Flavour Dream - fiction. (Don't curb dreams of younger ones. Allow them to go reach them)

Hari was all set to start afresh on his new venture. Having a normal childhood with not much exposure to various cuisines he was hooked to the staples at his home - rice and sambar, idlis and dosas.

Ranganna, Mallika and Hari were a happy family of three. Ranganna worked in a private company as a clerk. Mallika adorned the typical homemaker title. Both of them worked hard to make ends meet. A luxurious lunch in a restaurant was far from reality. One sunny afternoon as Mallika was watching a regular regional soap on television, Hari who was then around ten made a sharbat for his mom. It was not only a surprise in terms of his love towards his mom but she was totally in awe with the drink. It was extra ordinary. Hari had it in him. He had knowledge of flavor, he knew how to present his work beautifully. She praised Hari and started using his help in the kitchen when he showed interest. He learnt all of the delicacies his mom cooked at home, but it was all limited to one geographical area. Hari wanted to explore the world and the cuisines from each part. He expressed his interest to his parents who thought Hari taking cooking as a profession was not going to fetch him fortune. They also presented their logical views to him. But Hari was determined. He bargained a year from his dad to try his luck in the cooking industry and if nothing seemed to work out he'd return to his graduation studies. Mallika and Ranganna finally agreed to Hari's request and let him apply for the upcoming country's best cookery show. 

On the day of selections Hari prepared his all time favorite payasam(Kheer) with extra pinch of saffron. Loaded it with the roasted nuts for the extra crunch. Also to serve with it he made simple Malai khulfi . He served them on a silver plate and garnished them beautifully with red rose petals. Judges who tasted his dish instantly fell in love with his raw cooking abilities and wanted to give him a fare chance in the competition.

Hari's happiness knew no bounds. He was thrilled and excited about the upcoming cooking sessions he will have to go through, also he was anxious of all the learnings he would be able to get through this special journey.

Hari prepared for his beautiful trip to the capital city where the next twelve weeks he will have to be spending. Ranganna and Mallika were equally delighted on this first step towards Hari's success. They wished him luck. 

Each week Hari cooked awesome recipes, thanks to all the information his mother had imparted to him. He knew his flavors really well. The judges were impressed and Hari was one among the top 5 candidates. He excelled in savory and desserts. His recipe of tadka panneer got a spot in the menu of a reputed hotel chain. One of his sweet recipe was published in a famous chefs cookbook.

Eventually it was a battle between two contestants in the grand finale where Hari was to cook against the master of baking, Chetan. Chetan had also struggled his way up. His knowledge in baking was extraordinary and so was aptly called the master of baking.

Ranganna and Mallika for the first time travelled all the way to the capital city to witness his son take part in the final round of the competition. Hari had already won their hearts reaching this far in the competition. He had made them proud. It was an intense final cook. Hari made an elaborate Thali that ended with a masala buttermilk. Judges were in awe by the looks of the dish let alone the taste. It was a pleasure to have such an enthusiastic and artistic chef, they pronounced after the tasting. Hari undoubtedly win the title sand was given a chance to work on the most prestigious restaurant in the world. He was living his dreams. In a span of 3 years he earned fame through his culinary expertise. Today he was ready to establish himself as an entrepreneur by starting his own restaurant - Flavour Dream.