“What are you preparing for us?” I asked Srijanni as she headed into the kitchen hurriedly.

She is married recently and this is the first time me and Gangdharam casually visited her. As I followed her into the kitchen, I could smell a fresh aroma that felt familiar.

“What are you preparing, Srijanani? What is this zesty aroma?”I asked again curiously.

“Taste it for yourself”, she said, placing a little on my palm.

“Dabbakaya Karam podi?!!” I looked surprised.

This was my grandmother’s authentic recipe that we enjoyed with dosa, idly, rice and upma almost everyday at home when prepared. It’s been years since I had it and it revived memories of my childhood vividly.

“Did you like it, Amma?”, she asked innocently.

“I love it, Srijanani. Tangy, spicy and aromatic - perfect”, I said, relishing those old moments.

“I shall pack a bottle for you”, she said, preparing lunch for us.