The Fish and the Maid

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The juxtaposition of these two terms is deeply evocative to me. While one is an aquatic animal that is also served as a dish, the other is a person. And the unique connection between the two has a story to tell and takes me back to the land where they belong.


Scenario 1: 


Well, this was about 25 years ago. I am on an airplane flying back to my native (Kerala, India) after spending my summer vacation with my family who lived abroad at the time. It was a usual journey until monsoon rains cast their watery spell across our route and we were forced to take an unexpected detour to the island of Sri Lanka. I found myself in an unfamiliar land in a very unplanned situation. The pilot informed us that we would have to spend the night in Colombo. I don't recollect what I would have felt as a 12-year-old in a strange land without her family beside her. But, the upside was I was travelling with one of our family friends and they took good care of me.


We were accommodated in a hotel and if my memory serves me right, it was a beach hotel. The unexpected turn of events was a bit daunting and we were all tired and hungry. Dinner was served at the restaurant overlooking the sea. On my table was served a large platter of steamed fish and boiled vegetables. The fish lay motionless and emotionless with its eyes wide open in all its “true colours” amidst a garland of veggies all in their natural self, boiled or steamed a bit to preserve all nutrients, I suppose. There was no hint of any spices as the chef might have decided to display the ocean's briny essence in the fish and the earthiness of the land in the vegetables.


The simplicity of the meal was deeply unsatisfying for me. I was shocked and gradually realised that it was not at all worth the wait! I must have wanted to howl but I politely disowned my plate. The only thing I remember eating was a few boiled potato fingers. The ambience of the restaurant nor the beach vibes could elevate my mood. 


I only remember retreating to my room and the next day we boarded the plane for our return. The rain-soaked landscape of Sri Lanka had bid us farewell, and we were on our way back to Kerala. As we settled in our seats, the airline staff came around with some parting goodies. And I got a plush airplane toy, which I have saved to this day.


Scenario 2:


Present day. I am at home and my maid has come to work. She gives me immense peace and all the respect and dignity I deserve. I feel heard around her. Just a few instructions, and she sets off to do her work. She occasionally talks about her native country and that they eat fish all day in her village. I could not muster the courage until now to delve into the intricacies of her cooking and ask her what spices she uses in her delicacies.


She talks about how it rains the year around in her country. It takes me back to the rain-drenched tarmac reflecting the shimmering airport lights in Sri Lanka. Due to nature's intervention that day, I had the opportunity to visit another country and indulge in its cuisine for a night. Indeed, the most memorable adventures are the ones that veer off the expected path.


While well-laid plans have their place, it's often the detours and unplanned trips that leave the most indelible marks on our hearts and minds. These experiences bring vibrancy to our journey, infusing it with excitement, spontaneity, and a sense of wonder.


Note: My maid and I have a shared passion for rain but do we have a shared passion for food? I doubt it.

Comments

  1. Anonymous19 February 2024 at 23:51

    Keep on writing..

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous24 February 2024 at 07:25

    Beautifully well written. And will make the readers indulge along the way into your story

    ReplyDelete

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