pc- @papipigy Ila hadn’t slept well. By the time the sky cracked open with pale winter light, she was already awake. Even at 8 a.m., the morning felt dark and heavy. Why not sip my morning masala chai, she thought. She turned the gas knob and set water to boil. Two spoons of her favourite … Continue reading When Chai Gets Cold
At around 75% of the book, my head was echoing the dictator’s name. It appears in almost every panel. The songs, the walls, the badges, the monuments — even when the author looks in the mirror, he first sees the ruler’s photo. Through this title, you walk through a Pyongyang that is monitored, guided, choreographed, … Continue reading Reading Pyongyang..
An ode to everyday multitasking… and husbands source:pinterest Today, I truly believe women are champions of multitasking. And no, I’m not talking about the glamorous “managing home, baby, job” kind of multitasking. I mean the real, behind-the-scenes stuff. The kind of multitasking that keeps a household from falling into total chaos. Like laundry, for instance. … Continue reading Domestic Dramas & Other Delicacies
This morning, as I held a warm bowl of poha, I sighed — not out of tiredness, but with a quiet sense of gratitude. Yes, I have someone to feed me. Life today is beautifully chaotic. I’m lost in unfinished sleep, diaper changes, burps, and chasing my little one. There are days I feel angry, … Continue reading This Moment Is Precious Too
Why I Picked This Book I bought the e-copy of The Night Diary last year, though I don’t quite remember why. I usually avoid books about the Partition of India in 1947—it’s too emotionally heavy for me. Maybe the epistolary format drew me in. There’s something intimate about reading letters, especially when they come from … Continue reading 📖 The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani
Dearest Aai, After I became a mother, I often find myself wondering — who were you before you became Aai?What time did you wake up? What was your favorite way to spend a quiet afternoon? Did you cook for the joy of it, or because YOU wanted to eat something special? Did you laugh easily? … Continue reading Now I see You, Aai – A Letter To My Mother
Our little one was curled up tightly on Anand’s chest, fast asleep. He was pacing slowly, trying to keep her asleep. Anand whispered, “Deepu, she’s asleep. What should we do now? Did she drink enough milk? Should we wake her up to feed?” I was just about to answer when — She stirred, opened her … Continue reading “Who Fell Asleep Here?”
The picture may not be perfect—but the heart behind the food absolutely is. Today’s lunch felt special in the quietest way. As we sat down to eat, Anand asked, “How does it taste?” I smiled. “You know it’s yummy. The highlight? The aroma—the ginger tadka caught in the lemon rice is wah! Just the right … Continue reading Little Gestures, Big Flavours
When @kitaabicabins announced the Book of the Month for May, I saw it as the perfect excuse to finally pick up a title from my TBR stack. I also wanted to journal the experience in real time — and this short read felt just right for that, without feeling overwhelming. Here’s how the reading journey … Continue reading Reading The Gentleman from Peru: A Journal in Chapters
I have this little habit—maybe you do too—of sharing things that bring me joy, peace, or meaning. A calming yoga session? I talk about it. A comforting recipe? I send it over. A quote that made me pause? Shared, without a second thought. It comes from a place of connection. A simple desire to say, … Continue reading Of Sharing and Silence
Chai and Chatter Chronicles 