Sunday morning began with a strange mix of excitement and a subtle sense of apprehension. For the first time since our marriage, we were hosting a major dinner party at our home, and the guests were none other than Arnab-babu’s close friends! From early morning, a flurry of busy activity spread throughout the entire house. Cleaning the drawing room, changing the sofa covers, setting up the dining table—everything took on a festive, welcoming tone.

Arnab-babu, however, was doing his best to make sure I didn't feel stressed at all. Wearing casual trousers and a t-shirt, he wandered around the house trying to reassure me. Leaning against the kitchen doorframe, he said, "Ira, you're stressing out for no reason. Don't take any pressure at all! Cook whatever you know, just as you usually do. They are my friends, not renowned restaurant chefs or food critics coming to grade your cooking."