As I bring the dish of biryani to the table, I could witness the smile on my children’s faces. “The aroma already made me hungry, mama!” It’s been more than 15 years that I have been receiving this compliment from my 22 years old son, but I never thought this could make me who I am today.
The journey from adding spices in my recipes to spreading it to every corner of the city wasn’t something that I planned, but I was destined to it. As a child, I was bubbly, always ready to meet people and make new friends. The first time I held a spoon for making dinner for my parents, I had no idea about the magic in my hands. At that time, all I thought about was becoming a responsible daughter while growing up under the vigilance of loving parents. But the deep desire of making my parents proud grew deep down inside my heart.
I grew up, and life moved on. I started teaching children keeping my passion for cooking aside. Soon, I had a chance to meet Mr. Musani, whom I would say I am blessed to have. He is not just my husband but my true soul mate. Though he is a polio patient but I can’t list countless events where he has given me a shoulder to rest on. I was leading a happy life with my loving husband and mother-in-law when in 2012, she fell on the bathroom floor and was bedridden since then. I cried, sitting by her side as she couldn’t move a muscle without help. Now I had no motherly figure to look after me, but I have to take care of my children, husband, and household without her guidance. All the time, I prayed for her health, but Allah had some other plans, and I lost her. She was my mother in law, but she loved like her own. She always believed in me, and her trust was my strength. Here I was standing thinking about her moving her hand over my head. What was I going to do without her prayers now? But then my thoughts shifted to the moment when she said, “You have magic in your hands, Razia!” I went straight into the kitchen, wiping my tears, and started preparing the dishes that I have in my menu at Zia’s kitchen.
My son helped me to create a page on Facebook, and today I, Razia Musani, am a chef and the proud owner of Zia’s Kitchen. I specialize in Pakistani cuisine and frozen items. Recently, I completed a diploma course from Chef Zakir’s institute. In my little time in the culinary industry, I have not only participated in several competitions but only won many.
I owe this success to my mother in law. She has always been a hope for me in the darkest time. It wouldn’t have been possible for me with my family’s support. I want to give a message to all the women out there who have forgotten their passion in the daily life struggles, “Be fearless and brave enough to follow your passion.
Success comes to those who work for it.”
