Dehradun, Aug. 18 -- Culinary Chronicles

It's been more than two decades since he left for the pearly gates, yet the remembrances are fresh and nostalgic.

My grandfather was rigid in his own honest ways in each sphere of life all through. Out of many cherished memories I hold in my treasure, peaches are one!

A majestic tree that bore peaches every monsoon stood firm over an old colonial bathtub in the front lawns of our home in Mussoorie. Mountains, mist, rain and a fructiferous tree!

He fondly handpicked the finest fruit that he presumed were perfect in size, brimming with nectar and a stage less than ripe. Wrapped each portion in a sheet of newspaper and held it aside for me until I would come home from the boarding school on some w...