Ba and Bakul Celebrates Brenda's Birthday in Baroda #BlogchatterBlogHop

Finally, Brenda had completed her project after spending almost 5 months in Mumbai. Now, it was time to return home. But wasn't she missing something? She had taken all the reports she had been collecting throughout her stay. She had shopped cute gifts for her family and friends back home. Then what was it that she was missing out? It was "Ba and Bakul", how could she forget them. They were the most interesting and warm people she had ever met. She had to meet them; yes, she had to.

She sent Bakul a Whatssapp message. She would be staying for 4 more days in India. If Ba and Bakul could meet her, it would be the best possible Grand Finale for her trip. Bakul was so excited to hear that Brenda would visit them at Baroda that he immediately made a video call. 

"Hey, let me mail you the tickets, Brenda. We will be so happy to have you here." His bright smile showed his happiness. "Oh, I will book the ticket. When will it be okay with you?" " Today, today," Bakul screamed in joy like a kid. "See, there is a flight at 7:25 this evening. You can book it."And Brenda booked the flight to Baroda. She was feeling really happy now.

The flight reached Baroda at around 9 pm. Bakul was there at the airport to pick her up. His signature colourful shirt was unmistakable. Today, he was in a yellow floral shirt. As always, Brenda said, "You look so good Bakul." And as always, the shy Bakul blushed and looked down. It took them an hour to reach Bakul's house. Brenda saw a huge bungalow with a garden in front. " Wow, you have a lovely house. I am dying to meet Ba." Brenda saw Ba standing on the porch as soon as they crossed the garden. Brenda ran to her and hugged her, " I missed you, Ba." Ba smiled, "I miss too. Come in"

They chatted for hours together, lost count of time. Suddenly, Brenda noticed the time. Oh, it was going to be 12. Should she tell them, or should she just keep quiet? And she chose to stay silent. Sensing Ba's restlessness, Brenda said, "Ba, it is quite late, I think it is time for you to sleep."

Ba readily agreed, "Yes, I sleep, you talk." She left the room. Brenda looked around and was surprised to find herself sitting alone. Where was Bakul? Brenda looked at the clock. It was just 2 minutes to 12. She started to feel a bit upset and uneasy. This was not what she had expected. They left her all alone in a room, that too today! 

"Happy Birthday to You," Ba and Bakul's loud cheer echoed in the room, leaving Brenda jaw-dropped. How could they know? They took Brenda to the dining space, where on the table was the most unique-looking birthday cake that Brenda had ever seen. It was yellow, softer than a sponge cake and decorated with candles. On top, there were some herbs, too. What was it? Brenda started cutting the cake and picked it up to give Ba first. Ba ate a little and made her eat the rest of the piece. Brenda closed her eyes, enjoying the wonderful taste of the cake. Every piece she chewed was a mix of sweet and sour with a little tanginess and a bit of crisp spice and herbs. She never imagined such a delicious and unique flavoured cake could exist. She was hungry, and the cake's heavenly softness was so inviting that she almost ate half of it. 

Brenda asked Bakul, "But how did you know?"Ba said, " You not remember, you told me, in Goa. I remember, you not." Brenda was so touched that she could not say anything; she just hugged the old lady. 

"But Ba, what is this cake? I have never tasted such a tangy sweet cake in my life." 

"It is Khaman Dhokla cake, and I invented it." Ba looked at Brenda with her lovely, toothless smile.

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop