If milk boils over during a ritual, it is a sign of prosperity

[Setting: A small kitchen in Madurai. A brass pot of milk just boiled over on the stove while the two friends were preparing for a small puja at Ravi’s house.]

Ravi:
Aha! Did you see that? The milk boiled over on its own during the puja! It’s a sign, Anand! Prosperity is on its way! I’m telling you—Lakshmi herself must be smiling down at us.

Anand:
(raises an eyebrow)
Or… maybe you just forgot to lower the flame. Again.

Ravi:
Don’t be such a spoilsport, da. You always have to drag science into everything. This is an auspicious moment. Every time milk boils over during a ritual, good things happen. Ask my chitti—when her milk spilled during Pongal, she got a promotion the very next week!

Anand:
(laughing)
Or maybe her boss had already planned the promotion and the milk had nothing to do with it. If boiling milk caused prosperity, Amul factories would be sitting on a gold mine—literally!

Ravi:
(chuckles)
You mock now, but wait. You’ll see. Good fortune follows the milk!

Anand:
Okay, let me ask you something. Last year, during your housewarming, the milk boiled over, right?

Ravi:
Yes! That’s how I knew we were going to have a great year.

Anand:
Uh-huh. And two weeks later, didn’t your ceiling fan fall off while you were sleeping?

Ravi:
(sheepishly)
Well… yes. But that was just a test from the universe! You know, balance of energies and all.

Anand:
(laughing)
So the universe gives you prosperity and a concussion? Very generous, I must say.

Ravi:
Okay, fine, fine. But it’s not just me. Every tradition has some truth behind it. We’ve followed these signs for centuries! Surely they can’t be completely wrong.

Anand:
I’m not saying traditions are useless. But there’s a difference between cultural symbolism and literal truth. Boiling milk might symbolize abundance because it overflows—just like wealth. That’s poetic. But thinking it causes prosperity is like saying my internet speed increases if I wear lucky underwear.

Ravi:
(laughs)
I actually have lucky underwear. Wore it during my last job interview. Got selected!

Anand:
Please tell me you’re joking.

Ravi:
(deadpan)
I’m absolutely serious. Red boxers. Power color.

Anand:
Okay, now I’m convinced. Science has no chance here.

Ravi:
Look, Anand. I respect your scientific mind. But for people like me, these little signs give hope. When things feel uncertain, rituals offer comfort. Is that so wrong?

Anand:
Not at all, Ravi. Comfort is important. But just don’t let it blind you. If your future depends on action, don’t wait for milk to spill—go and make it happen. Prosperity doesn’t come from the pot, it comes from your own hard work.

Ravi:
(smiling)
Fine. I’ll work hard. But I’ll keep my milk rituals too. You never know—maybe the universe just likes a good cup of boiled milk.

Anand:
Fair enough. Just promise me next time, you’ll watch the flame. Your stove nearly caught fire.

Ravi:
Deal. You bring the logic, I’ll bring the rituals. Together, we’ll make the universe very confused.

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[They both burst into laughter as Anand pours the remaining milk into cups, and Ravi lights a small lamp by the window, blending reason and ritual in their own quirky friendship.]