I was born into a nuclear family where life was neither extravagant nor dramatic, yet it carried a quiet sense of stability that I only truly appreciate now as an adult. My mother managed everything with remarkable ease — two children, household responsibilities, social obligations, guests appearing unannounced, school schedules, illnesses, celebrations — all without …
Where It All Began: The Inspiration Behind The Song of Our Bond
Khurda Road — the name reminds me of summer holidays, nani ghar, and the warmth of simpler times. It’s a small town in Odisha where my maternal grandmother lived. Being part of a coastal region, its air carries a gentle saltiness, the palm trees sway lazily, and the red soil glows under the sun — …
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Taking the Wheel: Overcoming an Old Fear
Last August (2024), I was in Kolkata visiting my parents with my young one, who was 7 months old then. Being home with them gave me the perfect window to try something new, to learn a new skill, and I decided to learn to drive because, like Maths, driving scared me. So, I thought, it …
Timeless Letters of Love & War
Dear World, There was a time when a man in khaki, with a jhola slung over his shoulder, would come to our houses on a cycle and ring the bell… tring tring. And somehow, we would always know that he is here. The Postman. He would hand over our letter and quietly leave. Wasn’t he …
Opportunity: A Chance or A Miss?
“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity”– Albert Einstein Is there really an opportunity hidden in every difficulty, or is that just wishful thinking?? Honestly, it depends on how you see the world. If you're an optimistic person, your mind is wired to find a silver lining, even in the darkest clouds. When you …
Dare To Love?
I couldn’t stop thinking about him. We were miles apart, Yet his presence enveloped me. Like the waves of the endless sea The invisible thread connecting our hearts felt tight Fragile as gossamer, strong as destiny Does he sense it too? Or is it just what I feel? I love him with all my heart, …
Beneath The Banter
The silence in the conference room was thick, and the tension almost tangible. Sahil cleared his throat, drawing all eyes to him. “You know what’s worse than waiting for coffee from the machine?” he asked, looking around. A few heads tilted in curiosity. “Waiting for a reply to an email marked urgent, only to get …
Part 24: Xploring For Meena
The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the city she once called home. Her heart raced as she climbed into a taxi, giving the driver the familiar instructions: "Khurda, near the old municipal park." The drive was a journey through time. The bustling roads and modern buildings felt alien to …
Part 23: Welcome Back, Kasturi
Later in the evening, Kasturi sat by the window, staring out at the sprawling cityscape. The warm glow of the evening sun bathed the room, but she felt no warmth—only the weight of a dilemma that had been gnawing at her ever since her boss had suggested the trip to Delhi. "Relive the past?" she …
Part 22: Vivid Memories Resurface
The phone rang twice before Meena picked it up, a half-filled cup of chai still warm in her other hand. “Ms. M. Ray?” “Yes, speaking.” “This is Anuja from RedLeaf Publishing. I'm delighted to inform you… Your manuscript has been accepted.” Meena blinked. “Oh,” she said, stunned. “Really?” “Yes! The team loved it. It’s deeply …
Cerebration 