A dinner in the open air

A dinner in the rugged and rocky landscape of Balochistan, became a vivid memory for me.My friend and I were passing through a far flung part of the province. The delapidated road allowed only one car to move at a time. Meanwhile, i saw a small , yet, attractive hotel(known as Dhabba in the local language). Eccentricity being the hallmark of the hotel, convinced us to have a dinner.

Many interesting experences were yet to follow; we were requested to sit on a bed-like seat, made of four pillars about a one feet in length and certrally filled with jute ropes. Only a room of mud walls and a thatched roof existed-an indication of hotel's presence. Cooking was done in the space around; as well as customers sit outside. The wind with a great force was whistling in our ears.Food was being cooked on coal,its crimson appearance was the only source of light. The mouth-watering aroma of barbeque was wafting in all directions-convincing us to envisage about its taste. But there was no variety in the aromas. Simply, because only 'Sajji' was served-being the speciality of the area.

'Sajji' i heard the name for the first time ever since my existence. The inquistivity grew and i began to inquire. It was whole lamb filled with rice which get boiled, as the lamb gets roasted on the coal.Also, this took several hours. Therefore, as it was being prepared the locals danced on the traditional folk songs. The air suddenly seemed to fill with joy. The notes of mystical instruments impeccablly matches the movements of the tree's leaves. And an unknown movement began in them.

Furthermore, the sensations from the entire environment were not only restricted to the men dancing or looking after the lamb.Rather,it started to flow like blood in veins. This effect was clearly evident through the smiles that enlivened the faces of people. Like traditional way of waiting in the restuarants while the waiter brings the food was not there. Instaed a festival-like environment marked the evening. As the night fell, more people joined.None grew tired of the monotonous music. The intensity of the coldness in the wind was gradually increasing. The bare mountains and the undualting hills were drenced in moon-light- a sight apt for a horror movie.Well, the food finally came.Golden-brown texture of lamb retaining the juices of spices and herbs; when removed, revealed rice. Every grain was separate from the other-like our five fingers. Instaed of discussing our woes and wordly matters while eating, both of us decided to remain silent.

The blowing wind, bushes slowly moved by the passing air, the quiet desert's topography enlivened by the moonlight were worth observing. Then, the euphonious song, dance and aromas of food were a little distance apart.Lamb meat proved to be a meal for the soul.