‘i want to supply home food to elderly’

I can cook any South Indian dish. People like me are preferred because we cook, clean and leave the place quickly. I did not begin my life as a cook, I actually wanted to learn to make garments at Tirupur. But 20 years ago, when I finished Class 10 in Munnar and came to the bus stand to board a bus to Tirupur (after I had a tiff with my eldest brother), there was only one bus available. And it was proceeding to  Chennai. 

Without a second thought, I boarded it thinking my fate was linked to this city and not to the hosiery city. When I got down at Vadapalani bus stand, I was hungry and tired. The drivers and conductors there took good care of me. It was not long before I took up the job of a daily labourer at a construction site nearby. But in just six months, I developed blisters on my legs because of the cement. I applied to a security agency and worked as a watchman. I was posted to different areas every day, but was not paid well. So, I took up a job with another firm for a good pay. But as fate would have it, I was asked to be a temporary watchman in a house for a few days. The family took a liking for  me and I was inducted into cooking by them.

Today, I cook (part time and full time) in many homes. During the weekends, I cook for families who have a taste for dishes like karakuzhambu and brinjal poriyal who preserve and relish them right through the week. I feel happy when I am appreciated for my panneer dishes. I look up the Internet and improve my culinary skills. My wife and I want to run a catering service and supply home-made dishes to the elderly. God has always given me good surprises at every turn and I am sure he will fulfil my wishes too.  

— As told to Lalithasai