Volume - 1 Issue -1 February 2025
The Eagle
and the Sweet Surprise
I love
jaggery, but I get to relish it only on special occasions. My mom’s
jaggery-based dishes are nothing short of magic, and I admire her cooking
deeply.
It was
August—the month when Hindu festivals begin. One morning, I woke up at 7:30 AM
to an unusual silence. To my surprise, my mother was not at home. Instead, I
saw our housemaid rushing through her chores, sweeping quickly as if she were
racing against time. My sister was busy chopping vegetables, and my father was
meticulously cleaning the prayer room.
Confused,
I asked, “Dad, where’s Mom?”
To my
surprise, there was no verbal reply—just a gentle smile. That’s when I sensed
that today was different.
Despite
my dislike for bathing every day, I knew I had no choice today. Reluctantly, I
dragged myself to the bathroom. Oh, my God!
By the
time I returned, something caught my attention—the familiar, irresistible aroma
of jaggery. My mother was in the kitchen, working with intense focus. The lunch
menu was far from the usual; jaggery was the star ingredient! My mouth watered
at the sight.
Curious,
I turned to my sister. “What’s special today?”
With a
teasing smile, she replied, “Mom’s cooking with jaggery. You have a
surprise, ha-ha!”
Again,
suspense! I wanted to ask Mom, but she was busy chanting slokas, lost in
devotion. My eyes darted towards the kitchen counter, where an array of jaggery
dishes awaited me. My stomach growled in anticipation.
"What
if I just sneak a bite?" I thought mischievously. But my mind warned me—"No!
Don’t break the rules!"
Adding
to my dilemma, it was a no-breakfast day. My hunger intensified.
Finally,
the awaited moment arrived. Mom called everyone to gather. Excited, I rang the
traditional prayer bell, feeling a sense of joy. My sister, her hands full of
fragrant flowers, showered them playfully over me. My brother—oh, my sweet
brother—stood smiling. How lucky I was to have him!
Then
came the real surprise—Mom handed me a plate filled with delectable sweets and
dishes made from jaggery. My heart swelled with happiness, but I still couldn’t
figure out the occasion.
Just then, my parents pinched
my cheeks gently—a gesture of pure love. My mom looked into my eyes and said,
“As
a brother, you should have the strength of an eagle to protect and support your
sister for life.”
Her
words sent shivers down my spine. I turned to my sister, hugged her tightly,
and promised to stand by her always.
In
that moment, I felt like an eagle soaring high, proud and free.
And
finally, the eagle in me feasted on the jaggery delights!
Author: APARNA G
Perungulathur, Chennai
-63
Mail ID: aparnag171290@gmail.com
~~~~~
