May 13, 20232 min read

Crunchy Memories

By Gayatri M P

Peaking summer, Scorching sun, Time to prepare crunchy delicacies for the year and be done. The womenfolk would be up and about before the crack of dawn, While in the midst of the din the others tried to suppress a yawn . Out' d come the cots, mats and the tables, For coming generations this'd sound something akin to a fable! Bustling moms and gregarious grannies finishing their chores early, Would solemnly begin their project work religiously done yearly! Soaking grains and grinding flour with much fanfare, They eagerly looked forward to display their wares! The aroma of the freshly cooked flour along with grounded chillies , hing and cumin seeds, Wafted its way to the neighbourhood through the bushes and trees . It was more than sufficient to whet one's appetite, And you see, to taste the spicy, cooked flour was everyone's birthright! Spreading the carefully preserved dhotis and plastic sheets reserved for the occasion, The hustle and bustle was enough to create a sensation! Out came the flour squeezed from the chakli press, In different shapes and sizes that never failed to impress! The kids were posted to stand guard- a rewarding timepass, To shoo away any creature that dared to trespass! Enjoying the cool morning breeze, They settled down with ease. Playing ludo or a game of stones, Communicating with each other through make believe phones. Stringing flowers fresh and homegrown , Lost in a world of their own.... Swinging from the trees, Posing stylishly before an imaginary camera and saying cheese... Or playing odd or even with tamarind seeds. Reading books or drawing pictures, Tickling the funny bone with impromptu acts of mime, Jolting them often were their elders' strictures, Warning them about the winged opportunists biding their time!

Slowly the dancing trees stood stoically still, Making everyone wish to shake the trees and feel the thrill. Fondly hoping that a real big shake.. Would rouse the trees from their self- proclaimed break! As the day wore on... Frequent inspections would be conducted spot on. Meanwhile some of the half dried vadams soon found their way into the kids' tummies, Their sparkling eyes and happy faces testified that the products were quite yummy ! As the sun's rays turned oblique, A final round of inspection would be done as if writing an honest critique. Ensuring the day's toils were sun dried three -quarters, The reverse side of the dhotis got a generous sprinkling of cool waters . Gingerly removing the semi dried vadams and arranging them in huge trays, They'd be kept ready to be dried thoroughly over the next few days. Until they were devoid of all moisture And the manufacturers were quite pleased with their texture ! As the sky drowned itself in a riot of colours as in an artist's palette, The fathers sighed thinking of the diminishing balance in their wallet! All said and done, Now we miss all the fun.. Oh those memories of life's little joys of childhood, Must now be marching past in your minds in all likelihood !