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Deshpande Ajji’s Pickles

Kamalika Chattopadhyay

In the small society at Shivaji Park, Meera loved Deshpande Ajji the most. Not just because she told the best stories but because her kitchen was a magical place.

Ajji made pickles that could made a bad day turn good. Mango, lemon, tamarind- each pickle jar sparkled in the sunlight on her kitchen windowsill. Why the spark? Deshpande Ajji always added a pinch of love along with her spices.

That summer, Meera, as usual came to spend her holidays with her grandparents. The moment she reached, she ran to Deshpande Ajji's flat. The delicious tangy smell made of the pickles made her mouth water.

"Ajji, can I help you make pickles?" asked Meera eagerly.

"Of course," laughed Ajji. "Remember to have nice thoughts in your mind - happy minds make tasty pickles!"

So Meera and Deshpande Ajji together chopped the mangoes, measured spices, and giggled when the mustard seeds popped like tiny firecrackers in the pan.

A week later, the pickles were ready. Deshpande Ajji packed it in small jars for all the neighbourhood kids.

Word spread fast "Mango picked are ready". All the kids rushed to Deshpande Ajji's flat and came back not only with a pickle jar but also a handmade paper plane - special gift from Deshpande Ajja.

Years passed by. Meera grew up. Deshpande Ajji became older - but the kitchen still sparkles with pickled packed with love. How? The entire society comes to help her. That's how they continue to bond and be happy - one pickle bottle at a time.