The Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to Chennai was swift and smooth. It was the first time I was travelling to the city in two years. As the flight zoomed towards the runway, even the dirty Coovum river kindled fond memories in my heart. I was going to be in the city for just seven hours. I had to take the 4 O’clock flight back to Mumbai. My hubby and son would be waiting for me.

I hadn’t eaten since morning. Except for a toast and a cup of tea, I had nothing. Being a business- class flier, the air-hostess tried to entice me with multi-varied choices. I refused though my stomach was growling in hunger.

I reached sharp on time for the audit meeting at the head office at T.Nagar. The meeting got over at the perfect time when lunch could be served. The whole team headed for the lunch room. Huge steaming bowls of Chicken Biriyani, Fish Kebabs and Mutton Kheema masala, along with chilled Phirni awaited us. My stomach growled. I was dizzy with hunger. It was the most agonizing half-hour of my life as I went around making small talk and cooking up excuses for missing the meal.

As soon as the team had wined, dined and relaxed, I excused myself and took an autorickshaw from T.Nagar to Nungambakkam. The traffic was infuriating. I sat biting my nails and cursing all the vehicles that were slowing me down. Finally, we reached.

The huge iron gates were open. The salwaar-kameez-clad girls of yesteryears were replaced by ones in denims and tshirts. I barely glanced at them. I rushed towards the back of the building. The place had changed. There were shining new metal tables and chairs. The place had widened and was more lively with wall-art, bright lights and fans that actually blew air. Despite all these changes, one thing remained the same—the aroma of Uncle’s Sambhar rice.

“Uncle, remember me?” I asked.

He looked at me and screwed his eyes. “Two plates sambhar rice,” he said.

“…with extra appalam,” I said and burst out laughing.

“Coming up!” He said.