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
Sometimes we just need someone to simply be there - not to fix anything, but to let us feel we're supported and not alone." - Unknown Some days, I try to stay quiet. Say only what’s necessary. Keep it light, keep it smooth — like trying not to stir a still pond. But the words… … Continue reading Letting the Paper Listen
By the time we were ready to step out, it was already 11 a.m. The sun blazed so brightly, it felt like we were auditioning for a sunscreen commercial—squinting, blinking, and fumbling for sunglasses. Limburg, a charming little town in Germany, was just an hour away. Perfect for a test drive with our 4.5-month-old baby, … Continue reading When Plans Change
Yesterday evening, as usual, I was knee-deep in diaper duty, innocent giggles, and the eternal “What do I cook for dinner?” discussion echoing in my mind. Then, from the corner of my bedroom window, my eyes fell on my neighbor’s beautifully kept garden—lush, green, like a tiny, well-groomed forest. There he was, his back turned … Continue reading A Table for One, Please
Indian mythology is one of my favorite genres, and Nala Damayanti is a story I’ve long cherished—especially the version narrated by Narayana Acharya in my mother tongue, Kannada. So when I came across a retelling by Anand Neelakantan, I was instantly excited to revisit the tale through his voice. After finishing the book, I felt … Continue reading Nala Damayanti by Anand Neelakantan — A Mythological Retelling With Heart, Humour, and Hope
Chai and Chatter Chronicles 