They say love is the highest frequency. It is not just a feeling but an energy. And when shared unconditionally, it has the power to transform even the simplest moments into something magical. Here’s a little story about love, friendship, and creating happiness and joy through a simple bunch of Patra leaves.

My wife Alka, an incredible cook with a love for fine cooking, enjoys Patra pakoras — those rolled, spiced Alocasia leaves that are fried into crispy pakora. They are not easy to make. It is time consuming and complex, but worth every effort.

Just before flying to India, Alka bought some fresh Patra leaves but didn’t get a chance to use them. When I found them in the fridge, I knew they couldn’t go to waste. I started looking for a loving home for them.

I reached out to friends, hoping someone would be up for the challenge. I even shared a video tutorial. But making Patra pakoras from scratch is a complex and time consuming activity. But our ever enthusiastic and energetic Raj picked up the challenge. He had never made them before, but he was willing to try.

I was flying to Scotland the next day, so Raj came early in the morning, around 7 AM, to pick up the leaves. When we returned from our trip, he and his wonderful wife, dropped by with a special delivery — freshly prepared, lovingly rolled, and semi-cooked Patra pakoras.

They had not kept any for themselves. I insisted we sit and enjoy them together, but they were in a hurry to pick up a friend from the airport and had a packed schedule over the next few days. Their selfless act was a pure expression of unconditional love. I was deeply touched by their generosity, kindness and love.

“I would never thought of making patra roll. Your motivation, encouragement and trust in me gave me the boost to make them. I rediscovered my hidden talent. I have tried this after good 20 + years or more”

In the evening, I took the pakoras to our neighbour’s place. She cooked it and served with a delicious tea. The following day we had a Patra party at another friend’s place. She served them with a special tea made from Kashaya powder (Haldi tea).

I still have got few left for a Patra pakora party with my AOL friends this weekend.

I believe love shows up in the small, simple moments, selfless acts of caring for others. We all are chasing happiness. Often we look for it in the big milestones and miss out on countless opportunities of creating happiness in everyday moments.

It requires us to shift out from living in autopilot mode and become more conscious of present. Little bit more mindful.

A simple bunch of Patra leaves, which could have easily ended up in the bin, instead became a source of joy, connection, and gratitude — all because of the kindness of a few loving hearts.