"Our ancestors knew that marination is the only way they could preserve certain fruits for a long time", Murthy sir was speaking about food and culture in our 6th standard social studies class.

"Take the lemon, for example; they are marinated so that they could be used any time of the year", he continued.

I was lost by then; I began to imagine myself enjoying the fabulous taste of Nimmakaya pickle with curd rice. Summer afternoons are filled with amazing stories from amma while she used to feed us, siblings, with that amazing combination. She used to say, it would cool our tummies.

While the taste was playing through my mind, I began to feel the fresh 'aroma' from around the corner! For a second, I felt my imagination was getting too good as I could smell the pickle.
Amazed at my newfound ability, I came out of my imagination to share it with Pannagaveni, my bench mate. But what I saw got me into my senses, quite literally.
Pannagaveni, probably, felt there was no value in investing time in imagination when there is a chance of indulgence. She was blissfully enjoying curd rice with Nimmakaya pickle from her lunch box while watchfully listening to Murthy garu!

Though I felt cheated, I did not waste time cribbing about that and joined Pannagaveni without a second thought.