karahi chicken

A Slice of Summer, A Dash of Inspiration

Growing up in Pune, summer vacations meant one thing—absolute freedom. No school alarms, no rigid routines, just pure, unfiltered joy. Our days were filled with tavalki—a word that perfectly captured our carefree monkeying around with friends in the society. Raw mangoes, juicy mangoes, sun-kissed afternoons, and endless games. No Netflix, no gadgets, yet our world felt larger than life.

Fast forward to today, and though life has changed, some things remain blissfully the same. Weekends, long weekends, summer breaks—now with my husband—still bring that same childlike excitement. A slower pace, a chance to soak in the warmth of the season, and of course, the pleasure of good food.

The grills have been waiting, the backyard is calling, but we’ve been indulging in our fair share of laziness. And why not? Some weekends are meant for elaborate feasts, while others are about simple, soulful meals. This time, it was Karahi Chicken and Sheermal. No fancy frills, just bold flavors, a touch of spice, and the slightly sweet, rich embrace of Sheermal—a dish that’s heavy enough to be called a breakfast superstar.

And while we were relishing every bite, I found myself reflecting on something deeper. We all have dreams, passions, things we love doing. Watching the Bengali movie Boudi Canteen recently made me appreciate this even more. It’s about pursuing what makes you happy, despite the odds. The protagonist—a homemaker, a teacher, a food lover—wants to turn her love for cooking into something bigger, something meaningful. And isn’t that what life is about? Chasing what sets your soul on fire, no matter where you are in life?

So, to all the beautiful souls out there—this is your reminder. Whether it’s a backyard barbecue, a forgotten passion, or an unexplored hobby, take a step toward what makes you truly happy. Life isn’t about rushing to the next thing; it’s about savoring the now.

Here’s to a gorgeous rest of the week—eat well, dream big, and most importantly, do what makes you happy! ❤️