It feels strange to even write this in the past tense. I am a below-average cook. I say that without hesitation. The curries I make taste good not because of my skill, but because of a secret ingredient — a special chilli powder. But this wasn’t just any chilli powder. It was formulated by my father-in-law. Ground in his own mill. Packed in his own shop. Made with precision, patience, and pride. Traditional South Indian Kulambu milagai podi, but to me, it was simply mama’s masala . After I got married, I never worried about buying chilli powder from outside. All I had to do was make one phone call. “Mama, milagai podi venum…” And he would prepare it fresh for me. My brother-in-law Suresh would carefully pack and courier it. If someone travelled from Cuddalore to Mangalore or Chennai, I would request them to bring a packet. It travelled across cities with me like a silent family member. I must thank my father-in-law for this — whether I learned cooking or not, his masala n...
Based on my daily experience with my four-year-old daughter... Daily Chaos Honestly, I wish knives became blunt the moment tiny hands touched them. I wish lipstick and nail polish would instantly dry up if kids picked them up. I wish the handwash dispenser allowed exactly one pump—no more, no less. I wish bathrooms were extremely inviting only until bath time was done, and then immediately stopped being interesting. And once they stepped out of the bath, I wish kids magically came out dry , especially the long, dense hair they absolutely refuse to dry, because patience is clearly optional at that age. Very Important Invention A device that tells me the exact time my child will need to use the bathroom. I could plan my entire day around it. Productivity would skyrocket. An I nvisible-to-Kids Rack A rack where chocolates, snacks, juices, and junk food are clearly visible to adults but completely invisible to toddlers. Because no matter where I store these things, they somehow g...