The Apple and Me

You know what’s my favourite fruit? 

Nobody asks those slam-book questions anymore and you don’t even bother to notice either.

I don’t remember asking this to my parents or my partner either. But today, when I was unwell, Annie told me to have stewed apple for energy and to soothe my sore throat.

Funny enough, while I was stewing the apple myself (because honestly, it felt like more effort to explain it to Vimla than to just do it), I realised something: I’ve always loved apples. They have been my comfort fruit, always! 

Not that I go crazy when I see them at a hotel buffet or a marriage reception. But apples have always been my go-to fruit. They are fuss-free, available in every season, everywhere, and still easy on the pocket.

Isn’t that how I am too? A little apple-like in life. No fuss, no tantrums, just there when needed. 

Like they say, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” I’d like to think I’m that kind of apple too… comfort for many. The messages from friends, family, and office colleagues checking in on me when I fell sick felt no less than a blessing.

And one thing is for sure .. a few people will remember this apple 🍎 (:-p sentimental thoughts courtesy of 100+ fever!). I know I will be hurting a lot of people with this line and will get an earful but no gyaan here!

But here’s the funny thing about adulting. In my teenage years or even in my 20s, I would proudly say that Asha Bhonsle and Kishore Kumar were my favourites and that no one could match them. 

Now that I’m closer to 40, I have realised Lata Mangeshkar is the OG. There is no harm in agreeing with what the majority also says… I don’t mind having the same opinion as herd. 

Or like my favourites are Jagjit Singh, Gulzar Saab and then, my taste for Ghalib developed in last couple of months. 

Even for, food.. I have been experimental. I have tried mutton and liked it. People used to say, real meat lovers would prefer mutton over chicken. Well, I don’t know whether I would pick either but that taste was something my palette held well. 

Also, whisky and scotch became a latest add on too, leaving behind my G&T legacy. 

Earlier I used to think, having a different opinion felt like being “special.” 

But now, with age, I don’t mind being part of the crowd, adopting what the majority of us do and love.

Somewhere along the way, I stopped needing to be different for the sake of it. I no longer mind being part of the collective, embracing what the world also cherishes.

Maybe that’s what adulthood really does…  it softens the edges. It teaches us that being unique isn’t always about standing apart.. sometimes it’s about standing with. 

I guess that’s what being apple-like really means:

- Simple, but still holding its own.

- ⁠Not exotic, but timeless.

- ⁠Not rare, but dependable.

- ⁠And even if everyone has tasted it, each bite can still feel personal. :-P 

Maybe that’s what I have become too.. an apple after all. 🙂