My in-laws came to visit us for the first time in our new house few months back. I was meeting them after a long time,so I was very happy. Every day I used to cook something delicious and new for them. My mom-in-law was not only impressed,she wanted to learn those recipes too. She wanted to help me,but I spared her from working in the kitchen. Whole life she worked a lot for the family,now it's time for her to relax, especially when I was around. Others were appreciating,but she became restless after a few days.
She started complaining. "Bahu,why don't you give me some work? I am habituated to handle all household chores,now if I sit and eat,I feel guilty." Well,a good gesture indeed! I didn't need help,but to keep her happy I started giving her small works,like kneading a dough or chopping vegetables. She was fast and efficient,working all these years gave her the accuracy that amazed me. One day I asked her,"mom, do you want to prepare something special for your son? Something which he loved to eat when he was a boy?" Mom squinted and tried to remember,then declared, "well,seeing his protruding tummy I don't feel like making anything for him,but when you are saying,it's a good idea. Let's make some sweet rice,he loved it in school days." All ingredients were easily available,we planned to prepare it next morning and give him a surprise.
Next morning,after taking bath,we started our "Mission Sweet rice". We gathers all ingredients around. Now mom said, "Beta,wash the rice and keep it soaked for few minutes,by that time let the milk boil on the oven." I performed as told,washed the rice,and soaked in water;pour the milk in a deep bottomed vessel and allowed it to boil on fire. Next,she advised, "Put some crushed cardamom in the milk,for flavor. Now add the rice and let the whole thing boil". Saying that she went to the living room and started watching TV. I added the cardamom powder and rice in the boiling milk and sat there keeping an eye on that container,in case that spills. I had to mix the thing with a ladle also in case it sticks to the bottom. Time to time,she called out for me, "Bahu,is the rice prepared?" "No mamma,we have to wait........." was my reply. Till now she didn't even touch the container for once also. That seemed funny to me,but I waited to see what she does next.
When I informed her that rice is cooked totally,she hurried into the kitchen. I was waiting for her to perform the most crucial part of it,adding jaggery, which we call "Nolen Gur" in Kolkata. If the quantity is not accurate,the whole taste will be spoiled. But she preferred me to do that. After this,I had to add milkmaid and Raisins also. She stood silently and watched from a distance. Dad in-law was in his room,reading a book,he didn't know what we were doing. She asked me to leave it for one hour after it got prepared. Then she again asked me to place it into the fridge. She also asked me not to tell my hubby,as it will be a surprise for him.
When hubby came in the evening,I served him the sweet rice as evening snack. He was happy to see it. Then I told him,"Mamma prepared this especially for you." A startled look crossed his face,"Mamma prepared? after all these years? What came to her? "
I was confused seeing that look,"why are you saying so?"
"Because I have not seen her cooking Sweet rice even once in my life. She believes that she's jinxed to do that.As I love to eat this,it's dad who always prepared this for me."
Continued....
