Mangoes. As far as I remember, has been the favorite. More so because of its exclusivity to Summer and the nostalgia it brings when eaten.
Hamesha.
Even as kids, the anticipation of the fruit was one of the highlights of Summer. I can still recall Dada reminding us of its price per kilo at the dinner. And of course, the rotatory policy of, “Who’ll get the Tenkaa today?” Tenkaa is the ghutli or seed of the mango and being the biggest slice of it, was usually in demand.
And eating the sweet mangoes, was not the only good thing about it. The variety of chutneys and murrabbas that Dadi made and the elaborate achaar preparation out of raw mangoes is still fresh in my memory.
Guess, I’m still not old enough.
Ammi usually had to struggle in ensuring that I eat lunch. But with these, her job was easier. At least till the stocks lasted.
When our month-long summer vacations ensued at Nanijans’, we-the VVIPs, had those small mangoes at plenty and Nanijans’ Gudamma was quite a big deal!
If you’re getting confused with the names. Apologies. I’m pretty sure, you must have eaten these dishes at home but with some other names.
Beherhaal!
Aah! Don’t you miss that time when the Dadis and Nanis of the world pampered you? And your siblings. Although, I’d like to think, I was pampered more.
My Frooty-stories are the stuff of legends.
Childhood was amazing because of grandparents. Even these memories attached to Mango is characteristic of that emotion.
It was a simpler time!
While mangoes might last a few more days, the memories will last longer!
