Anupama’s alarm ranged at 5:00 AM, cutting in the quiet time of the early morning. She took a deep breathe , rubbing the sleep from her eyes. The house was still dark, except for the little sunlight of the sun from outside. From the next room, she can hear the soft sound of her 8 year old son’s breathing. Anupama blushed to herself as she pulled back the covers and got up finally.
In the kitchen, she made a quick cup of tea with the beautiful essence of tea leaves. Stuck to the door was a painting of Tanmay had made last week — a stick figure of F1 Car was being driven by him. Anupama traced the edge of the paper with her hand, feeling warmth in her chest.
One Evening , She was experimenting in the kitchen about new recepies and dishes with her son Tanmay sitting beside her on the kitchen shelf. Tanmay was happy seeing her doing experiments with *masalas* and vegetables. Tanmay was noticing Anupama that She was very curious and excited when she was preparing new recepies. Her face was Glowing With laughter with sweat on her forehead.
Being a good mother and her dream of becoming a chef was not so much easy. Some days, it felt impossible to think of it.
Anupama had always loved cooking. Her maternal grandmother’s small kitchen was where it started — the smell of ginger sizzling in sunflower oil, the feel of dough below her hands. But life had always thrown its challenges. She got married at twenty. Her husband divorced her when her kid was just six. Anupama was a single mom working as a small cool in *Dhaba* and balancing her mother's life at same time.
Dreams of Buying New Stuff for Tanmay were ignored aside for diapers and doctor visits. But cooking remained her escape — her therapy after long, hardworking and exhausting days.
After dropping Tanmay off at school, Anupama would head to Maya’s *Dhaba* where she worked as a line cook. The hours were brutal, the pay was not enough enough — but it was a step toward something bigger. Maya, the owner, saw something good in her.
“You’ve got Extraordinary talent, Anupama ” she’d say, tasting one of her dishes. “One day, you’re going to run your own kitchen.”
Anupama would smile a little, but deep down, she wasn’t sure she believed it.
One afternoon, Maya pulled her aside after a busy breakfast shift. “There’s a spot opening up for small chefs,” she said. “I want you to take it.” Anupana’s breath hitched. “Me? But… I’m barely keeping things together as it is. Tanmay needs my time.
Mata gave her a knowing look. “You’ll figure it out. You always do.”
That night, after putting Tanmay to bed for sleep, Anupama sat on the Chair near window, Saw the moon and Took Deep breathe and started thinking. Could she really handle more responsibility at work while still being the mom Tanmay deserved?
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from Maya: You’ve got the talent that is crucial now a days, Anupama. Don’t let fear stop you. And Anupama Sighs with Laughter..
The next day, Anupama made the bitter decesion and took the job.
Her days became even more hectic. She’d wake at dawn, pack Tanmay’s lunch, and walk her to school. Then it was straight to the *Dhaba*, managing orders and creating new dishes for the menu. Maya gave her more creative control, encouraging her to take more decisions for the Dhaba.
One evening, Anupama created *Sweet Khaman Dhokla* dish with a *spicy chilli chutney*. She nervously watched as Maya took the first bite. She smiled.
“It’s Delicious and Perfect,” she said. “Put it on the menu.”
That was the first time Anupama really believed she could do this task even more better.
But balancing work and motherhood took its toll. Some nights, Tanmay would sit at the kitchen table with his homework, waiting for Anupama to get home. When Anupama walked through the door, exhausted and smelling of garlic, Tanmay says, “*Mumma*, you’re always working hard.”
Anupama”s heart would sink.
One night, after a really long shift, Anupama came home to find Tanmay asleep on the sofa, crayons scattered everywhere. Anupama woke up Tanmay softy and took him to bedroom showing gesture of love. Tanmay woke up and blinked up at her.
“You’re home,” Tanmay said slowly.
Anupama’s throat tightened. “I’m sorry I was late, dear.”
Tanmay smiled sleepily. “No worries *Mumma*. I know you’re cooking for us.”
A month later, Maya pulled Anupama aside with exciting news. “We’ve been invited to the city’s annual ‘Best Dish Of The Year’ competition” she said. “It’s a huge opportunity — small chefs, food recepies, the works. I want you to represent us and Our Culture.”
Anupama asked in fear. “Me?”
“You.” Said Maya
Anupama stayed up that night, thinking her best recipes on the back of old pages while Tanmay slept beside her on the sofa. She knew exactly what dish she would make — her grandmother’s handmade *Thepla* with *Baingan Bharta.*
The night of the competition arrived. The venue was packed with the city’s most prestigious chefs. Anupama stood behind her counter, heart beating fastly, as the judges made their way toward her. She plated the *Thepla* with steady hands, adding *Baingan Bharta* Aside with Mango *Chutney*.
A tall man in a black suit took a bite. He chewed slowly, then nodded. “the perfect balance of flavor,” he said. “Who taught you to cook like this?”
Anupama smiled. “My grandmother.”
Later that night, when they announced the winners, Anupama And Maya didn’t expect to hear her name.
“And the award for Best New Chef goes to… Anupama from Maya’s Dhaba!”
Anupama’s breath caught. Maya gave her a wide hug as she pushed her toward the stage. As she accepted the trophy, her eyes searched the crowd until she spotted Tanmay sitting at Corner of First row clapping and cheering louder than anyone else.
When Anupama got home that night, she made Tanmay to sleep on bed. Tanmay opened her eyes sleepily.
“Did you win, *Mumma*?”
“I did,” Tanmay whispered, kissing his forehead.
“See? I knew you were the best,” Tanmay mumbled.
Anupama sat on the edge of the bed, holding Tanmay’s hand. She knew there would be more challenges in their life — balancing work and motherhood, taking the long hours of a chef’s life — but in that moment, none of it scared her.
She had already learned the most important recipe: time balancing, sacrifice, and love — the perfect balance of life.
