...Watching the dinner being prepared, anticipating a surprising taste
in an elegant ambiance --- all of this was more than worth my long wait. That dinner was an unforgettable ode to all five senses. The ambiance was inviting. A couple of the young professors and I connected on a social level. But my mind remained focused on the tender pieces of meat drenched in Pistachio sauce. I had to wait too
long, but it was worth the anticipation.

~~~”Desires are nourished by delays.”~~~

---Proverb---

When it comes to romance, is waiting always worth the anticipation? “Love’s Philosophy” by the legendary poet Shelley seems to suggest it may be. Shelley awakened romance in me when my college life was launched. Our college was for girls only. But beyond the high walls around our sports field was a medical college; only for boys. During our English class, when the professor tried her best to get us girls to experience the feelings communicated by Shelley in his inspiring poem, “Love’s Philosophy”, some of us imagined “communicating” with boys during our break, despite being fenced in by the high walls of rules, bricks and mortars. ...
... ... Now it is up to you, dear reader, to use these simple, authentic Indian curries and other recipes, these Love Legends, and the wisdom
of Kama Sutra, to make your own romantic Karma. Make the recipes a reflection of YOU. With YOU invested into the composition and preparation of each recipe, I know you will create infinite enjoyment
for yourself -- and for your romantic connection. Three final comments

1. The recipes encourage creativity. If you don’t like an ingredient, or if
it is not available, substitute with something else that you’d enjoy.

2. Mix and match menu items to delight your taste buds.

3. Experiment with spices and ingredients from your own culture.

Your culinary language of romance, communicated through seductive dishes, will lead you to memorable experiences. Enjoy, and may love surround you wherever you are, whatever non-culinary language you speak. Let love and romance remain the universal language of tender, caring hearts, as you create your own Mehfil*.

Welcome to my Mehfil, welcome my guest,
My savory tastes of love await with music at its best.
Soft colored lights tease the way, as do seven veils of romance,
For you to raise a toast in silence, or with a stolen glance!
Five senses find joy in love, in trembling hearts’ delight,
Lift your cup of life in greeting to each day and night.
Play your flute, or sing a song -- in love all is fair,
Let sweet union of hearts make this one little room your everywhere.

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*The original poem, in Bengali, “Mehfil” is written by Ratna Ray. The poem is translated by her on December 25, 2008 (with an apology to John Donne and “The Good-Morrow” for the adaptation of the words “one little room an everywhere). The word “Mehfil” is explained in the Glossary.)

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