A MAGICAL DAY.. is made of this..
Daydreaming is always a fun thing to do.. and it's very interesting to know what people like to daydream about.. a big house in the mountains.. getting an unexpected windfall of 1 crore rupees and wondering where to spend it.. giving to charity etc.. Basically most of us daydream about things that would bring us joy and make us happy..
I believe that daydreaming is something truly magical and perhaps we manifest much longed for and cherished hopes and wishes.. wants dreams and desires when we do this!
Today was a wonderful day that I would love to share with you.. I am in Shimla (at the legendary and much sought after Wildflower Hall in Mashobra actually) with a dear friend from Mumbai..
Almost everyone who comes to Shimla definitely goes to Kasauli for one of two very lovely experiences.. either a 14 course tasting menu at the much acclaimed fine dine restaurant NAAR.. or then shopping for heavily discounted bedlinen at the equally well known and loved Kasauli Export House..
Kasauli Export House is owned by the very friendly Sahil Sood's family! Knowing my default Girl Guide nature of "Be Prepared" I had spoken with Sahil from Mumbai to let him know I was planning to visit and he said to me "You can only come to the shop on one condition.. you have to eat lunch with me! Ghar ka asli Punjabi khana aayega.. bata do aap kya khaoge!" We agreed mutually on Rajma Chawal and Aloo Parathas and that was it!
We reached the shop at 1 pm and were given the warmest welcome with glasses of the MOST DELICIOUS fresh orange juice we have ever tasted.. in true Punjabi style with a dash of the much loved ""kaala namak"! Super refreshing and just what we needed after the 3.5 hour drive from Mashobra..
His band of boys overwhelmed us with a seemingly endless stream of dohars bedspreads bedsheets tablecloths and whatnot! They were extremely patient and smiled laughed and joked gently with us which was such fun!
After more than an hour and a half we met Sahil's wife Nishi and their son Shaurya both of whom were charming and very nice! We were mentally finished by the time bills were made.. addresses were given and bags were weighed and filled to be dispatched by courier.. and all of this was done super efficiently and quickly!
We were then escorted to a very small and clean restaurant for lunch and washed our hands in what felt like literally liquid ice water from the tap! Hey presto! almost like a magician.. Nishi and Sahil both served us hot Aloo Parathas with piping hot Rajma Chawal.. Boondi Raita.. homemade Mirchi ka Achaar and a scrumptious secret recipe Onion Salad with a farm fresh salad of white radish beetroot and tomatoes! Dessert was a decadent Chocolate Brownie with Vanilla Ice Cream.. of which 2 portions were shared between the 5 of us!
There was warm cozy chatter at the table.. lots of smiles and laughter and sharing of stories.. absolutely family vibes! What made it even more special was that I have met Sahil only ONCE in my life before today and he and his family were so warm hospitable and loving! Tell me honestly.. who DOES this??
We came away overwhelmed with gratitude for the warmth and simple joy we had experienced! People have no time for their own friends and families these days and to take so much trouble for just a customer.. all I can say is that both of us felt very lucky and completely blessed!
We had a very nice drive from Mashobra to Kasauli and back with a very patient driver called Kishan in a super comfy Innova Crysta and even the Shimla traffic wasn't a dampener on our wonderful spirits!
What I'm wanting to say is that there are magical moments that fill our days.. and if we stop day dreaming and see them.. acknowledge them and are grateful for what they are.. life will be magical and our day dreams will come true too!
Sahil Nishi and Shaurya.. thank you so much for being the magical blessings of today and wishing you the very best for your hotel.. can't wait to come and stay jaldi-jaldi! Always stay the warm generous and caring family you are today! ❤�
Moment of truth ma'am always remember.
ReplyDeleteYes, some days just turn out to be magic. We should keep our senses alive to such opportunities.
ReplyDeleteWhen you write and I get the opportune gift of reading your writing, my mind gets transported to the most beautiful of places. Pallu Masi, your way with words never fails and you write SO beautifully that it truly leaves me spell-bound every time. I was with you in spirit on this trip, but after reading this blog, I am even more-so with you both on this incredible but quick excursion out of Mumbai. Sending you all my love and the hugest of hugs. Xoxo and as always, thank you for your words. I love them so much. And love you oodles.
ReplyDelete-SK
Yes its a magical time when you can feel it that way. 2 years back went to Kasauli to celebrate friend's 60th at NAAR and it will always remain a topic of conversation.
ReplyDeleteSo did we go to Kasauli Export House and had pleasure to buy all that we get here in Mumbai at top brand houses. US
Magical moments are very precious 💕
ReplyDelete"Magic happens when we least expect it! 😊 Your day in Shimla sounds like a dream come true, Pallavi! The warmth of Sahil, Nishi, and Shaurya's hospitality is truly heartwarming. Their kindness and generosity are a reminder that life's simple moments can be truly extraordinary. Thanks for sharing this lovely tale! 💖"
ReplyDeleteVishwanath.