This book is a collection of observations related to sweet moments across everyday experiences. It provides glimpses of the rich depth that lies underneath our modern transactional world. It is amazing that even as we progress in technology, agility and modernity amidst new goals in new situations, we manage to retain such small joys of delightful connections. These fleeting moments occur every day, all the time, in a planned or spontaneous manner. They cut through the glitter, gloss and high-tech and reflect our innate sweetness, warmth, and fun. And that is worth cherishing. For instance, the good humour with which we take on our daily adventures. We don’t lose our cool and tempo. The pressure cooker whistle goes off at the wrong time, yet the meeting participants understand.

The monsoon is a yearly challenge, but it is heralded with music and food. Travel is taken up with spirit, whether it’s small breaks over weekends or trips to see the northern lights. Small things like missing socks or roti (bread) gone cold spiral into small endearing arguments. Cooking reflects kitchen cosmopolitanism; the new and experimental sit alongside the tried and tested. Eventually, it all works out. A simple unaffected warmth infuses our brief interactions, whether with strangers or friends. The dye maker or vegetable vendor or the taxi driver—each has something to give beyond the transactional. A reassuring reply, a generous extra helping, a witty remark. The high-stakes big-fat wedding party, the birthday party, office get-togethers and festivals are evolving all the time. Party organizers have had to adjust to new constraints such as drone cameras, dance practice, live music, diverse cuisines, destination themes and more. The event photographer team is relentless in the pursuit of the perfect retake amidst the fanfare and family, friends and colleagues are patient with his demands. Everyone has adjusted to the new normal of selfie-smiles and perfect hairdos, including the twirling little ones and swirling senior citizens. We know how to make celebrations of all kinds our own. The high street and the small street are each doing their bit.

The expert craftsmanship provided in our small neighbourhood shops every day is not to be scoffed at. Bespoke luxury shops may preen about the elite customization they offer, yet our local craftsman offers generous, frequent and curated personalised service. The engaging customer service in shoe shops, saree shops, gift shops is retail therapy. Our fearless, fetterless adoption of technology and sports reveals an open-mindedness and an appetite for progress. Even those less educated in the conventional sense have taken to the latest technology without hesitation, sometimes using new features that even highly educated folks may not be familiar with. The evolving love for sports hints at the growing bent towards discipline, vision, excellence despite limitations—we find our way out and up. These Biscuit Moments, small and sweet and often ignored, keep us grounded. It’s worth looking at them, worth remembering what they do for us.