Chuchu's 2nd year of becoming stardust

 Dear Yama/Chitragupta -

How have you all been? A year had passed since our last interaction. How is Chuchu doing? It has been two years since you he arrived at your place. I hope he has been well treated and he has treated you both well?

Well, a lot have happened in the last one year. More leaders of nations have turned their tenure to a regime. More people have been killed - thanks to the war, environmental destruction (forest fire/drought/famine/floods/pollution), and diseases. You must have noticed the turnover - month-over-month on your end; if not please check with Chitragupta. Life has been difficult for many people - sustenance is no more an option. We as a generation are letting down the future. Well, that's not why this post is about. If Chuchu was around, I would have had fun poking him with politics back home.

Shruthi has made - apparently - a favourtie of Chuchu called Bambai lakidi a.k.a Kalakala. I never knew that. It is Praneetha's favourite though. We are planning to make cabbage pakkoda, tomorrow, in his remembrance.

Food had always been a central part in Chuchu's life. This, even though he doesn't eat much than a handful as his meal. Even during our lowest times, financially, he always indulged us with some great food. He always used to say, "எதுக்கு டா வாழரோம், எதுக்கு டா சம்பாதுக்கரோம்? எல்லாம் நல்லா சாப்பிடரதுக்கு தான்." Loosely translates to "Why does one live, why does one earn? To eat well." Probably, that is why I am a foodie? And my tongue is insatiable? Hard to tell how much of an influence he was - on many. For instance, Praneetha remembers the bread sandwich from outside Alsa Mall, Egmore - the street-side food cart. It was one of our favourties back then. Or the boiled groundnut with carrots, onions and coriander - mixed with spices. Not to forget our first introduction to Pizza or Burger! Alsa Mall was the happening place - at least to our knowledge. Wimpy's opened up right beside his office, and he brought home those delicious juice veggie burgers. Yes, veggie burger was a thing - or at least he was made to believe that he got us veggie burgers. His earnings were meager - and did not allow him to afford those food, but that's what he is - a sucker for his sister's offspring and good food.

Not a week would pass without him muttering to his sister asking something that satiates his tongue, "நளினி... அந்த மீதி இருக்குற அடை மாவுல கொஞ்சம் முட்டகோச போட்டு தரியா?" --> "Nalini, can you add cabbage to the batter and make adai?" Or his liking to ice creams - that he finishes it with hot water?

When he was with me/us in the States or Canada, I/we, more often than not, ensured that he always got what he likes to eat. The umpteen number of french fries from McD or Cajun fries from Arby's. Reheated food from Olive Garden. Qodoba rasam saadham. Niagara wine tasting (:-D). A great south Indian (Udupi) meal after our day at Disney. Warraich Panneer tikka. On a cold August night, a great north Indian paruppu saadham outside Niagara falls. Or carrying the InstaPot along wherever we traveled. Or the restaurant in Melkote - Ganesh - that served some delicious sweet pongal/puligore. The list is endless.

After all, he was from a family (both side ancestors) that gave more importance to food than themselves. And ... he passed/brushed it on to us with fervour.

Hey maams! I hope your feast everyday is more than a handful and you are eating non-veg too. This is your time and chance to explore all you can - and that too it is going be an endless free life and food there.

BTW, did you catch the glimpse of Chandrayan 3 landing? We did. We watched it live Shruthi's home - as we were there for Adhiyan's 2nd birthday.