The Critical Ingredient
Words 101
Smriti stared at the decorated nuptial bed in dismay. Which was worse, bedding a complete stranger or her best friend?
“Who needs enemies when you have friends like ours, right?” Shirish murmured behind her.
Her embarrassment eased. She laughed. “I am hungry.”
“Me too.” Awkwardness flared until she caught the teasing glint.
She punched him.
“Ouch!” he protested.
“Wow!” She gaped at the swanky kitchen.
“Like it?”
“I should have married you 30 years ago.” She choked.
He scratched his head. “I couldn’t have afforded a modular kitchen then.”
She slid into his arms. “But you made me laugh even then.”
***
Written for Friday Fictioneers – a story in 100 words or less. Thanks to Rochelle for hosting this challenge and Jan Wayne Fields for the photo prompt. To read the other stories inspired by this prompt click here.
The banana plant has uses other than that of dishing out a complete packaged clean food in bunches. The green leaves were traditionally used as plates and in fact still are in some parts of the country, particularly during festivals and special occasions. The leaves are also used to package and steam food tied up with strings made from the stem, which gives the dish a unique flavor.
Contained within in indistinguishable untidy jungle of leaves is the stem which is also edible. But that is not on my list of foods to eat again before I die – more like to avoid 😉 Further, all parts of the plant are believed to have medicinal properties and have been used in Ayurveda for the treatment of various ailments. 
A closer shot of the young bananas hanging and the flower. In my part of the country, West Bengal, the dishes cooked with the flower is a delicacy and a personal favorite, unlike the stem. Although I have to confess I haven’t tried my hand at cooking it – preparation and extraction of edible bits is tedious and taxing 😉
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