'Meethi Lassi'

For years, they sounded synonymous. Gawalmandi and ‘Meethi Lassi’. The very thought, ring or just the buzz of the word in my mind would make me drool_ A learned behaviour associating the drink with its best perceived source that triggered an instantaneous mouth watering reaction. (Rings a bell. Reminds me of an experiment and a task ably achieved by an accomplished scientist centuries ago to prove his point, but it was neither lassi as a motivator nor curious human beings as his samples that ended up in common resulting denominator)

Barring that discussion, the phenomenon continued implicitly and would have carried on indefinitely had it not been for this morning. Thanks to my ‘khala’ again who proved kind enough to have arranged a sort of family get together at her place for some inconceivable stupid happening. Anyways! The home made ‘meethi lassi’ served with the brunch, both supplementing and complementing delicious halwa puree, was mind-blowing to the extent that it seriously jolted the vanity and the framework of my rigid assumptions underpinning the predefined notion. The fleeting moment was enough to instill the realization that there unexpectedly had cropped up a stern challenger posing threat to the formidable monopoly enjoyed by Gawalmandi in the particular niche or domain.

While it seems to have been amicably or rather benignly settled, there is a lot to devour in life. Let’s not forget the soaring mercury levels and sweltering heat. What invariably accompanies this scorching spell is the supply of heaps of fresh pulpy mangoes and an equally intense craving. With plenty of season to follow and people and friends firmly placed in Multan and Muzaffargarh, a few selfless and others expecting some favours, with a bit of optimism, there is ample evidence to forecast a delivery of at least a few crates of juicy mangoes in short to medium term. The day they are going to land at my doorstep and I am able to lay my hands on them, all indicators, probabilities, temptations and routes will point towards canal bank, mangoes and ‘kuchee lassi.’

See you there. Pretty soon!!!!