So much activity had made me awfully hungry and since we had finished the Maggi and eggs over dinner, I knew I had to forage for food. In my own house. Oh yeah the joys of bachelorhood. I opened a packet of snacks called 'Hippo' and kept staring at the picture of the animal on the cover as it stared back at me. Musta been Hippo food as it did not go down very well with me. I proceeded on to look for something else. I was despairingly looking at the bottle of Teacher's that I had tucked away in one corner of the counter when my eyes fell on the little blue plastic box that I use to keep cakes in. Yes!
The same cakes my mother makes and sends with me from Hyderabad, the same cakes that my flat-mates and I enjoy so thoroughly and keep away from visitors. Egg-less as I had mistakenly told Ma that Varun (my roomie) is a 'pure' vegetarian. I saw through the translucent case that something was actually inside! I was quite surprised, pleasantly if I may add, as I had last brought a cake with me almost a month back, actually, longer still. It must have escaped Varun's voracious sense of smell, Akhil's ability to finish a cake in one sitting and Abhijeet's amazing appetite.
I saw it as a sign from God, one to make me realize how important Ma still is in my life even though I am on my own now (apart from three 29 year olds babysitting me). I felt a wave of emotion sweep over me. I opened the box, tore off a considerable chunk with my bare hands and shoved it into my mouth in one motion. I then closed my eyes to enjoy this little piece of home.
I chewed in to taste the raisins, still moist and fresh as Ma had soaked them in Rum (I think). 'Ammmm' I said in my mind and looked down towards the rest of my precious cake.
Thats when I saw the maggots. So many of them that you would wonder how they could fit into that tiny piece. They had obviously been disturbed and were not comfortable at all. Some had lost a part of their family due to this sudden attack on their 'home'. I then realised I had too many raisins in my mouth compared to how much Ma normally adds.
I looked down at the rest of them and kept chewing. Mind numb, eyes blank, I just kept chewing, for 5 minutes I think. I then gulped it down and quietly walked out of the kitchen, after closing the box and returning it to its place.
Unbelievable how such a small piece of cake can quell one's appetite. In fact, I am sleepy already. And I cannot wait to eat the next fruit cake that comes my way.
It always appeared funny to me how Baba would finish a cake as soon as possible once it had been baked. 'Eat it fresh' he says. Such is his insistence that he offers the cake to anyone who cares to eat it. 'Not quite the same a few days later' he says. Well Baba, what do you know? I thought this one tasted as fresh as ever, even the dry fruits.
Thought for the day :
Does a de-ranged psycho mean a normal person?
