Sonu Venugopal Instagram – “Illi poori chanagiratte,” my friend declared with enthusiasm, his face lighting up as though he had discovered a hidden treasure. I, on the other hand, was still basking in the sheer thrill of walking into Vidyarthi Bhavan without having to endure the legendary wait. “Share maadoNa,” I replied, still overwhelmed by the privilege of skipping the queue, thanks to my well-connected friend.
Just as we settled in, a lovely lady joined us at the opposite seat—a common practice in Vidyarthi Bhavan, where space is sacred and strangers are friends you haven’t met yet. She looked at me and said with a warm smile, “I really love your work.” It was unexpected and heartwarming. I introduced her to my friend, a musician of extraordinary talent whom I consider myself lucky to know.
What struck me was how naturally our conversation flowed. We spoke without any filter, freely discussing everything under the sun. Despite being a stranger, she chimed in occasionally, her thoughts blending seamlessly into ours. Her inputs didn’t feel like interruptions but rather, delightful additions to the chatter.
The iconic Vidyarthi Bhavan experience unfolded as the waiter arrived, balancing an almost comical yet awe-inspiring stack of dosa plates—472, if you ask me. He moved with the precision of a tightrope walker and the confidence of someone who knows exactly what you need without even asking. Menus? Who needs them here? Vidyarthi Bhavan is synonymous with dosa, and dosa is what you shall have.
The dosas arrived, glistening with ghee and exuding a heavenly aroma that could cloud anyone’s judgment. As we savored the crisp edges and soft, fluffy centers, we fell into a comfortable silence, each of us appreciating the magic on our plates.
Just as we were finishing, the lady looked at us with a kind expression and said, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to pay for your breakfast.” Her generosity caught me off guard, and I immediately protested. “Oh no, you’ve already brightened our morning with your company,” I said, hoping to deflect her offer.
Continued in comments | Posted on 18/Nov/2024 13:15:07
