The Tiffin Tales
"Hey buddy, I got Roti Rolls today. What have you got?" Pari asked, full of excitement. I was unaware of the contents of my tiffin box, as I was sure Ma would give me something nice. So I shrugged my shoulders and told Pari, "Surprise." Pari smiled, her eyes twinkling with anticipation. I am sure by now she was deeply investing her imagination about the probable content of my tiffin box. The classes had just begun and at least 3 periods were left for the lunch break. Pari had a special liking for my Ma's home-cooked food. When it came to novelties in snack recipes, my Ma was very experimental. And most of the time, the experiments were super-successful. So, I got to taste yummy macaroni, mouth-watering Hakka Noodles, Shahi Paneer Sandwiches and super delicious Egg Biriyanis, all in my tiffin box. Most of my friends, including Pari were aware of that. They waited eagerly for the lunch break and gathered near me with ample of curiosity and enthusiasm.
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This time too I was confident, that Ma had prepared something special for sure. In the morning I saw her holding the packet of macaroni, so it might be some creamy goodness with spiced mushrooms and mushy peas. The classes went by and in between the periods, Pari insisted that I should open the tiffin box to get a glimpse of today's special. But the confident me was stubborn, and instead started preaching about the virtue of patience. Annoyed, she went back to her bench and made menacing faces at me, while the proud me, was almost supercilious about the amount of anticipation I was able to create in my friend around a small tiffin box. Because at the end of the day, it was the confidence I had about the contents of that box and my Ma's experimental dishes.
Finally, the moment arrived. I reached for the tiffin box, and Pari came running to my bench holding hers. She opened her box and there were 4 Roti Rolls inside. I smiled from the corner of my lips,almost dismissing it, thinking how boring, now see mine. I opened my tiffin box, with pride and curiosity shining from my eyes. Pari could not hold her breath and as soon as I opened the box, there was an" Ewwww" that came out of her mouth -disappointed & disapproving. For lying there, innocently were 4 Roti Rolls.
"Mummy, what's for tiffin today?" asked my 9-year-old. Smiling with a little amusement, I said rolling my eyes, "Surprise!!", while handing her school bag.
The saga continues...
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This post sure took me down memory lane. Tiffin and tiffin boxes is a huge part of school and growing up.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the post. Thanks for reading.
DeleteThis story beautifully captures the anticipation and excitement that only a lunch break filled with surprises from home can bring. There's a heartwarming connection here, both with the friends and the love that goes into those tiffin-box treats. Makes me nostalgic! 🍱💖
ReplyDeleteHappy to know it could make you nostalgic. Thanks for reading.
DeleteI never had to share my tiffin box, because in my boarding school there was no lunch at lunch break. Those who had pocket money could buy snacks, rest of us had to grin and bear the hunger pangs. I hear my daughter shares her lunch box. I don't know how many of her friends exclaim "eww!". My daughter has not complained yet. But roti roles that wrap an omelette or a sausage or even a paneer are a delight. Who can Dislike it?
ReplyDeleteI wish we had the power to control another person's actions and reactions and to converts every "ewwws" to "wows". Thanks for sharing tit-bits about your and your daughter's tiffin tales and thanks for reading my post.
DeleteI remember my roti and sabji lunch box, later it was bun and butter. I guess, we can only thank the good times when they are long gone. I like your sweet story of roti rolls and children sharing lunch boxes. I don't think I ever did that.
ReplyDeleteBonding over tiffin box- one of the best memories of childhood.
Deletehaha...we know the problems our mummas face only when we become one. And certainly the saga continues and will in future too. this is so relatable.
ReplyDeleteYes, every morning is a test for us. Thanks for reading.
DeleteThis was such a cute tale. There were times, we polished off one lunch box during the mini break much ahead of the lunch break!
ReplyDeleteHaha, thanks for liking. Childhood memories are always pleasant.
DeleteOh Dear, You wrote about something which makes me think every day and even at this moment ... Kal bete ko tiffin ma kya dena ha? I am fedup of planning for the tiffin little every day and see the mommy of the protagonist - Kitni achi ha woh roz naya naya bana ka deti ha.... mera kya hoga Reubenna .... The story is a cute one and I just loved it as I have a special fascination towords kids tale.
ReplyDeleteHaha glad you could relate. Thanks for reading.
DeleteNostalgia peaks! I love such tales of childhood brimming with innocent frankness. The "eww" would've most likely changed to "wow" once the kids took a bite of the delicious roti rolls. I was drooling while reading your tale, Reubenna.
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking it. No matter what the tiffin is, the joy of sharing is the most important factor here.
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ReplyDeleteThis story is delightful and relatable, blending humor and nostalgia beautifully. The suspense around the tiffin and the heartwarming twist at the end make it a charming read!
Thanks for liking it.
Deletehahaha, so cute and nostalgic.. there's also a lesson in there to not gloat about one's achievements before time ... btw, this saga of tiffin tales will continue for many generations I feel
ReplyDeleteLoved it!
That's the learning of a lifetime. Thanks for reading.
DeleteThe excitement of opening the tiffin box without having a clue of what was packed for lunch is surprise wrapped in joy.
ReplyDeleteYes. Thanks for reading.
DeleteAww... I miss those surprise tiffin boxes and Mumma's cooking. Guess it is my turn in a few years to surprise my little one. Great story.
ReplyDeleteThank you for liking it.
DeleteI loved reading this short tales about usual life settings. It feels nostalgic and it made me think of my young self going to school and anticipating as well what would I eat during break times. Oh those days were eating and assignments are our only problems. - Jeannine/MommyWithAGoal
ReplyDeleteYes life of a kid was simple those days- study, play, eat. Thanks for reading.
DeleteThis took me straight back to my school days.The excitement around the tiffin box, Pari’s impatience, and your confidence in your mom’s cooking were so relatable. And that twist with the Roti Rolls—hilarious. Loved how you connected it to your own child now. Such a heartwarming and fun read.
ReplyDelete-Anjali
Thank you so much for liking it.
Deletesuch a sweet post - it reminds me of my own childhood and the many, many tiffins we took with us, and ate out off. I miss the simple joys of those days.
ReplyDeleteYes, life was simple and innocent
DeleteThis brings back nostalgic memories from my school days
ReplyDeleteEvery one has a special dish at home and when the day comes we would all be awaiting the lunch bell
Right, school tiffin times are unforgettable. Thanks for reading.
DeleteTiffins and tiffin tales ( especially disappointment) are such an integral part of growing up. Beautifully penned down!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Mandira.
DeleteHaha, that's why my kids never give an opportunity to surprise them. They ask beforehand and never let go without an answer.
ReplyDeleteHehe, they are smart. Thanks for reading.
DeleteThis brought back so many school memories, especially the excitement (and suspense) around tiffin breaks. Love how your story bridges generations with such warmth and humor!
ReplyDeleteThanks for liking it.
DeleteHahahaa I remember getting the roti rolls most frequently too!
ReplyDeleteNoor
Most of the times I pack that for my daughter's lunch box 😊
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