A Rainy Evening and a Plate of Fuchka

Hello dear friends,
I hope you all are doing well and spending a beautiful life with your loved ones. I wish you all happiness and peace.

Today was a little different from my usual routine. After a long week of office work, I finally had a day off. The morning started peacefully without any rush or deadlines. By the afternoon, the weather began to change—dark clouds gathered in the sky, and soon it started raining heavily. The rain continued for almost 2–3 hours, filling the air with freshness and calmness. The sound of raindrops tapping on the window created a soothing rhythm, perfect for relaxation. I took a long nap and felt refreshed afterward.

Interestingly, the rain didn’t bring much wind, so the heat didn’t completely disappear. Even though the weather was wet and rainy, there was still a bit of humidity in the air. Still, I enjoyed the atmosphere. But staying home all day isn’t easy either. By the evening, I felt restless and decided to go outside for a walk.

The streets, however, were messy with mud and puddles. Walking became a challenge, and within a short time, I began to feel hot and sweaty. That’s when I thought of stepping into a nearby air-conditioned restaurant. As soon as I entered, I felt the cool, refreshing air around me—it was a sharp contrast to the sticky, humid atmosphere outside.

At first, my plan was to order a chilled juice. Unfortunately, the restaurant didn’t have any juices available that day. A bit disappointed, I looked at the menu again and spotted something tempting—fuchka (also known as pani puri or golgappa). It had been quite some time since I last had fuchka, so I quickly ordered a plate.

A few minutes later, the waiter brought my order. The fuchkas were beautifully arranged around a bowl of tangy tamarind water. Each crispy shell was filled with spicy mashed potatoes, topped with finely chopped onions and sprinkled with shredded boiled egg. The presentation alone was mouthwatering.

The first bite instantly lifted my mood. The crunchiness of the fuchka, combined with the spicy-tangy flavors, was simply delightful. With every bite, I felt more refreshed, as if the tiredness and heat of the day were melting away. Around me, other tables were buzzing with people enjoying their evening snacks—some with samosas and singaras, others with noodles, momos, or simply cups of tea. It reminded me how restaurants in city life aren’t just about food; they are also places where people gather, relax, and escape from daily chaos, even for a short while.

After finishing the plate, my body felt cooler and lighter. I paid the bill and stepped out again. The streets were still muddy, with puddles here and there, but my mind was calm and cheerful. Sometimes, happiness really comes from the simplest things in life.

That’s what I realized today—you don’t always need big plans or grand celebrations to feel good. Sometimes, a rainy evening and a plate of fuchka are enough to create a memorable experience.

What started as just another off day turned into a refreshing little story—thanks to the rain and one delicious plate of fuchka.