The Home Chefs

 

Parul’s family couldn’t fathom her fretting about a situation that should not and did not involve her.

“Is it interfering with your job?” asked her husband.

Parul snapped back, “I don’t expect any one of you to understand but her family is the limit as they have turned a blind eye to the old lady’s affairs.”

“Is she carrying on with that man,” piped in Manju’s daughter.

“Mind your language. Remember Didi is much older than you.”

“Come on Ma. Where do you think the television shows get their story lines?”

Lost for words Parul stomped out of the room.

 The person causing such anxiety was Parul’s dignified elderly employer Manju Sen, the experienced, wise householder who had transformed her from a novice house maid to an accomplished cook.

The Sens were one of the oldest residents in this quiet middle class neighborhood and Manju was not only much loved but respected. Now it would all change, the family would lose its standing and good name because of this upstart Mr. Dey who had stealthily bought his way in to Manju’s heart. He had found an easy entry with his ever ready smile and ubiquitous lap top while he guided and traced her fingers on the keyboard. Manju giggled and joked and escorted by Mr. Dey was   away from home at unknown destinations.

 Outings with Mr. Dey took precedence over routine appointments like lunches for her bridge playing friends, her social work clubs and other visits. Parul not only missed her employer’s presence, her daily interactions but above all she was genuinely worried that Manju Sen was hurtling towards her doom. It was frustrating that after all these years of hero worshipping to see somebody behaving so foolishly.

Could she broach this problem with the family? Manju’s son and daughter in law were a fleeting presence during Parul’s working hours. The couple was forever in perpetual motion running to meet schedules. The only other person was Manju’s grandson Monty who was equally challenging to meet unless he wanted a snack.

  Monty was not only young but the most pampered of Manju’s grandsons and might not be the appropriate choice to voice her concerns.

Indecision wouldn’t solve matters but she would try her luck with the junior most in the family.  Parul approached Monty, balancing a plate of freshly fried chips and steaming cups of coffee. His girlfriend Tanya was as usual draped elegantly in her favorite armchair and remarked, “Your radar is fine tuned to Monty’s stomach.”

Deciding that she wouldn’t be riled, Parul looked Monty in the eye, “Have you noticed that Didi isn’t around during the day?”

“Must be busy playing cards, chatting or visiting? Do you personally need to speak to Didi? I could call her up if there is a kitchen crisis?”

 “I don’t know where to begin but Mr. Dey has been coming almost every day and then there’s the business with the computer and lot of laughing and teasing.  Both of them are out for the day and often not even home for lunch. Her head has been turned by that glib talker.

If it continues like this I may have to hand in my notice. Soon we will be the talk of the town.”

Monty as usual was nonchalant about Parul’s concern, “May be Didi is bored of all these ancient kitties that party and gossip.

 The old lady is too savvy to let anybody take her for a ride. In all these years I haven’t succeeded in pulling the wool over her eyes. She is often the first one to catch me out but also may be the only one who can see through me.

 Good things don’t last for long. When you are together you are either disagreeing or complaining. Just relax and be happy that for the time being you are in full control of the kitchen.”

 Monty was dismissive and paid scant attention to Parul’s words. It was so typical of Monty not to even give her a careful hearing. Though Tanya recognized Parul’s anxieties and told her, “If it is bothering you so much then speak to Monty’s mother. Hope fully she might find a solution.”

  The only person left to appeal was Manju’s daughter in law Rita. The topic might be delicate but necessary given that not only the family but more so Manju’s reputation was at stake.  Parul mustered courage and resolved to speak her mind. But as she handed Rita her morning cup of tea she could not find the right words to express the situation.

 “I have something to say….”

  “What is it?  You can’t get another loan. You just got one last month?”

“No uh not money…”

 Weekday mornings weren’t meant for slow moving conversation, “If it is leave you better clear it with Ma. She is the one who runs the home. I’m already running late.”

Rita’s parting words clearly indicated that the discussion was over for the time being. May be Parul’s family was right and she should stop getting so worked up.

The next few days saw Manju busier than usual while Parul was being driven crazier by Mr.Dey’s prolonged presence. So it was totally unforeseen when Manju instructed Parul, “Tomorrow I need you to accompany me. Please be neatly dressed and inform your family that you will be staying back for the night.

 I know it is at short notice but no excuses as it is important that you are here.”

All this went over Parul’s head so she asked, “Are we going out of town?  I don’t know if my husband will agree.”

 Manju was in no mood for explanations and was explicit and unlike her usual self said tersely, “Don’t be late. We will leave by ten thirty in the morning.”

 

“It’ll be impossible to finish all the cooking.”

“Leave everything to me. Follow my instructions and that will be enough.”

Next morning Mr. Dey transported them in his car through city streets unknown to Parul until he pulled up in front of a well maintained building. Instead of entering through the highly polished main doors they turned in to a yard that led to the rear of the house. As Mr. Dey held open the door for the two women, Parul caught a glimpse of people working in a well-appointed kitchen. 

Before she could pose any questions, Manju beckoned her to one corner.” You will only fry the starters but you will observe how the rest of the cooking is done. There are people who will help with the ingredients for your dish. The prep has already be done and remember to maintain oil temperature and don’t over fry.

Keep in mind all that you have learnt and concentrate on the task at hand.”

Manju walked away while Parul stood dazed, clueless about the occasion or the guests. The orders had been precise but Parul didn’t know why she should be cooking when there was an entire array of people who were busy at the stoves and counters. She knew better than to get in the way of the waiters and the cooks but noted that she had still a lot to learn. She found opportune moments to find out more about ingredients and cooking techniques.

The menu wasn’t too elaborate and was like those served at a family lunch. Parul noticed that almost all the traditional dishes had been given a slightly different twist.

At last Manju appeared with a smiling face. She thanked everybody,” All of you did a splendid job and our guests appreciated the meal you cooked.”

She turned around and held Parul’s hands, “Unlike the others here, I didn’t discuss or prepare you for the task. All these years in the kitchen have paid off and not gone in vain.”

As they drove home, Parul burst out, “I know I shouldn’t be speaking like this but Mr. Dey should be more respectful and particular in the company of older ladies.”

Manju laughed out loudly, “You were upset yet no body in the family even noticed him. He showed me a new direction, one that could benefit you and me and hopefully may continue to do so in the future.”

Parul was more puzzled than curious as Manju continued, “Mr.Dey’s nephew runs a restaurant and has been on the lookout for people who could cook for small exclusive groups.

Mr. Dey had sampled our cooking and gone through some of my recipes.  He suggested that his nephew could use our services for a pop up meal.

The past few weeks have been spent in meeting and discussing with others on how to make this project successful. I have cooked for the family but have no commercial experience. It was Mr. Dey and his nephew who were helpful with much needed advice on details regarding catering on a different level.

The experiment has been worth my trouble as the guests enjoyed the meal. If you gave me a hand then you could easily be a part of these events.  On some days there would be longer hours and heavier workload but extra staff will be available. It would give you the opportunity to expand your skills and earn extra cash.

You don’t have to respond immediately. Both of us have to consult our families, think of the terms and conditions and then finalize the details.”  

The day’s events had been strange and out of the ordinary but it had started the ball rolling towards a brighter future or what Rita would have termed a “career”. Generally not at a loss for words Parul found her eyes tearing and a hard lump in her throat and could just about say, “Catering companies have names. Will our company have a name?”

Manju Sen looked fondly at Parul, “Your thoughts travel at lightning speed. You had no idea of what the day held but in a few hours you are ready to run a business.  You have the makings of an entrepreneur. Does The Home Chefs sound like a good name?”