I love cooking. I can say cooking is my passion. I feel the entire process of cooking is a great stress- buster. The process of cutting vegetables, putting them all together- it is so amazing.

I learnt cooking from my mom when I was fifteen years old. My mom is an excellent cook and she introduced me to the magical world of kitchen. I used to sit with her in kitchen while she worked and prepared delicious dishes for me. It was the beginning of a very entertaining and satisfying journey.

I always keep on experimenting with dishes. I surf the net for recipes and also read books. The fact that my wife does not enjoy cooking much has given me a greater hold on kitchen. My kids just love the food I prepare. This is one thing that they love about me. I feel greatful for this. Every weekend I make something special for them. My son loves Chinese cuisine and my daughter loves Italian. So most often, I cook Chinese on Saturdays and Italian on Sundays.

My daughter says that I cook the world’s best pasta. She likes her pasta in red sauce although white sauce is what I enjoy cooking more. She loves the garlic bread I make. She often invites her friends at home. And then I prepare a tasty brunch for them.

I don’t know what I would have done if mom had not taught me cooking. My life would have been so incomplete. I will always be thankful to mom for this. When I go to my sister’s house- she particularly asks me to prepare vegetable Manchurian and noodles. They are her all-time favourite. I just love the aspect of the entire family sitting on a dining table and having food together. It is so cozy, homely and full of happiness.

It makes me sad to think that there are some people who can’t enjoy this simple pleasure of life. I am talking about our next door neighbours- Mr and Mrs Singhal. They are an old couple who live alone in the house. Their daughter has gone abroad to study. They mostly order food from a nearby restaurant.

I am planning to go and say hello to Mr Singhal. He is working alone in the garden. Let me take your leave now. Take care. Bye.

The visit was accompanied by a big bowl of pasta that the “common man” prepared especially for Mr and Mrs Singhal. They all had dinner together. The ever reticent Singhal couple was very happy by the gesture. The home cooked food and a happy company brought back memories of a distant happy past.