So, last week, my mom went to my hometown, and my dad and I were on our own.
I was responsible for cooking, something I hate with my guts.
Why?
Because I have seen Indian moms, sisters, and wives taken for granted.
Every day, they spend a chunk of their time feeding us, and they don’t get a thanks in return.
They are seen as some kind of genie to whom you can order what you want to eat.
Nobody tells them, “Don’t cook today, let’s order.”
This is why I hate cooking.
Coming back to the topic.
Before she went, I discussed my entire plan with her.
I said, “You will be gone for 4 days, and I am not cooking for four days straight. I will cook for three and order on the fourth.”
She said, “Okay, fair enough” and added, “Whatever you make, make it with love.”
The next day, I decided to make aloo-paratha for lunch.
I called three people who make delicious aloo-parathas and decided that whoever’s recipe is easy to make, I will go with that one.
My Mom – Her aloo parathas are so soft and perfect.
My Grandma – She is the most experienced one, and her aloo parathas are to die for.
My Sister – She is a cooking prodigy.
But the confusion tripled.
Each of their recipes was different.
So, in the end, I combined all the directions they gave and did things my way.
The result: My dad gave it 7 out of 10 points. He said the taste is good, but the flour is too much in comparison with the potatoes. He said, “Good try, beta.”
I realized after this stint that all three of them, my mom, grandma, sister, they have been cooking for ages.
They can give me guidance but not experience.
My aloo-parathas won’t just magically start tasting good. I will have to put in repeated efforts to make them smooth, soft, crisp, and tasty.
Same goes with writing.
Basics help, but excellence takes time.
Books and mentors can give you guidance, but practice truly matters.
You have to do it consistently. You have to do it relentlessly.
And with love.
One day, your writing will melt hearts and make them think.
Until then keep writing and maybe start to learn cooking for yourself.
Toodaloo
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