But that night, she dreams of her grandmother’s kitchen — the smell of jeera crackling in ghee, her little hands rolling pooris that puffed up like golden moons. She wakes up crying and doesn’t know why.

First episode: Maa ki Dal with Dadi and Savita, bickering lovingly over the stove.

“Step one: Soak the lentils while you apologize to someone you’ve wronged.”

Anjali puts the phone on speaker. Dadi is silent. Then, in a cracked voice: “I didn’t forgive you because I was afraid you’d succeed where I failed.”

“Step two: Slow-cook on a charcoal sigdi . This is not instant pot wisdom. This is patience.”

“Step three: The tadka — ghee, garlic, asafoetida. But here’s the secret: you must laugh while pouring. Otherwise, the dal tastes of resentment.”

“Mum, we decided. No samose . It’s a fusion menu. Sushi, sliders, and a cheese station.”