Is there some really fine Indian cook who can play detective and help me?

I stayed once in a motel in Texas where the managers were from India.  Their apartment was just in back of the office.  One day, when I came in the office, I was assaulted with an aroma that was so delicious it almost knocked me off my feet!  I was too stupidly shy to ask them what they were cooking, so I still don't know.  I can't explain it,  but I have always felt shy around people from India.  Not superior, not intimidated, just shy, as if I might say or do something they'd view as dumb, and I admire them too much to want to risk offending.  I've been kicking myself ever since, too.  Though I thought I detected some garlic, I can't be sure even of that much.  It was almost surely a combination of spices, but I'm totally stumped.

I know this isn't much help!  That's why I asked if someone might play detective here, someone who knows Indian food intimately, including knowledge of regional specialties.  Chinese food certainly has them.  I live now in Mexico, which has its own lovely cuisine, but have learned that the special dishes I enjoy locally are only a small part of the whole.  In Mexico City, or Oaxaca, they may make even guacamole different than here, near Guadalajara.  I imagine India is probably similar, with its own regional cuisines.

Anything that has gnawed at me for over 15 years is worth looking into!  Even after all this time, I still can't forget that scrumptious aroma!  I just hope that there wasn't too much hot pepper in it.  I have learned that "curry powder" is not in general use in India, but was invented by an Englishman to try to duplicate his experience with curry.  To me, curry powder tastes like soap, with hot peppers in it!  Nor does it have the kind of aroma that I remember.  I just hope the ingredients are available.  I know genuine, good Indian curry is often an individual's preferred mix of spices, which are usually roasted on a dry cast iron griddle till they're aromatic.  I've also tried powdered garam masala, and it's nice, but still not close to what I remember.

Any Sherlocks out there?

15 years, and still DROOLING!