a huge surprise! S and I were so so happy that day and now I can't wait for S to officially meet the family!
     
             Hoping that 2014 becomes the best year of my life :)

            

Perfect day :D

              I must be God's favorite :D I can't thank my stars enough for the perfect day I was blessed with.

            On Saturday S was here. He finished off his work and by 4 he was on this side of the city. I reached early ( rare event!) and waited near the bridge. I fixed my eyes on the stairs. He had told he will be there in 15 minutes and at the 16th minute (yes I was watching the time on my phone :P) I saw him rushing down the stairs..He was wearing formals and jumped the steps eagerly

            'Araam se, bhaagi nahi ja rahi hu me!' I teased him, my heart still thumping with all that adrenaline in my system.
            We took an auto to our usual destination. He stuffed the phone charger and room keys in my purse and started animatedly describing the journey. All the while I restrained myself from hugging him :D
            The only movie that we could manage was The Lone Rider and it was a good one hour before it commenced. We snacked around in Mc Donalds, planning the next day and making his reservation. Next came the shopping. It was around 6 when we were done and headed to the movie.

            The next two hours we sat in silence, whispering 'I love you" and laughing about the queer way in which the kids next to our seat behaved. It had been really long since we actually enjoyed a movie (Last being Oh my God which had me in splits)
            We decided the time to meet on Sunday and parted after the movie got over.
             I had quite a few things on my mind. Sleep eluded me well past midnight. I was excited like a kid before picnic and it was an apt simile. I tried to catch some sleep so that I didn't end up looking like a panda the next day. I woke up at 1.30 am :P The same thing happened every other hour. Finally I gave up at 4.30 and stayed awake on bed till it was 5.30. My eyes were red due to the lack of sleep but my mind was on alert.

             I had packed my bag on Saturday morning to avoid any suspicious activity that raised the alarm bells at home. With that part taken care of, I got other preparations rolling. Breakfast, bath, dressing up... I had it all planned in my mind already. I set about with the tasks, smiling and singing to myself.

            Dressed in formals (which covered the top I was wearing inside), the red neckpiece S bought me the day before, hair made up like any other day, I started with the only thing that would decide my readying time..lenses!! The sleep deprived eyes didn't help either. After toiling for more than 15 minutes (including cleaning them like an OCD, flushing the eyes with water and then bawling like an idiot) I stepped out without falling to much interrogation at home. Step 1 completed.

              Twice in 24 hours, I was early. We had mutually decided to be at the station by 7.30 and I reached a good 20 minutes before time. S hurried to meet me. There we were! Two of a kind. He had been awake since 3.30 am :P

             After S  had his breakfast, we went to the National Park. It was swarming with vehicles. A serpentine line for tickets was building up. Sunday ,coupled with the soft spells of rain, made it a great day to trek or have family picnics. We took our tickets and waited for the van or bus to take us to our destination. Finally we got a van that took us to the Kanheri caves. We were brimming with the thrill and expectations !
            I changed into a pair of track pants and took off the formal shirt. Wearing a tank top with a three fourth was a first time. S looked at me adoringly.
            "Do I look weird?"
            "No! You are looking nice.. Pataka!"

            After some photography and looking around, we started the climb. We did not wish to venture deep into the range because of the heavy bag S carried and it was risky on two accounts. First was the clumsy me who can slip on flat surfaces. Second was the risk of lecherous groups which were notorious at such places. The place was a beauty. With the water falls active this time of the month, the scenic place was all the more a sight to see! There were a large number of caves ( I forgot the exact numbers) but we explored only a few. With our rendezvous and the nonsense stories we made about the life of people who actually lived in such caves, I think we set some of them  rolling in their graves.

            The descent back was a treacherous one (for those who are aware of my extraordinary balance skills, this is no news!). I took each step holding his hands and S walked behind me to hold me if I slipped. He kept giggling every time I miscalculated my step and he pulled me up from falling and shouted when I acted reckless.
            Back at the base, we changed again and coincidently got the same van which we came in. I wanted to take the mini train ride with S next. We halted at that station inside the park and embarked on a 20 minute ride across the park. IT was worth every minute. Right from the herd of deer we saw, the monkeys on the way and the sparkling water that flowed!
           
            It was only close to noon when we came out. Exerted and happy!
            After lunch, we went for the movie Lootera. Soft, calming, soothing and old school.. Just like our love story :) S enjoyed teasing me that Sonakshi behaved just like me :P Freaking resemblance to me it was :P
            There was this scene were Ranvir asks for Sonakshi's hand.
            "Pen hai pen?" S asked me between the scene.
            "Kyun??" I took him seriously, thinking that he must have remembered something.
            'Likhna hai lines, tumhare papa ko bolne" 

Contrary to myself, I went "Awwwww" in that moment!!

            I loved the movie. It had a calming pace which is a rare thing. Not for the restless ones though.

            We stood at the bus stand, chattering and waiting for the bus to arrive. With time, I have become used to that feeling of him walking away. I no longer cry when he steps into the bus although I feel something tugging at my heart. I don't feel myself shake when I walk all alone to the station. I don't feel disoriented when I return home. I no longer shed tears at the moments we spent.
           IT strangely relaxes my nerve. To have something to remember and live by. To have more moments to relish. To not worry when we would meet next. To not succumb to the pressures of the distance.
          Maybe it is our sheer determination or it is the faith with which we face each day.. The unknown fear that lurked about my happiness is now clearing. Life is gifting me with such perfect days to engulf my thoughts..


                            I wish I could share our pics here, but this is all I can for the time being...
                             

            

Please please please

S is in town! S is in town !! I'm reeling with all the excitement I feel :) :) ok I'm literally dancing around !!!!
I have such awesome plans for tomorrow. All I pray is everything go smooth.
Please God, don't let it rain more than the drizzling here and there
Let there be no problems that make us late
Let there be no event that makes us angry or irritated :(
I'm praying hard . Harder than my boards .. Really !
Let the day be perfect ..

Pray for us please :*

Back again

                    Regular readers (yes the three of you) must have guessed that S was in my native place last week. I was hoping that we would meet there. For the last few months we have been meeting every month and I was expecting that we might be able to make it this month too. S had invitation to attend his friend's engagement. Although bored at first to come for engagement, this new proposition excited him too. Next came the task of convincing mom to let me go.
                    After the last time we spoke about my relation, the topic never came up again with Mom. I was a bundle of nerves and followed her like a puppy all around the house. She was busy with meeting relatives and doing household work and I dare not ask her at the wrong time. When she was alone, I would gauge her mood and think of saying something but she moved too quick. After trying one whole day, I finally managed to ask her, "Mom can I go to Mu ( short form of the place) on Sunday?"
                 "Why ? Who's there?" She asked.
                 "He" I replied, my heart pounding madly.
                 "No need, I won't come around looking for you here!" she said sternly.
                 "Mom, please. I will call you all the time. You take his number too. Please na" I pleaded
                 "No no.. not here. Here everyone notices who is going where. I don't want any scene here. You do what you want in Mumbai. Ask Dad if you want but I won't let you"
                 Asking Dad was out of question so I walked back dejected. S told me to broach the topic the next day.
                The next two days I tried all I could but she didn't budge. I know she was feeling sorry too but she didn't have it in her to let me meet S in a place where people know you by your name. Saturday evening I made my last attempt. I refused to accept anything that she was offering. I did not want Gadbad ice cream in return, nor did I want anything else to eat. She looked at me helplessly. She really was afraid of people making a mess of our relation. I had to give up. I ate Gadbad icecream and drowned my sorrows :(
                Late that night, S came back from engagement and messaged me
                " I can come to Mu by 10 tomorrow. What happened today?"
               It broke my heart to tell him that I couldn't make it. I knew that I was the reason he made the trip in the first place. It was a sad night for both of us and we went to bed with a heavy heart. I m just so glad that he understood my plight and didn't become mad at me. I know I would have created havoc if I had been in his shoes.
                The next day we were back on Watsapp as usual. He was leaving that day and I had the train on Monday. I had quite a few tasks ahead to compensate S :D
               So I m back in town. I m being a good girl to S :P :P
               I m back to the holiday routine which includes Grey's anatomy, criminal case, novels, lazying around and sleeping. I m hoping to include more of writing :)