Gangadharam is a super fan of Garlic. His favourite indulgence was munching the Garlic pods in Vellulli Avakaya with Mamidikaya Pappu (mango dal).

Such was his love for garlic that my mother reduced the quantity of normal Avakaya and increased Vellulli Avakaya whenever she sent pickles to us. My father made it a point to fetch high-quality Garlic for the pickle from Vijayawada.

"So much for the son-in-law?", I used to tease him. He enjoyed the attention but definitely lesser than the taste of Vellulli Avakaya.

"You try Vellulli Avakaya, my mother-in-law prepares it very well. And you know, Garlic is very good for your heart", was his standard pitch to any guest to our house. There were times when he repeated the same pitch to the same person more than once and was duly made fun of.

But that didn't deter him at all.