"A labyrinth of Unpolished Scribbles"

  Last night, while putting Rael to bed, we were having our usual random conversations. She asked all of a sudden, "Amma, why are some kids eating candies?" I told her, "Sometimes children cry or throw tantrums for them. Sometimes adults give in. And sometimes people don't really know how unhealthy they can be." She looked at me and asked, "Why don't I have candies?" Instead of answering, I asked her, "Do you think candies are good for you?" She immediately said, "No, they're not." I asked, "Why?" "They cause stomach pain." I smiled and told her, "Yes. They're full of sugar and colours. They don't do our bodies any good." Then she asked something I wasn't expecting. "Amma, if candies are not good for kids, then why do shops keep them? If they don't keep them there, no kids will ask for them, right?" I paused. Honestly, it made sense. I told her, "Y...

  Which School Does She Go To? If I had a rupee for every time someone asked me this question, I'd probably have enough to pay for a few years of school already. My daughter Rael is three years old. She doesn't go to preschool, and we are planning to send her to formal school only after she turns four. For some reason, this seems to be a very big deal to many people. Rael has always been a talkative and social child. Even when she was around one and a half years old, she would happily talk to people wherever we went. Shopkeepers, neighbours, strangers in queues, she would greet them, smile, and start a conversation. People would often ask me, "How old is she?" When I told them her age, they would usually respond with surprise. "Really? She talks so well for her age." "She's very smart." Then, almost without fail, came the next question. "Which preschool does she go to?" When I replied that she wasn't going to school, I would get p...

Today, I experienced one of those quiet parenting moments that stays with you long after the conversation is over. I was reading I Miss You: A First Look at Death by Pat Thomas to my daughter, Rael. The book gently introduces children to death, grief, and the emotions that come with losing someone we love. As we read, we came to a page explaining that when someone we love dies, we often feel sad and miss them. I paused for a moment, expecting the usual questions a three year old may ask. Instead, Rael looked at me and asked, "Amma, do you still miss her? Are you still sad?" I asked, "Who?" She replied, "Mummy Ammoomma." Mummy Ammoomma was my grandmother. She passed away when Rael was just one year old. For a moment, I was completely speechless. I never expected her to connect the story to a real person from her own life. Yet somehow, she had connected the idea of loss, sadness, and missing someone to a real person whom she knows. Then came another questio...

These days, I have been thinking a lot about life. Just through everyday experiences. Small disappointments, tired days, overthinking nights, and quiet moments where things suddenly made sense. Through all this, I have had a few honest realizations. One big thing I am learning is to stop keeping too many expectations from people. Earlier I used to believe that if I gave my time, love, care, and emotional support to others, it would naturally come back to me in the same way. But life does not always work like that. Not everyone thinks, feels, or gives the same way we do. Accepting this truth was hard but also very freeing. Another thing I have realized is that it is impossible to make everyone around you happy and satisfied. No matter how much you try, someone will feel upset, misunderstood, or expect more from you. For a long time I tried to keep everyone comfortable even at the cost of my own peace. Honestly, it was exhausting. Slowly I am learning that it is okay to choose myself som...

It Doesn’t Take a Village to Raise a Child , It Takes Parents People often say that it takes a village to raise a child. The idea is that relatives, neighbors and society all play an important role in a child’s life. While this may sound good, I believe that when it comes to parenting, the responsibility should stay with the parents. Parenting is a personal journey. It is something parents do with love and intention. Only parents truly understand the values, routines and ways they want to raise their child. Too many opinions and advice from others can easily cause confusion. It can also take away the peace and consistency that children need. This does not mean that children should grow up away from others. In fact, being around grandparents, relatives, neighbors and friends is very important. Children should be free to interact, explore and learn from different people. These moments help them develop social skills, empathy and confidence. But there is a difference between being part of...

  Every day, we wake up to disturbing headlines. Another woman has died by suicide. Another daughter is lost. Not by fate, but by prolonged emotional and physical abuse she went through in her own home, the very place where she should have felt safest. And in most of these heartbreaking cases, there is a painful pattern. The family already knew. After the tragedy, we hear statements from parents and relatives. "She had told us he was abusive." "He used to beat her, we knew she was unhappy." "We believe he is responsible for her death." But here is the question that haunts me and should haunt all of us. If you knew, why didn’t you pull her out of that pain before it was too late? Why is it that a woman has to reach a breaking point before her suffering is taken seriously?  Our society still glorifies a woman’s ability to adjust. She is expected to tolerate, forgive, and endure. She is told, “Things will get better,” “Do not ruin the marriage,” “Think about ...

  Parenting is beautiful, but it can also be really hard especially for mothers. From the outside, it looks like a happy journey of watching a little one grow, but deep inside, there are many struggles we rarely talk about. Talking to other moms made me realize that most of these struggles don't come from the baby, but from the people around us, family members, in-laws, and relatives. Almost every mother I spoke to said they were not allowed to raise their child the way they wanted. There were comments and interference about what the baby should eat, how and when to sleep, and how the mother should act. One mother said her mother-in-law kept giving her toddler sugary snacks and junk food, even after she had asked her not to. Worse, the mother-in-law told the child, "Don't tell your mother," which made her feel helpless and betrayed. As a working mom, she couldn’t monitor everything at home, and that made it even harder. Another mom shared her difficult postpartum days...

  It’s heartbreaking to see how some people treat helpless animals. Recently, I heard about newborn kittens being thrown away, taken from their mother, and left to suffer. It made me wonder how can anyone be so cruel? Do we really have the right to decide which lives matter and which don’t? The Bible says in Proverbs 12:10, "Good people take care of their animals, but even the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel." Just like we love our children, a mother cat or dog loves her babies. Imagine how painful it must be for her to lose them. No mother deserves that pain, whether human or animal. Many believe that hurting innocent beings brings consequences. Life has a way of giving back what we put into it. If we show kindness, we receive kindness. If we show cruelty, it can come back to us or our loved ones in unexpected ways. Imagine if someone took a newborn baby away from its mother wouldn’t that be horrible? Then why is it okay to do it to an animal? The Bible also says in Mat...

  Recently, while traveling in a private bus, I came across an incident that has been stuck in my mind ever since. A mother and her daughter, who seemed to be around 10–12 years old, entered the bus after a few stops. Since the bus was crowded, they didn’t get seats and had to stand. The girl was wearing a sleeveless frock with frills, and as the bus moved, her frock started flying up because of the wind. She looked very uncomfortable. Her mother noticed this and told her to come and stand between the seats to avoid the wind. Seeing this, I adjusted myself on my seat to make space for the girl to sit next to me. It was a two-seater, and I thought it wouldn’t be difficult to share. But to my surprise, the woman sitting next to me stopped me. She told me not to move and said there was no need to give the girl a seat. She added that the girl’s mother shouldn’t have let her wear a dress like that if it was going to cause such problems. I tried to explain that the child was feeling unco...

  As I sit down to reflect on the past year, I am overwhelmed with emotions – pride, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. It's hard to believe that it's been a whole year since our precious Rael entered our lives and turned everything upside down, in the best possible way. In this blog post, I want to share our journey of parenting, the challenges we faced, the decisions we made, and the lessons we learned along the way. Though my  husband and I were both well prepared  when Rael arrived, we questioned whether we were capable of taking care of her, of being her primary caregivers. However, we were determined to give it our all, to ensure that we were the ones providing her with the love, care, and attention she needed. Taking care of all her things right from the beginning all by ourselves was really beneficial in developing a beautiful bond with her. We were able to read her completely and knew exactly what she wanted, making it easy to handle her. My husband had a strong...

  In the bustling corridors of my workplace today, I inadvertently found myself in the midst of a heated exchange between two colleagues – a man and a woman. What unfolded before my eyes was not just a clash of egos but a painful reminder of how deeply rooted societal norms can influence our daily interactions. As the conversation escalated, the gentleman's voice grew louder, prompting a swift and powerful response from the woman. "I don't want to listen to your nonsense, and stop raising your voice at me. Go home and vent your anger on your wife." Her words lingered in the air, leaving me both shocked and contemplative. What struck me the most was the unexpected normalization of a deeply troubling idea – that a man raising his voice at his wife is somehow acceptable. It raised questions about how certain societal norms continue to perpetuate harmful stereotypes, even in the supposedly progressive setting of a modern workplace. The incident prompted me to reflect on t...

  You are my king and the best thing happened in my life; lucky to be your wife. Everything you do when I feel blue makes me feel better, nothing else matter. The way you console could heal my soul. When I'm down you put me the crown, just after a while brings back that smile. Since the time we know, together we grow the sense of unity till eternity, the love and care and the bond we share is so pure and will endure. It grows stronger; stays longer. So deep the affection a true connection. Looking at the wedding band Oh! It says 'my husband ', with the shaking feet my heart skips a beat reminds me of the day when we said, hey! the first time we met I will never forget. The verandah, where it all began, I swear, our life unfold a story untold. The moments I have known, all of them, our own. I have no words to say See! we have come a long way. From being 'just friends' to 'best friends' and to lovers the story uncov...

  The naughtiest ones, powerful than guns, they can just talk and cause havoc. Always ecstatic at times dramatic. They are the rule breakers, call themselves the trouble makers. Jokes apart; so dear to my heart. I was there from the beginning, couldn't be a part of the final inning making me feel sad, at the same time I'm glad for their new ride and with pride I could say, "my kids anyway". I know them so well, that I could tell their tricks and lies by looking into their eyes. For the love they shower, I'm thankful ever. Since day one the endless fun, at the foot of the hill in the evenings; dark, chill green and fair waiting to hear 'Are you free for a coffee'? That is all that matters when everything shatters. Gazing stars at night in the pale blue light having conversations so intense, that doesn't make any sense. Even the walls tell stories of their past glories. Teaching them was a task, it is too much to ask for them to learn that was my biggest...

By the clothes I wear, I'm judged here, A visible bra strap, is it a crap? High heels and short dress, is that a cause of distress? The length of skirt is it a reason to flirt? Why do blame teens for wearing tight jeans? The lusty gazes and unhappy faces for revealing clothes not covering head to toes. Despite the age, depth of cleavage is it provocative  or are you conservative? A mind full of dirt typecast a sleeveless shirt and call it, the sexy outfit with evil stares and unfriendly glares normalises violence keeping silence. "Inviting" they say, but if she say 'nay', it's a sign, not to cross your line. Objectifying women for the desires of men blaming victim's attire everytime after they commit a crime. The choice of dress is my right to express and in reality nothing to do with my morality; Why should I fear, in what I wear if it's evident that I'm confident. My fashion, of any sort is my comfort. Judge by the quality and the personality Not...

  In the valley of mist, they did exist best of friends where none pretends. So pure as snow that you will never know. I swear once they were a bunch of strangers through the changes, they came close against the tale of woes. And there began the story of the clan, pack of wolves they call the best of all. In the shifting phases, the thirteen faces, bonded well like unbreakable shell. Danced together, in the stormy weather and they sung as still young were the nights in the party lights. All the happy hours being the coworkers chilling out a lot in the favourite spot. Work was fun when they became one with all the games and funny names. Plenty of fights solved in rainy nights with long talks amidst ticking clocks, and the evening walk to the healing rock. Good days or bad days there was always time for a tea at half past three. All the gossips with the coffee sips and the breakfast stories were the best memories. Eating popcorns at the movies to cooking with the groupies. The love f...

  I can't describe the beauty of this place in just words but you have to experience it to know better. Conveniently situated in the heart of Vagamon, at walkable distance from the town. For those who want to take a break from the hectic work and enjoy some quality time with friends or family, this will be your perfect weekend destination. The cottage is set amidst pristine nature with green meadows as backdrop, you will find yourself lost in nature's beauty. Up in the hills, away from hassle, beyond the mist,  filled with fog amidst lush greenery; through the chill of winter, A lovely getaway; Oh! Such a beautiful place, I could stay here forever! The fresh and  serene surroundings,  the early morning rains, the cold breeze,  the aroma of hot coffee, Sunlight streaming through the coloured window panes, the breathing walls, smell of wet bricks the vintage impressions embracing the past, decorative antiques, bringing nature indoors, wide open spaces Creative des...

  The day I was born I heard people bemoan, Oh see the pudgy body! Looks like a teddy. They felt that, I was a bit fat. As the days went by;I saw their discontent. Poor little thing! how is she so thin? Their only aim is to blame none other, but my mother. They would clutch and feed me much. I didn't know, to say no! Then they used to ask, Why doesn't she walk? At half past one, I learnt to run. Then they complained and restrained me from walking around picked me up from the ground. They seemed to be tired, Why they act so weird?  Those folk wanted me to talk. Their concern was the other kid, who spoke already; they said 'She is a late talker', took me to a doctor. After a week, I started to speak. Then what does matter was I'm a non stop chatter! 'She is too loud and noisy when around'. 'So naughty and wild is your child'; My mom was so sad, all these made her mad. Then they look at me and say, Oh! Stop growing fast, just stay! Counting the number o...

  Sweet or bitter the worst or better, Am I not afraid of the choice I made? I'm still confused but I refused! Wished to stay, but I walked away with a worried mind leaving them behind. I can't move my feet, I feel incomplete. The dilemmas unsolved, the emptiness involved, stories left unsaid, emotions; unread, the lessons not taught, the answers not sought. The hardest farewells, in dead silence. Difficult to leave, on that Eve, so painful than I thought, and I cried a lot. Escalating inner turmoil, loops of distress did uncoil. Did I leave halfway through into the blue? A mental battle to defeat, was it left incomplete? All I know is, I will miss every bit of this!

  I remember the first day, they were kids, I would say the desire to learn, I saw; to redo and redraw, ready to go that extra mile with eager eyes and wide smile. The healthy competition for the top position, and the silly fights for all the rights; the crazy night outs, unsolved designs and doubts, the ego clash and flash; at the end, the birthday bash, with the hugs and sorry creating another story, that will last a lifetime and to remember sometime. All the groups and gangs together holding hands. Sharing thoughts at their favourite spots, cheering up with a tea, being hassle free in the misty evening, that beautiful feeling. Their love is bliss if deeper the love is; but harder they hate you and you will have no clue, if you mess with them; or each is such a gem. Such innocent happy souls between the opposite poles, but one for all if someone fall, connected together and fighting for each other. Time passed it seems, all the shared dreams...

  Tears of the sky; a drop fell on my eye. Sitting on the garden seat, raindrops touched my feet. Looking down the ground, droplets floating around, beating the heat of the day standing water at bay. I looked down, saw me in the wet gown; I gazed at my reflection, admiring nature's perfection, through the still calm water, and my thoughts wander. I could see, shades of me, the brighter and the lighter, the grey and the blue, the dark and the pale hue. These tears could draw, all the colors of life, I saw; the days of laughter, and the pain thereafter. Reflecting things I knew, through a different view. How I cried?  And ran to hide, again stood strong against the wrong. Fighting back everytime, remembering how bold am I I saw my reflected soul, over which I lost control. Did I forget my true self? Did I not trust myself? Alone time I need, to decode, mind and soul to be in concord If I could find, the reason behind. How strange was the change?  A leaf dropped into the wat...