Familiarity is a weird feeling.
Recently, I went to Patel Brothers Store. Those who are not familiar with the name. Imagine, it as the “Walmart of Indian groceries”.
They’ve every Indian product available. Whether it’s Parle G, Dabar hair oil, even local toothpaste. You name it, they have it.
Every time I walk into a Patel Brothers Store, I become nostalgic. It reminds me of my carefree childhood in India.
It’s a comfort level when you’re thousands of mile away from your home.
The Bollywood background music, starry eyes from judgmental aunties and conversation in Hindi.
All these small little things bring a smile to my face.
When you live outside the country, you don’t realize any festive season. There are no fireworks during Diwali or colors thrown at each other during Holi. Yet, when you walk into the Patel Brothers store, you see colors lying around and decorated Diyas spread around. Indian sweets displayed everywhere. These sweets (especially Rasmalia) give me nostalgia of my Indian sweet tooth.
Despite, living in America, this little store is my little India.
Note: Whenever I think of India, it gives a feeling of gratitude. It makes me realize how fortunate I am, how far I have come and how far I have to go.
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