Four years ago, when I had just turned 90, I found myself reflecting on my life. I couldn't help but think, "Saari umar beet gayi, aur maine ek paisa nahi kamaya" (My entire life has passed, and I haven't earned a single penny). You see, I had spent my entire life taking care of my family and managing our household. While my children were at school and my husband was at work, I would spend hours experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen. Cooking was my passion, my joy.

But when I turned 84, my children had all grown up and moved out, and my beloved husband had passed away. That's when the loneliness started creeping in, and I realized that I needed something more in my life.

I decided to move in with my daughter, and I told her, "Mujhe kuch karna hai, apne liye" (I want to do something for myself). I shared with her my love for cooking, and she smiled and said, "Ma, you can sell your barfis and achaar in the mandi nearby" (Mom, you can sell your sweets and pickles at the local market). My children had always loved my culinary creations, so I thought it was a wonderful idea.