Sappho's Muse

Biriyani Night (Part 2)

Fifteen minutes later, they reached Charu's apartment complex .

Charu lived in a small rented one-bedroom flat. An open kitchen merged with the living room giving the appearance of a bigger space than it actually was. Charu had tastefully arranged light bamboo furniture and colourful pictures all over the living room, that gave off a cosy, homely feeling.
Kajal took of her heels and placed it on the shoe-rack neatly.

Charu said happily, " The Biriyani is ready! But let's have some snacks first, it's just quarter to seven ."

Kajal settled on the bamboo couch and propped her feet up on the cushions. "So, how have you been?", she asked.

"Well enough. I've applied for a promotion. If it gets approved, I'll become a permanent employee at the company!", Charu replied, putting her ponytail up into a top-knot.

Kajal beamed. "That's great, I'm sure you'll get the promotion!"

Charu gestured her to move over. She sat up, allowing Charu to make herself comfortable on the couch. Then she laid down again, resting her head on Charu's lap.

Moving her long, slender fingers through Kajal's smooth curls, gently massaging her scalp, Charu sighed contentedly. "I hope so".

They settled into a comfortable silence. Kajal closed her eyes, relishing the feeling of Charu's gentle fingers on her scalp. Meanwhile, Charu gazed softly at her relaxed smile, etching the memory of it in her mind.

A few minutes passed. Suddenly, Kajal's stomach growled audibly, shattering the quiet.

Unabashed, Kajal said, "My tummy demands a sacrifice".
Charu snorted. "Let me get the snacks."

Kajal shook her head violently. "No, no. She demands Biriyani."

Charu laughed. "It's seven o' clock! Who eats dinner so early?"

Kajal retorted, "My tummy says "Did I Stutter?" ".

Charu rolled her eyes. "Fine, come on".

Kajal followed her to the dining table. Two white porcelain dinner plates were neatly placed upside-down on either side of the round glass table, which was covered in a pink and white stripped table-cloth that gave off picnicky vibes.

Charu pulled back one of the cushioned chairs. "Sit down, love. Let me fetch "The Biriyani" ", she said, making air-quotes.

Kajal promptly sat down. "Eeeeeee, I can't wait," she squealed.

Charu chuckled. "Calm down, you glutton".

A few moments later, Charu emerged from the kitchen bearing a large porcelain serving bowl.

Placing it on the table, she took off the lid. It was a glorious sight. Tender pieces of mutton, nestled softly among the long, slender grains of white, fluffy Basmati rice made Kajal drool. The mild but distinct aroma of rose water, saffron and roasted spices that wafted from the bowl was tantalizing, almost seductive.

"This is the Awadhi Biriyani. Its flavours are more subtle than the Hyderabadi variant, the main attraction of this Biriyani is its unique aroma", Charu said, serving ladlefuls onto Kajal's plate.

Kajal nodded. "In Hyderabadi Biriyani, the rice and meat are cooked separately, then layered. But in Awadhi Biriyani, the rice and meat are cooked together on low flame, which lets the rice soak up all the spices, making it very flavourful."

Charu stared at Kajal with wide eyes. "Woah, you seem to know a lot about Biriyani for someone who burns Maggi."

Kajal made a face. "That was one time."