Why are you late today? I asked my husband who normally returned from his morning walk within an hour of his leaving home.
You know, it’s because I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the sight which appeared a treat. I stood transfixed for how long I didn’t know, he replied.
What sight? Was some shooting for a film going on in the park? I said.
No, nothing like that. You know films don’t interest me and the sight of stars don’t attract me, he said.
Then what was that which kept you so transfixed like a statue? I am curious to know, I said.
Take a guess, he said like a Quiz master waiting for the right answer.
Why don’t you give me a clue or two? I suggested.
O.K. I knew you wouldn’t have the remotest idea, he snorted.
All the more reason you give me a clue, I reiterated.
What is for breakfast? He asked.
Why change the topic? Are you hungry? I said.
Ravenous, he said stressing on the word.
You still haven’t told me what captivated you to make time stand still, I really want to know, I insisted.
Oh, the steaming hot and white as snow idlis the woman was serving with bhendi sambar, the whole air permeated with its aroma and I found the sight of people, some trying to jump the queue to reach her food cart amusing, he laughed. I don’t think even the best hotel in Chennai could have matched their quality, he added.
Not just that, a young girl was rolling out large sized puris and another woman was frying two of them at a time and lo and behold, you should have seen them when they emerged from the pan. They were all puffed up having two shades of brown, light at the bottom and dark on top, he described. I could notice his mouth watering.
You talk as though you had your fill of idlis and puris, I said quite scared of the consequences if he really was tempted to binge on them.
Well, I did notice a few well dressed men among the queue. His words left me all the more scared.
Were you one of them? I asked fearing his answer.
You know the two women preparing them entreated me to give their fare a try.
Did you? I repeated.
Do I have to give you a reply, is all that he said.
n.meera raghavendra rao
