I wish Ammi is not witnessing me messing with her recipes and presenting them valiantly as a hostess uttering with immense pride this is how my Ammi used to cook and serve.. but maybe deep down the idea is not experimentation of her recipes and yearning for an applause but it is the inner child craving for all her food which she used to cook with immense love and care for everyone.

How I wish she would come back and cook again and the whole house gets the aroma of her spices and flavours..the cluttering sound of her pots and pans.. I remember her old fashioned kitchen with various newly invented appliances in 80s and 90s along with a blend of traditional mortar and pestle… her earthen pickle jars.. and her papad dabba, her trays, teapots and tea cozies for evening tea.. her rice dish was intricate with craving done of various patterns on each side…her white exclusive dinner plates with gold rim were taken out for some special guests.. the unbreakable green glass plates were all stacked in the upper cabinet for important occasion….never to miss her Japanese Noritake dinner set and Braun machinery which she got from Jeddah in those days and so much more.. how I wish to smell and feel everything again in her kitchen and to her long and wide dastarkhwan with smiling guests almost daily without a fail, who would only come to treasure her hospitality and generosity. My mother was a legacy.. I have failed to pass it on to the next generation but her roots are deeply ingrained in me, I wonder who will take this heritage ahead! Who will open the door of her house for smiling guests coming over to meet their Khursheed Apa or Khursheed Aunty to share their hearts and relish the food she served to calm their souls.. the neighbours poured in despite the number of years we left that old neighbourhood where she was known and loved for her affection… no one left without a chilled glass of tang in summer or warm cup of tea or coffee in winters if they had to come to attend a phone call from their family or friends.. it was not the food she served but she served humanity.. I remember no eye without a tear at her funeral… still people ache and remember her in kind words…

Ammi, I miss you so much!