A cup of Assam Tea

There are those wispy winter evenings or sultry summer evenings in our wide courtyard ; my brother and I used to wait eagerly for  Deuta  (Dad) to come back from work and bring something for us to eat. Piping hot samosas to aromatic dry fruit ladoos from the local joints. After years of moving to the USA, when I visit my parents, Deuta eagerly waits at the airport with the happiness of meeting me in teary eyes, looking at my face steadily and lovingly.            Over the past 18 years, I often spoke to him, but I never had the urge to wish him a Happy Father's Day. Probably in our generation, growing up in India, celebrating Father's Day was not the norm; however, my two children here in the USA celebrate Father's Day with great zeal alongside their wonderful dad.  Deuta  was always there in my failure, in my success, in my happiness, and in my sadness.  It has been almost six months since losing him, and life has suddenly...

Mangoes in the Indian summer are ubiquitous. Mango is not a fruit, but the mermaid of memories and emotions. An avid enthusiast farmer, my grandfather planted numerous trees in our huge backyard at home in Assam and every season bestowed upon them the best fruits or vegetables. We had different varieties of mangoes in our yard.  Aqua Vintage Mason Jars However, unlike other states in India, we don't have a high quality of mangoes, yet we have sufficient local mango varieties to satisfy our taste buds. The different shapes, sizes, and colors of mangoes appeal to both my eyes and my heart.  In early summer or late spring, the wind takes out small, tender mangoes, and we played with those mangoes with my friends. It transports me home, thinking about how my mom used to make raw chutney with just freshly plucked mint and green chili, adding a hint of salt, and grinding them together. A hearty chutney was ready in a jiffy. In the sultry summer in Assam, when somebo...

   In an industry like Bollywood, it's all about page three and glamour. But Irrfan Khan defined real, authentic, and was all about raw talent. He made his mark in global cinema, yet he was more of an actor than a star. His success is a fruit of resilience and hard work.  Started Journey from many iconic Indian TV series like "Bharat Ek khoj", "Star Bestseller", "Shrikant", to Global cinema-like Life of Pi, The Warrior, Jurassic World, Inferno, The Namesake, watching him on screen is sheer bliss for any moviegoer. Recipient of Padmashree, the 4th highest Civilian Award in India, Irrfan Khan's impeccable dialogue delivery, exclusive comic timing, and soulful and subtle romance will remain in our hearts forever.  Losing Irrfan Khan untimely on 29th April 2020 is an irreparable loss. Born in Jaipur on January 7, 1967, Irrfan's departure was mourned by the entire nation as a personal loss, as he had paved a path for many. His legacy of one-...

It has been more than two months since I haven't dressed up. I can't believe it, because I always love to dress up and go out. Just today we completed 18 years of married life. 18 years is a long time, yes our togetherness in adulthood. Never had an anniversary like this where you can't go out because of safety in the times of COVID-19 .  We prepared a special meal followed by a homemade cake. Now coming to the dressing part, a simple sea-green chanderi saree which always reminds me of serenity and tranquility. The feather-like feel and texture of this Saree can be an ideal pick for sultry says of summer (Similar Look) . I picked up a darker color blouse to make the look more interesting, as the rest of the look is understated. Usually an accessories person like me, but here I avoid all accessories except for a bangle. My make up is minimal and neutral, but I did effort on my hairdo and made it wavy or light curls. A very basic look but love the idea of dressing up...

About after two months of losing the dearest person of my life, Deuta(Dad), I try to stand up on my feet again, collecting bits and pieces, resuming life back to normalcy, at the same time the reality hit hard, not just for me but for the entire world by the pandemic called COVI19. In front of my eyes, the world has changed, what we never imagined in our wildest dream and what the generations had never seen happening, what was normal a few days back, became extinct from our lives. For our health's safety, we quarantined ourselves in our homes, kids' schools closed, online classes started, malls, cinema halls everything got closed. The bustling places turn into barren, and the places entitled by humans got emptied and became the new normal of our lives. The new normal brought uncertainty and tension in every nook and corner. Health hygiene became people's foremost priority rather than luxury travel or any other thing in life. My life or days on my toes slowed down. Lif...

                                        Komal Saul prior to soaking. Komal Saul takes me to my grandparents' home, where I recall the early childhood days when we stayed in a different city and visited my grandparents' ancestral home. My grandmother often delights in preparing a morning breakfast in a jiffy. The breakfast is called Komal saul or soft rice. A luscious, slightly golden color and light glossy textured rice, no need for the cooking process, unlike other regular rice. In Assamese, 'Komal' means soft, and that softness does not require cooking. Soak it in hot water for a few minutes, and it's ready to eat.          My home state, Assam, produces a variety of rice, and it's no wonder we have all kinds of cereals, snacks, and main courses made from rice. Any other type of rice is considered the main course, whereas Komal Saul is considered a light...

                                                    (1) January 4th started as a lovely and joyful morning. I began my day with enthusiasm, chatting with my parents as usual. However, a few hours later, we received a call informing us that Deuta had passed away. Overwhelmed with grief and disbelief, I felt frozen in that moment. Before I knew it, I was on a flight back to my home state. Part of me feels like it has remained frozen ever since.                                                                                            (2) I don't remember the exact age, but since I can recall, I've always seen my father's inseparable...