Dwarpar Yug: The Chronicles of the Cursed One

Chapter Four

Bhavya was about to conjure an outdoor kitchen but then thought better of it and he made Vishwas and Samaya work with him to set up an simple outdoor kitchen on the grassy land under the open sky. The air was fresh, carrying the light scent of blooming wildflowers, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees.

Bhavya took charge and said, "Pehle sab kuch set karte hain. Tum dono jaake lakdi ikattha karo aur ek achha sa chulha bana do."

Vishwas groaned. "Mujhe kyon bhej raha hai? Samaya bhi jaa sakta hai!"

Samaya smirked. "Lagta hai tujhe mehnat se dar lagta hai."

Bhavya rolled his eyes. "Bakwaas band karo aur jaake kaam karo."

With a lot of grumbling and playful shoves, Vishwas and Samaya went off to gather dry wood while Bhavya cleared a small patch of land. He arranged a few large stones in a circle to create a basic chulha (firepit) and spread some dry grass and twigs inside it to help start the fire. By the time the other two returned, arms full of wood and smaller sticks, Bhavya had already set up a small makeshift cooking space using flat stones as counters.

Once the fire was lit, Bhavya looked at his brothers. "Ab koi shaitani mat karna. Mujhe shanti se khaana banane do."

Vishwas sat down cross-legged with a dramatic sigh. "Maine toh sirf lakdi ikattha ki thi, aur mujhe already thakaan mehsoos ho rahi hai."

Samaya chuckled, "Be choti Hansa zyaada natak mat kar."

Bhavya ignored them and got to work.

He first took a matka (earthen pot) and poured fresh milk into it, placing it over the fire. The warmth of the flames slowly heated the milk as he stirred it with a wooden spoon. Once the milk started thickening, he added soaked rice, sugar, and a few crushed cardamoms. The sweet aroma filled the air, making Vishwas sniff eagerly.

"Bhai, kitni der lagegi?" Vishwas asked, already eyeing the pot.

Bhavya didn't even look up. "Jab tak tu ye sawaal band nahi karega, tab tak der lagegi."

Samaya laughed while Bhavya continued stirring the kheer patiently, letting it become creamy and rich. He then tossed in some chopped almonds and pistachios, giving kheer a final mix before covering it with a plate to let the flavors blend.

For second dish, Bhavya took fresh paneer and carefully cut it into thick cubes. He mixed hung curd, turmeric, red chili, garam masala, salt, and a little bit of mustard oil in a bowl to make a thick marinade. Dipping each paneer piece in the masala, he let them sit while he prepared the fire for roasting.

Using a few metal skewers they had carried with them, he threaded the marinated paneer pieces and placed them over the fire, turning them every now and then so they roasted evenly. The flames kissed the edges, creating a beautiful charred look on the paneer.

Meanwhile, he set up a small iron kadhai (wok) on the fire and poured some ghee, chopped onions, tomatoes, and cashews. The mixture sizzled as he let it cook down into a thick gravy, crushing the softened tomatoes with the back of the spoon. He blended it all together using a wooden churner until it became smooth.

Once the paneer was roasted, he added it to the rich, creamy masala, letting it simmer for a while. The fragrance was enough to make Vishwas sit up straight.

"Bhai, kasam se! Yeh toh ekdum dhabe wale ke Paneer tikka masala ki khushbu hai!" Vishwas exclaimed.

Bhavya smirked. "Khaane ke baad bataiyo."

Then Samaya, surprisingly, offered to help with making rotis. He rolled up his sleeves and grabbed a chakla (flat rolling board) and belan (rolling pin). Taking some atta (wheat flour), he kneaded it into a soft, smooth dough while Vishwas sat beside him, making small balls of it.