Hotel Light of Bharat

I turn the Menu over. 

Usually, I would have a feast at this Irani Joint around the corner of Shivaji Park but nowadays I have to watch out for health reasons. 

Again – I turn the menu over. 

So the Mutton Bheja Double Decker is out (along with everything mutton). Nope to the Arabic Chicken Kepsa Biryani. To the Bawa dishes — Chicken Farcha, Chicken Sali Boti — please move on.

The Sultani Chicken Burger and other burgers, sure-fire hits with the college crowd are a no-no. So are the wholesome special Irani Biryani’s that are shared 1 by 2 and 2 by 4. My Sulemani with mint and lemon arrives as I continue checking.

Around me, there is a feast of Chinese happening. Chicken Burnt Garlic Rice and Burnt Chilly Noodles are being shared by a family of four. The waiter gets my Bun-Maska. The Desi Chinese section is actually a no-go, but there is something that I can order. 

Soup.

“Ek All Clear Chicken soup! “

The manager gives me that look – the one reserved for suspicious characters, uninvited cats and dogs that linger.

“All Clear kya?”

I point to the menu – All Clear Chicken Soup.

He gets up, turns to the kitchen. Inside is a guy wearing a bandana busy stirring food up ina big pot.
The Manager yells –

“Yeh All Clear Chicken Soup hai?”

Bandana guy looks stumped.  Like he has been asked ‘Define life.’ 

“Kya?” Bandana guy manages.

 

In his “Kya lies my redemption. A life lesson learnt – you want oranges and life give lemons,  you enjoy the juice. 

I understand. So I say –

“Chicken Manchow Souup hai?.”

The bandana guy smiles. The Manager too smiles. Releif all around.

I wait along with stray cat and dog – waiting for life and Light of Bharat to deliver our food, so I can begin the long walk home.