Disclaimer – The contents of this writing include paradoxes where the author chooses to take a side in the form of a creative rant. You as a reader are welcome to pick your side. You may commence the battle of wits at your will. The solutions are open ended as it’s up to the reader’s discernment.
{Today’s Spoiler alert – Macbeth by William Shakespeare}
This one is mind boggling – as it raises a series of questions with no sense of clarity. You have a heap of sand lying next to you; you carefully remove one grain out of it. Does it qualify as a heap of sand now? What if you remove another grain? Is it still a heap? And yet another grain? At what point does it stop being a heap? All essential questions tiptoe around the subject with no apparent answers- as the rules specify homogeneity throughout.
This particular paradox plays in full view in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. In the midst of a variety of paradoxes, Sorites Paradox comes into view rather more subtly – you witness it only after the play comes through to the grand finale. Macbeth is essentially introduced as a good character- let’s call this as the baseline of Macbeth’s character as “n” . Relying on the witches’ prophecies, he slowly shifts and starts thinking about murdering the king. He initially isn’t entirely sure, but his reluctant resolve is slowly strengthened by his own grandiose sense of self sprinkled with his wife’s ardent persuasion along the same lines. It starts at the place of guilt – guilty for even thinking of something heinous in the first place, followed by slowly making logical justifications to draw parallels with the witches’ prophecies and finally justifying the need of committing the king’s murder. He slowly arrives at this stage as” n-1″ { it can be n-3 if you want to count the graduated levels of his fall morally} . This slowly snowballs into his need of eliminating anyone who might be a threat to his twisted sense of his right to the throne. Let us call this ” n- 100″ (an arbitrary number decided to represent the moral aspects of subsequent deaths). At what specific time point does the Macbeth character shift from good to bad? Assuming that he was good at the start and the game dictates that we use the same set of rules throughout, it becomes n=n-100, which makes absolutely no sense and sets us up for a wild goose chase.
We witness the ramifications slowly accumulating to form the big picture at the end. The paradox in itself actively plays in every nook and corner of our lives. We are consistently making these kinds of micro calculations on a daily basis – how many cars on the road currently quantify as too many cars ? How many stones are too many stones along this pavement? To what extent are we looking forward to helping someone, and at what point does it classify as too much help on our end? These kinds of questions classically train our minds to distinguish ambiguity and address accordingly.
Since this paradox hinges on ambiguity, the clearcut definition of the cutoff significantly reduces the associated bias at literary, philosophical and mathematical levels- allowing a wider scope of implications in psychology and mathematics. It can’t be predefined as a one- glove- fits- all, it needs to be customised based on a person’s perception, emotional maturity and tolerance.
{This is a lecture series by an English professor Monami Mukherjee . She has gone into great depths of creating simpler explanations of each act of Macbeth. I found it really compelling and enjoyable, hence shared the link here. }
2) Rajat Kapoor’s – Macbeth : What’s done is done.
{It’s a modern retelling of Macbeth. I had the opportunity to watch it in Bangalore recently. It was the very reason for me to pick up this book to complete reading this play in the first place. The play at the end evoked an invigorating sense of moral responsibility and deep ethical reflection.}
Disclaimer – The contents of this writing include paradoxes where the author chooses to take a side in the form of a creative rant. You as a reader are welcome to pick your side. You may commence the battle of wits at your will. The solutions are open ended as it’s up to the reader’s discernment.
The act of tolerance cannot be confined to its mere definition, but rather a spectrum of ill-defined, scattered acceptability. Tolerance levels vary from individual to individual on every strata. Taking it one step ahead, if we exhibit tolerance to the intolerance – we are essentially accepting the intolerance to take the lead. It traps us in a paradox, as nothing is viewed on the same scale as the other on a philosophical, moral and ethical point of view.
The levels of tolerance of an individual are tested on a daily basis. They let one evaluate their stands on every trivial subject on one side, and extremely important subjects on the other side. This decision making process, however tedious, sets us apart as a species – the ones that can think. In Crime and Punishment, Fyodor Dostoevsky explores the intense philosophical paradox that plays in the protagonist’s mind. The rather long novel is a frustrating peek into a fractured mind and how it reacts to its own stilted definitions of morality. The said morality clearly undergoes a lot of metamorphosis on the protagonist’s end, all thanks to his need to try to fit the regular “end justifies the means” in a twisted format. The whole system ignores when he just publishes his psychological ramblings in a self righteous, self aggrandizing way – which slowly, indirectly motivates and strengthens his resolve to murder a dishonest pawnbroker. He justifies his morality and his idea throughout, as he considers himself well above others. His mind however dramatically unravels when he ends up having to kill the pawnbroker’s sister alongside the pawnbroker – who unfortunately happens to be at the scene at the same time.
Dostoevsky traps us to experience the feverish pace at which the protagonist next tries to sift through the views of himself mentally and emotionally with heavy physical manifestations; and the conflict of wanting to confess the crime – even though he was the one who initially justified his stance. We are caught unaware in between his deeply dizzying, moody internal monologues that seem to be going about in erratic circles with no apparent solution. His interactions with various other characters just further the fact of how he is not outright accepted but rather tolerated socially. To a rather satirical extent, he is caught in a psychological mind game designed by the lead detective in order to coax a confession out of him. The story is a fine example of how a certain ideology can be taken to an extreme, even in a society that deeply values intellectual freedom. It facilitates greater risk of enabling harm, mirroring the paradox of tolerance.
On the flip side, the definition of tolerance can’t remain the same as society is an ever evolving organism. If asked – how far along the spectrum does it make sense to be tolerant without letting the systemic implosion happen? – the answer lies in the fact that the definition needs to be collectively modified in accordance with furthering growth on a time to time basis, while keeping in mind the essentials of structure so as to not to enable civilisation collapse.
Suggested additional readings –
Choice, Con(sequence), and Paradox in Dostoevsky ‘s Crime and Punishment and the Brothers Karamazov by William Westerman
Disclaimer – The contents of this writing include paradoxes where the author chooses to take a side in the form of a creative rant. You as a reader are welcome to pick your side. You may commence the battle of wits at your will. The solutions are open ended as it’s up to the reader’s discernment.
In the world of paradoxes, this certainly is way more intriguing. The whole stance is built on two paradoxical parts of one sentence – where no particular part takes precedence over the other, as in both parts carry equal weight. Both exist in the same realm at the exact same time. It is generally defined with the regular example of – “This statement is false”. If you had to break it down and say it’s true – then you are agreeing to the essence of the statement stating itself to be false, thence discrediting yourself. If you say it’s false, then you are accounting for the truth of the statement – essentially agreeing to the factual content of the statement and negating your option yet again. With the binary choices of logic – this creates a vexing conundrum between logic and language.
The intricacy of this particular paradox in my opinion, is covered in detail in Kafka’s work – The Trial. It’s explored on two main levels- the author level and the reader level. At the author level- he describes our protagonist who is accused of a crime he is totally unaware of- or so it appears. With the help of the story, he creates a suffocating situation where the protagonist seeks clarity before judgement while the court is set for judgement first followed by a possible clarity. The entire proceedings generate an emotional whiplash in the minds of the reader- you are caught in between wanting to desperately understand the scenario and hopefully feel the associated relief. This keeps the reader on the edge, because over time it slowly becomes clearer that the narrator isn’t entirely reliable. In order to expose the absurdity and tragedy of reality, he cleverly juxtaposes the whole story on the liar’s paradox for generating the emotional back and forth on the reader’s end. The underlying theme comes out to be – the protagonist is a liar. If it’s true, then the whole story becomes false. However if it’s false, the whole story becomes true. There is no sense of clarity whatsoever and you are left wanting to connect the invisible floating dots. In a broader sense, Kafka creates a Liar’s Paradox of three statements –
a) The protagonist is a liar
b) The system is a liar
c) The author is a liar
Having said this, none of the Kafka’s works can be reduced to the mere redundancy of one paradox as his literary goal. The paradox in essence makes the reader question- which is the main motivation- at least in Kafka’s case. As for the liar’s paradox, since it hinges on the two equal parts of the sentence- the paradox can be rather reduced by stating one half of the sentence in one language and the other half in another- in order to gauge and contrast the gravity of the part of the statement. Various other philosophers also suggest not to take the face value of the sentence into consideration – there is sometimes a lot going on underneath, or rather nothing at all. After all, we can read in between the lines all we want and still end up with understanding or gaining nothing.
( it’s a free open article offering Kafka’s social perspective in ‘The Trial ‘. The article contains spoilers – if you haven’t read ‘The Trial’ yet and are intending to do so in the near future, kindly refrain from reading this article until then. )
Disclaimer – The contents of this writing include paradoxes where the author chooses to take a side in the form of a creative rant. You as a reader are welcome to pick your side. You may commence the battle of wits at your will. The solutions are open ended as it’s up to the reader’s discernment.
I googled the word paradox immediately. I mean how could I not- I wanted to write an efficient article on efficiency. It’s plain interesting how we have incorporated the core of efficiency into our daily lives. It’s now our work ethic and that makes us a better employee too, if we are able to somehow make a product or offer a service using lesser resources within a strategically limited amount of time. The quantification of our actions had begun the era of efficiency – rightfully with the goal of saving our limited resources and being planet conscious, while keeping the prices low for the customers .We wanted to wrap the uncertain fabric of time on our fingertips, so that we could interlace with those fibers intricately and hopefully become its collective puppet masters.
Our inherent discomfort with the uncertainty has always been quite loud. The quest for quantification of everything on earth has landed us into situations where we are still caught off guard and struggle to accept the confusing findings. We are obsessed with the data, and we keep trying to find more data to prove it. Anything that lies outside the normalcy is quickly branded as abnormal and is quickly scouted to be boxed into something definable for our peace of mind. The whole scientific community is built on this- as we try to plot our data to fit within the esteemed bell curves with limited parameters and dispose of anything outside the normal limits calling them tragically unstable- our cute little inefficient outliers. For a community built on relying on steady scientific research, we surely don’t like to associate with any result that even mildly deviates from the supposed hypothesis to explore the inherent ambiguity. The perfect data with the perfect outcomes matters; not the right one with all its raw uncertainty. The perfect data is like love at first sight – it makes all the sense and you feel like you are inching closer to decoding the universe. You don’t want to go back.
The fight for efficiency has made us the poster child of detachment . We would rather create various other algorithms using AI to streamline the process of manufacturing a product instead of dealing with people involved in it directly- because noticeably humans aren’t efficient enough. Humans have emotions which serve as the impermeable barriers to efficiency. Humans have the ability to think and make conscious decisions – all of which serve as grave contrast against the act of servitude. We invent our own contenders in the form of Artificial intelligence to increase efficiency and then talk about how these contenders might make our efficient work lives obsolete . We have effectively managed to sever the human connections through the art of efficiency and have grabbed all the right to complain. We are in a paradoxical spiral of wanting to be efficient while refusing to sit with the discomfort of being a multifaceted human. All this efficiency and we still somehow have no time to think, no time to lose. We are effectively at the precipice of the fatal bludgeoning of intuition to enable us fit into the herd- the branded cattle of efficient greyscales.
<I am starting this new series where I explore paradoxes in different shapes and forms. It’s a challenging assignment I have taken upon myself, after appreciating the exploration of paradoxical elements in many of the works by Dostoevsky and Kafka. I would really appreciate your feedback as I am experimenting with something new here. >
<Edit – I am planning to explore these paradoxical elements, one at a time, juxtaposed against various works that I have read in the subsequent posts of this series. >
People are enchanting in different ways- some charm with their words, some have eyes that magnetically draw you in, some have a boisterous exclamation of amusement and others have a laugh so different that you will reminisce about it even on a random summer evening. The kind of laughter that tugs at your heart and tickles your brain all at once. You are caught unaware by this laugh- you are forced to contemplate momentarily your regular routine of productivity and monotony. This laugh is internally feral- originating from the bottom of the gurgling intestines to travel upwards trapped against the expanding ribcage and escape the choking throat as a gentle burst of stifle. They throw their head back to launch the chortle up into the air above – like the initial thrust of a rocket propelling itself into a fit of silent laughter where the eyes and gestures do all the work. The whole body sways while trying to contain this tongue-tied explosion that exploits one’s lungs as they catch their breath in between their stifle while their arms flap frantically yet hushed. Their eyes soften at this vulnerable juncture expressing gentleness and ease amidst this medically obsolete hysteria spreading rapidly, as horizontal creases along the sides of the face pull the jaw apart- showcasing the pearly whites and low deep breaths gasping for air. It’s like an infectious yawn- you end up yawning too in response. The subtle social cue of togetherness where you are mystically forced to reconsider watching the person laugh again- you consider the meaning behind all this- the reason. Of course you wait initially in a trance, you don’t understand what just happened so you wait for a moment to let that metaphysical moment wash across your body. Once you have gathered your wits and regained your supposed consciousness- you make a joke. A subtle joke that you never thought you could come up with, yet you did at this point of time with an invigorating mountain of motivation. The joke that puts the whole act yet again on display – the act that defies the normal confines of anatomy and plays with your brain biochemistry to reward you with the prized laugh- an absolute treat indeed. Ah to be the god’s favourite as you get to be a witness of something so premium – the person laughing with all their heart and hands in the air- while you are forced to face your precious core, one can only imagine. At that particular moment the universe eternally glitches for a moment and you get trapped in that timeline where you both are holding mirrors to each other and have created an infinite, diagonally straight loop of images of yourselves that are laughing openly with each other within the frame for as long as one can see- creating a non exhaustive cycle of tender humanity and passionate liaison.
She climbed over the stage and spray painted a huge graffiti all across in neon green and pink- clad in a black hoodie top to bottom with a matching black mask and black shoes. She collected the rose petals as the remnants of the friendship and love she once felt , but long gone only to be buried deep in the pages of her roughly scribbled diary – long forgotten. She bought that ridiculously large turquoise ceramic vase that made everything next to it in the living room look out of place and, made her look out of sorts. She couldn’t tell the waiter aloud that there was a dead fly buried deep amidst the mint leaves in an already – finished watermelon based cooler that she just drank as she was scared of being an inconvenience in a public place. She normally wants to talk loudly in order to make her inside voices heard, but she definitely doesn’t want the glare to hit her when she finally does decide to talk. The moment the public eye makes its appearance, she makes a run for the bushes and plots her revenge against the person who chose to shine it in the first place. She dislikes the fact that in order to be understood she first has to be seen, but boy isn’t that contradictory?
Words here hold meaning – you wouldn’t have made sense of what I was talking about here, until you read them in the first place. Our eyes see whatever they want to and accordingly create a narrative that already fits the existing box created by our brains. Eyes are the pigmented crutches of our grey matter that go through a series of algorithms to make an acceptable answer for our advanced primitive brains. A lot of jumping through hoops only for our brains to form an understandable single directional image- that helps us to be the lauded reliable narrator out here saying beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. The beholder surely has the best spotlight in the market streaked with situational clarity and personal experiences. Let us pause for a moment here. Why don’t we just avert our gazes away for a moment and admire these red roses that have just grown into a full bloom, while she defaces the stage? Let her message and your recollection be perfectly clear of this moment- eternally abstruse and potentially misconstrued.
We all love to hover just above the ground – interacting seamlessly and moving from person to person with the power of detachment and assertion. We are allergic to the corners of the room or even staying at one place at a given moment, as it would require us to take up space. We are constantly worried about spilling our drinks as we gracefully walk about amidst the sea of people, worried about how people see us more than how we feel. We are worried that the shreds of darkness within us might unusually spill about and cause an unwelcome mess of this lovely evening where everyone is smiling and dancing. We could however choose to be fluidic, somewhat like a macroscopic amoeba if you may, whose pseudopodia can navigate anywhere about the room- even the corners- to just take up space. Then we wouldn’t be so worried about whether we are ending up consuming more oxygen than the next person, and allow ourselves to breathe just for that one moment. That one moment would be precious- before we let ourselves back into this madness of a world that never stops for us and stretches into the charades of amazement forever. We could just authentically let ourselves be, without any judgement of haste or just.
Take up all that space today that rightfully belongs to you, will you?
👩🏻⚕️” Here- this is a book full of unicorns in different backgrounds and poses. You can colour as much as you want. “
( The mother turns towards her 2 year old son.)
👩🏻🦱”You love unicorns right?”
👶🏻” I LOVE unicorns, amma!!!”
👩🏻⚕️” Here are the connector pens. You can colour with the colours of your choice.”
( They take the big box filled with colorful connector pens and coloring book; and seat themselves comfortably on the nearest sofa.)
👩🏻🦱”So where do we start dear?
👶🏻”Let us start with the colour pink amma.”
👩🏻🦱 “Perfect. Do you want to colour these flowers here by the unicorn?”
👶🏻”The colour of the sun is pink.”
👩🏻🦱”The sun?”
👶🏻 “Yes. The sun is pink. Let’s colour that pink.”
👩🏻🦱 “Okay. Sure. You take this pen and colour the sun pink.”
👶🏻”I would love to.”
( Vigorous scratching of the pink pen on the paper ensues while a low hum of the air conditioner in the background drowns out the traffic noise outside the glass interiors.)
👩🏻🦱Very beautiful! Let us color in a way that the colours stay within the lines.
👶🏻I don’t have to stay within the lines. Show me please anyway.
( He leans above his mother’s shoulder as she shows him how to colour within the lines. He now tries to follow the same but ends up coloring yet again outside the lines. The short pink raggedy lines scribbled haphazardly all around the sun look like pink fibers spilling out of the vague black circle of a sun.)
👶🏻 ( calmly) I like it this way.
( He closes the pen cap and stares at the cap for a second. He slowly picks up another pen and clicks them together. They connect immediately. The Unicornsslowly fade into the background of the colorful pens that connect each other with a zap over the pink sun.)
👩🏻🦱I like the pink sun. It’s beautiful.
( She starts colouring the unicorn blue and orange. )
It’s yet again that time of the year, where the flowers are slowly starting to bloom – sprouting shyly amongst the rich greens to slowly stand out. We begin to realise that we have already been through multiple seasons at this point- where days have whizzed by through the rains and piercing rays of the sun to slowly nestle back into the present. The air feels lighter against our faces as we walk through the morning daylight. We could probably take our bicycles out and go for a brisk tour around the city . We could see people rushing to their respective jobs in all kinds of attire while gulping down their take-aways in the most horrendous ways possible, while gulping down gallons of coffee or tea – we can pick our poison after all. We could pedal slowly across the bike lane feeling the wind slowly caress our faces and experience the smell of freshly made dosas from the stalls on the roadside being carried away with our wind drag. They make a soft hissing sound as the fresh uncooked batter is spread on the huge iron tawas, with a delicate smell of oil and coconut sprinkled around. We could park our bicycles on the side and rush to stand amongst the scattered gathering of people holding their respective steel plates of hot masala dosas- blowing air against each piece as they break it into smaller pieces to hold the aloo masala within; dip it in chutney and stuff it into their mouths. “Excuse me, we want to order- how many plates do we need, by the way?”
After having had the dosas to our hearts’ content, we could again slowly start pedaling to a nearby filter coffee place . We could place the order and wait with our hands in our coat pockets, while we adoringly look at the decoction slowly settling in for an early pour. We would hold the small steel glasses of our coffees cautiously around the rim and take the aroma all in. Our spectacles could be fogged from the stiff breath hitting against a hot drink on a cold day. But we wouldn’t stop for the world – as the day has just begun. We could pick up some of those flowers that have gently scattered on the parked cars on our way back and keep them safely in our pockets. They would make beautiful bookmarks, and remain with us forever as beautiful reminders of just today.
It’s always right there – whatever that we needed to get. It’s always within one’s hand’s reach yet so far away that it feels like crossing an ocean as the last resort. All we need to do then is try, just a little harder. A phrase that is repeated all our childhood and well into adulthood that, if only we tried harder the prize would have been ours, the promotion would have been ours, the house would have been ours. But are we so caught up in winning the battles that we forget to appreciate our preparations and our journey for the same? Floating along this energy capsule that guides us throughout the day to reach somewhere, and once we get there what next? Will the deadlines ever end? If they do end at some point of time, what next? Isn’t that a weird circle where we are caught between the paradox of wanting something and doing something?
As confusing as it presents itself, the answer lies right there. If you want something, you have to do something about it. How convenient of the questions posed by life to be presenting the answers right there – only if you knew how to seek the same or rather how well you are at finding the tigress lurking in the shadows. However, if you did find the tigress – what next? It all boils down to how good you are at running away or else, how flexible you are at letting the tigress decide your fate. It does sound interesting – the constant flux of life well within yet outside your grasp. Alternatively, how good are you at taming the tigress though? Are the questions posed here confusing enough? If yes, her job here is done. May you find the requisite answer screaming through the mirror into your face tomorrow morning while brushing your teeth. She, for one, is still chasing the shadows and wondering what her next meal is- while you sit there wondering which coffee order you had in the morning messed up your whole day.
I first heard about anime from one of my friends- my former flatmate and my constant tagalong to the beach during our post graduate days. You could say that I was living under a rock until then. Anime is a Japanese style of animation known for its colorful art, diverse genres, and emotional depth. It spans a wide range of stories, from action to drama, and has gained global popularity for its unique visuals and captivating narratives. Let’s delve deeper into a rather lively discussion about the same with Dr Asha Muralidhar, a Prosthodontist, here today- about how she discovered anime and how it has positively impacted her life.
1) What made you get drawn to anime in the first place? And why?
👘 Anime is a form of storytelling which is not seen in any other form of animated movie or the movies in general . The narration gently conveys life lessons and, guides how to convey one’s deepest sentiments and emotions .
2) What are the elements that make you drawn to a particular anime ?
👘Anime taught me how to deal with life by cultivating a strong sense of self assurance . Dedication and hard work just brighten up any of the toughest roads out there. Everything about anime- visuals, songs, characters, sceneries – each bit of it’s soothing and thrilling at the same time. I personally feel they have hidden healing powers for the soul.
3) Can you suggest some anime that have been critically acclaimed internationally?
👘Anime like Naruto Fullmetal Alchemist Demon slayer Spy family Jujutsu kaisen
4) Which anime character do you most identify with and why?
👘I admire the characters like Naruto , Kakashi and Itachi. Naruto started out as an inexperienced outcast, lacking special powers or abilities, but through sheer determination and hard work, he built his own strength.
Kakashi is a remarkable character—both an exceptional sensei and Hokage. Despite losing everyone dear to him, he remained compassionate and never hardened his heart, always supporting those around him. He is truly an inspiration.
5) What’s your favorite anime soundtrack?
👘Naruto’s intro song
6) Which is one anime you love that you think is underrated?
👘I love Fullmetal Alchemist which I personally feel is underrated
7) How important are the visuals and animation style to you when choosing an anime?
👘Anime is fundamentally driven by its visual elements, requiring a careful balance of creativity to effectively convey the emotions and intentions of the writers. Every aspect, from the scenes and sketches to the characters, contributes to this unified artistic expression. A prime example of this is the film *Your Name*, which showcases remarkable visuals. The depiction of the sky, the vibrant colors of autumn, the blooming flowers, and the lush greenery all work together to create a visually soothing experience. The aesthetic beauty of the film captivates viewers, fostering a deep appreciation for its artistry.
” Your Name”
8) What’s the most memorable anime quote for you?
👘There are two memorable quotes from my all- time favourite anime Naruto, which I would like to share here-
By master Jiraya – Whenever some one thinks of you that’s where home is❤️ This quote always hits home for me.
By Naruto – If you don’t like your destiny don’t accept it instead have the courage to change it the way you want it to be.
9) What is ‘Otaku‘ culture, and how is it perceived in and outside of Japan?
👘There is nothing wrong with being an anime fan and being entirely immersed in it. You just shouldn’t make it an ardent part of your life. Embrace the culture with curiosity and love while keeping your personality intact.
( Author interjects an additional reading piece at this point to understand the origin of otaku meaning and its diverse implications for the reader’sinterest– https://www.tofugu.com/japan/otaku-meaning/ )
10) How do language and translation affect the global understanding of anime?
👘Their translation approach is certainly effective; however, not all anime offer the option to be viewed in one’s native language or English. If this issue could be addressed, it would significantly expand accessibility to a global audience.
In conclusion, anime nurtures the inner child, offering healing through its well-crafted storytelling, narration, and visual artistry, making it a true form of beauty.
——-END OF TRANSCRIPT TITLE VII —-
( Asmuch glorious and fun it was to get to know my closest friends through these transcript title series, it had to come to an end sometime.
Having said so, this post marks the last of the series.
“How do you categorise a day as a good day or a bad day- just on the pretext of trying to blend with the good always?”
“Care to elaborate?”
“What’s the scale to decide whether it’s a good day or abad day? What if you had a better day yesterday- doesn’t it comparatively demote today’s better day to a kind of medium day?”
“This is not a grading system to grade the days and then change the grades accordingly based on a mere possibility of better or worse days ahead.”
“Is it not ???”
“Definitely not. There are going to be good, medium and bad days. And we as observers can’t be biased solely based on the logical reasoning of the day. We also need to take the emotional highs and lows of the day to come to a final conclusion.”
“Hence the medium day. “
“Correct. Medium day for you as only you can understand or perceive what you went through. Hence it’s important to derive that conclusion from the observer’s side only. My opinion isn’t going to weigh into the final conclusion.”
“Are you negating yourself right now?”
“All I am saying is this is not your race to print the progress report card on a daily basis to just keep yourself on the toes. It’s just a daily reminder to check in with yourself. “
“What about tomorrow when I end up having an even better day? Doesn’t today’s account become obsolete?”
“Technically by tomorrow, today’s account would be in the past. And just like how everything in the past is, it brought you here to now, it shaped you to become what you are in the present. The account might not hold in the race of time as time is fleeting, but it will hold good in your chapter of lessons and memories.”
“That makes sense.”
“Given the grand scheme of things, you might not feel the same tomorrow as you did today. Every parameter from the real world would keep fluctuating every second, and so will your thinking. Memories are little structural lies that we tell ourselves oh so generously on a regular basis- dismantling the whole concept of truth. Given the chance, would you like to change your answer now to a – perhaps- good day?”
“I would like to stick to the medium. It doesn’t matter if the situations fluctuate, as I am just a microscopic passenger of a gigantic vessel that embraces ebbs and flows. I would like to stick my nose to the glass and enjoy the process- while commenting on the beautiful scenery I come across and the occasional speed bumps that hurt my spine. That makes for a good story at the end.”
I feel a knot in my stomach forming slowly as I see no hint of the cursor moving anytime soon, when all of a sudden I feel the buzz of the screen and the document. Huzzah ! She is finally writing! She is finally going to give the perfect ending to this book. I am ecstatic. “… Dangling from the roof, he felt a knot form in his stomach. He slowly leaned closer to the window. The first thing that caught him off guard was the reflection of the sky in the background slowly fading. He turned around, confused, to see what was going on. The sky crumbled slowly in the form of vanilla-colored pixel blobs that seemed to twist and turn in the air to fall down and reveal a white background. The building also crumbled into oddly shaped white bricks that somehow blended with the surrounding white. The rope in his hand also slowly started disintegrating, which made it look like Kozo was stuck in the air, belonging neither to the ground nor the sky- that is if they even existed anymore. An all-encompassing white took over to fill the void that seemed to stretch beyond one’s capacity to see. Just like everything stopped existing, so did gravity. Kozo thereby existed in the state of total oblivion, suspended in the air, with nowhere to go. He had always dreamed of flying, but never had he imagined for once that he could be stuck in the land of nothing. He had been scared of heights, but this scared him more.”
I desperately perk my ears to hear the click-clack sound of the keys. I am met with a resounding silence that feels deafening and defeating. My hands feel the sudden rush of blood circulation within as I am no longer holding onto a rope for a living. The fear of backspace has now given me a strange sense of relief though, as I prepare myself to wait in the shadows of the closed screen to be erased yet again. I have always existed amidst the heavy, loud lines instead of being suspended among the blank spaces around the lines where time is nonexistent. This faint feeling of alternate realities existing makes me feel woozy, but here I am at the whim of the writer with an undying dedication to the plot. I can now feel the dreadful need slowly engulfing me to make peace with the surrounding vacuum and make a semblance of living possible. I am in a book without a cover yet. Who am I to judge? After all, I am just a character in this book trying to make your day by making you stay. I am glad though, that you made it this far till the end of this time. The next time you are here, I hope, you get to stay just a little longer. Until next page Sincerely Kozo
I now seem to recollect the first day Zoya sat down to write about me. It was the first time I had ever felt that anxious. She is the one person that I have come across who uses backspace a lot. At first she had me wear an orange dhoti and carry a sword; however, after page 154, when she realised the costume didn’t fit the scene where I had to rescue a crying teapot (again, please ask Zoya about why there was a crying teapot in the first place) wearing a hat, she hit backspace hard to erase the last 153 pages in one go. With her brows furrowed above her black round spectacles, she went on to write, “War is Peace. Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength”. I had never felt so confused about the sudden, random introduction of this paradoxical conundrum into the mix.
My life that has just spanned the length of this book has always been filled with running. I would run as fast as I could with her so that it made sense to her. I would be riding a wild boar, but the very next moment she would change it to paddling with a swan. The switches used to be so ridiculous to the point that once she mentioned that there were pink walls in the office of Mr Gator. The scenes by that moment had progressed to me and Mr. Gator having heated arguments against this pink backdrop. I had gotten used to including those details whenever I would plan a heist, because the colour of the wall, no matter how trivial, is a very important distinguishing feature. However, after a month or so, she changed the details to a dark olive green. It threw a wrench into my plans. It was already difficult living between the lines, but having to constantly live far away from the lines in a way that I could always foresee the backspace approaching made me stay alert always. Instead of mindfully soaking up even a page I constantly had a metal alphabet flipping in my head, saying it could be, possibly, today or any day from now.
Written words always enigmatically draw people from far off places. I have always enjoyed how people are inquisitive, peering into the book. They know it is not complete, yet they can’t stop stealing a peek into it. Curiosity, as you humans say, seems to kill a cat; but satisfaction overwhelmingly brings it back. You Human, like you are doing as of now, must be feeling good as you are getting to know me firsthand as a major character in the book. Just to put your curiosity to rest, I have since stopped living in the eternal fear of backspace, because it doesn’t make sense for me to be scared of something inevitable. I have to make peace with it and keep dangling from this brick red roof of the mayor’s house, confused with his now dark olive green office space, as I peer through the window to break in and carry my heist as usual.
“It’s a paradox that in our time of drastic rapid change, when the future is in our midst devouring the present before our eyes, we have never been less certain about what is ahead of us. ” ~ EricHoffer
It has been seven months since I have been dangling from this roof. My hands have gone pale while holding onto this nylon rope that remains taut in the favor of height and gravity. My red Polo shirt and white cotton pants appear to flutter in the gentle breeze against the pale blue skyline that appears to disappear behind this gigantic building with multiple windows. I am waiting for my writer, Zoya, to finish the story—the story of how I came to be hanging from this roof in the first place.
My sincerest apologies! I seem to have forgotten the good manners here! Let me introduce myself first before I talk any further. Hello Human! I am Kozo- Kozo the benevolent. Kozo who invests in stealing from the rich and giving it all to the poor. At this juncture, I will have to say that I am not that naive to see that this story of mine sounds like a rip off of the classic-Robinhood. You might feel the urge now to address me as a wannabe Robinhood, but since I have a name, I would really appreciate that you use the same. The only difference between me and that classical hero would be the fact that I work best alone. I have already carried out multiple heists successfully over the last 37 chapters.
The world that I come from has people that are nothing like what they appear from above. I am not talking about the people I come across when the book is opened on the laptop. Probably I will talk about them later, but let me explain about the various side characters who I come across throughout the length of this unfinished book of 289 pages- they all are complex with varying emotional depths and energies – there is scary Barry, witty Preity, snitch Witch, the broom that cleans itself (to answer your apparent confusion yes it’s a character in itself, and no, I don’t know how to explain its significance here as of now) and of course Mr. Gator- the one who keeps hoarding all the wealth. You could say probably in your language, Human, that I am not your average 9-5 work guy.
You must be thinking that I, supposedly existing within the mere lines created by the cursor, seem to be almost- to put it delicately – human. However, I am in no way possibly close to being a human. Mainly because I get to erase my mistakes and move on. Well, my sincerest apologies yet again! That was yet again a cheap attempt at making a joke, which came off rather condescending. Offer me a chance to welcome a change of subject, dear Human.
( The dialogue seems to have ended here…)|
{ I had written this story a month ago for a writing contest, since it’s quite lengthy (for me) I had to cut it down into three parts for easy reading here.
I am experimenting with a new format of writing in order to start a new series of content here soon, alongside the regular posts. Any kind of constructive inputs are welcome here. Thank you in advance!}
Some days just stand out- especially those where we actually get to be a part of our lives instead of seeing it slip away right infront of us. The hustle bustle and the constant interaction dictated by the social convention leaves us craving for an appropriate amount of peace and quiet. We achieve that using headphones/ earphones- to drown out the voices inside out and transport ourselves momentarily to the realm that we don’t detest. But what about those days where we forget to pack our earphones and have low-key panic when we discover the same after getting into the autorickshaw ? Of course we can’t rush back to get them – the moment is gone and we are getting late for our morning appointments. The chatter is loud out there with people rushing and traffic blaring. The mind tries to caveat between the need for peace and trial to connect with the surroundings on the pretext of enjoying something else at least for the next 45 minutes. We head towards a sky slightly grey and slightly mundane, looking forward to a likely downpour of rain. But little do we notice how the small city lake reflects the buildings outlines gracefully while softly enabling the dancing full sun rays. The school children are rushing back to their homes after celebrating the 78th Independence day of India in their respective schools and are having these intense discussions about the show they watched last night. The cow on the side of the street is loudly munching on some cucumbers when the autorickshaw comes to a slow halt to wait at the traffic signal. Slowly drops of rain make way onto the glass, not fully dressing into a downpour but enough to make some pedestrians open their various vibrant umbrellas and look in anticipation while crossing the street. As we again catch up with the moving traffic, we see a woman running to catch a bus while balancing sunflowers bouquet in her hand and a book in the other. Three friends are clicking pictures as they pose with their bicycles. Strong smells of isolated mounds of garbage and fish on the road side randomly take me by surprise while zooming through the traffic. And before we know, 40 minutes are done and I am walking down a narrow lane packed with people towards a bookstore. A woman is selling rose flowers on the footpath, with a mild hint of rose and cheap perfume wafting in in the air. Turns out, the clouds above are stagnant yet pale, noticing all the chatter amongst the dull pitter patter. And the next time you choose to go out , please do forget to pack your earphones, on purpose and recount how the world continues to spin from your lens.
The latent individuality in every individual continues to fascinate me. No matter how much we spend our entire lives trying to incorporate similar or like-minded people into our daily routines, they all are at the end fundamentally different. What is even more fascinating is how our memories work. A person at a given point of time and place might have a completely different memory of a particular event compared to another person at the same time and place. It’s beautiful to see how unique our individual experiences are, that shape our minds and our potential futures into a clay mould. This clay mould can undergo multiple plastic configurations throughout life and still won’t resemble that of the next person. Each one of us is carefully handed with these beautiful soft clay moulds and we each mould it in our own beautiful ways based on our unique and innovative interactions along this journey called life. We all build our minds in our own beautiful ways – isn’t that purely fantastic? It enables us to embrace who we are fundamentally, with inherent acceptance and compassion. We can go on to sculpt our minds as we may with all our might and pride, while storing the memories securely in our glass bell jars.
( This post is inspired by one of the TEDx Talks by Lara Boyd on neuroplasticity and its applications. I have attached the video below in case you want to check it out.)
We all encounter one person at a particular stage in our life who completely alters our way of thinking. That person becomes this walking ball of sunshine who brings the best out of us everyday. Embark with me and Dr Grace, ( fellow Periodontist and the said bearer of sunshine) on this journey of exploring balanced positivity in life. Let’s approach the philosophical standpoint at which one decides to embrace everything- where change becomes the constant and we glide with theflow. Take these snippets of wisdom with a grain of salt- as not everyone’s personal growth is linear and similar.
1) What’s your mantra to stay positive always?
🌞Take life as it is. We must always remember that our life is just like a river- waves are like the monotonous daily routine that are interspersed with spurts of personal growth. Stop worrying and keep moving with positive affirmations, everything will pan out.
Finding personal growth amidst the waves and tides
2) For the amount of time I have known you, you have always chosen to see the positive even in the murkiest of the situations in daily life. What motivates you to consistently show up in the same manner?
🌞 I see that our decision and perception about each and every matter should always be in such a way that it should always bring a smile to oneself and, the ones we are sharing with at the end. Everyone won’t see the world the way you want it to be seen. So it’s always better to make an attempt to see the beautiful side of the story and let it take its own shape.
3) What would you say was the deciding factor in your life where you decided to become the person that you are today?
🌞 As an optimistic person I always felt it was easy for me to connect with people. The funny, jolly and entertaining side of mine helped me to cope up with day to day pressures in life. The more I tried to be serious, the more I felt like some other person living in some disconnected part of the world. I couldn’t be any other person ever if I wanted to.
If the change is for your betterment, always give it a try.
4) The advent of social media and fast paced life have become major stressors in our lives that constantly lurk with us in broad daylight and our shadows. What is your suggestion to deal with the same?
🌞Social media platforms were made for entertainment purposes, for sharing knowledge and for connecting with people . Over time, they have become an integral part of our daily lives. People do update about each and every aspect of the world around. Even though it’s not mandatory to be a part of all these, people are sucked into these against their will leading to an unhealthy dependency. I would always suggest to track the amount of time you spend on them. If it’s gobbling your quality time, keep in mind that it’s a slow poison and you need to distance respectfully for yourself.
5) Toxic positivity – what’s your take?
🌞Toxic positivity is like a mask where-in one comes up with misguided positive thoughts during negative situations. It’s like an ointment that acts like a gloss over their true feelings about the problem. Over time they find it difficult to make a decision and slowly digress into passive aggression. It’s always better to be able to give one’s true opinions- irrespective of positive or negative- in a non -confrontational way. If you are able to do so already, trust me you are blessed.
6) Is there any self care routine you follow on a daily basis to keep yourself energetic and enthusiastic at keeping up with various relationships in your life?
🌞Every morning on waking up , I do make it a point to pray and thank God for the things that are bound to happen on that day. It enables me to envision my life having a purpose and that I, must work hard for achieving those. I wholeheartedly rely on my near and dear ones to cultivate better foundations for healthy relationships.
7) Are there any particular books or movies you would like to suggest in order to develop this particular positive outlook in life as a beginner?
🌞Even though I like to watch movies more than reading, I loved reading this book- IKIGAI, which is about longevity and keys to happiness. I am pretty sure most of the people from all the age groups must have already read this book. The 10 golden rules of IKIGAI definitively add purpose to one’s life, hence should be practised on a daily basis. Amongst movies, I would suggest watching “Life of Pi” and Hindi movie “Zindagi na milegi dobara”. Both these movies promote a healthy and positive outlook of life- by enabling one to take it as it comes.
8) How do you deal with setbacks or the curve balls that life throws unexpectedly in general?
🌞One should always trust the delays and flaws which happen during one’s journey. They do make you stop and think more than anything else. Rather than rushing it, pause and wait. Process each and every step, one at a time. And more importantly, we must believe in ourselves for finding new ways to reach our destination.
9) Any inspirational role model in your life who constantly inspires you to adopt positive affirmations in life?
🌞Mother Teresa has always been a true inspiration for me since childhood. One of her quotes which has helped me to mould my personality is- not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.
10) Given a chance to give a TED talk on choosing a positive outlook in life, what would your message be for the youngsters?
🌞My message for all the youngsters would be – See the world with the eyes which you want them to see you and treat you with. Spread love and kindness in your act, speech and thoughts.
She stared out the wide iron window that opened into outdoor space well above the rain tree below from the fifth storey. The night appeared to grace the stillness with quivers of human interactions. There was no hint of the moon, yet the sky lit up with a mysterious gleam. She tried to take a look at the narrow lane below. The street light flickered as an autorickshaw stood in all its vanity below. Two dogs chased along the street, barking loudly. As she tried to learn forward to get a closer look, a jolt shot up along her legs, spine and hands. She felt pale and anxious. She could taste the fear of heights in her head, so she took a step back and tried to look up this time- hoping for a change in pace. Cotton-thin clouds floated about in the lower sphere of the sky, while the scattered chalks of clouds stayed still in the backdrop. The cell tower in front beeped a dull glow of red every 10 seconds and faded into the bustle of the city lights around. A construction crane stood majestically on a tall building somewhere far away, but managed to form a sharp silhouette into the waning night. She felt closer to the sky- the very sky that would allow her to jump rather than fall- so that she could fly someday. It would take all her might for sure, but fly she would, far far away from the acrophobia that defined her thoughts and spaces. The clouds would part for her through the crisp night air and blend with the resonant hum of darkness.
Humans exist for connections. They are able to reach the most inhabitable parts of the earth by befriending some or the other person over there – and form an invisible bond that transcends geographical limitations. The bond that doesn’t weigh you down like shackles, but a bond that’s forged in the sands of time. it’s fluidic – it needs to be nurtured for 24 hours a day mindfully, and slowly built into a sandcastle. It requires a lot of patience, planning and a delicate stroke of luck. These sandcastles stand tall over time that can withstand the powerful ocean waves and tower high into the sky. When weighed on a scale with time, they balance the scales on either sides out. They stay horizontal, silently roaring about uplifting each other and not letting each other down. And stay they will- for a delicate balance of time and connection forged into the permanence of stardust. We could then pour this sand into hourglass and place it in our bookshelves – where the time would stay still and serve as a reminder of the existence of an invisible thread between life and living- that will adorn our pages of destiny.
6) Ted Lasso is the most loved tv series currently, thanks to its content on wholesome underdog sports tales. It utilizes the already existing tropes and plots to playfully execute them. If you could draw any parallels between some of the sub plots and already existing archetypes – which one stuck the most with you and why?
🖥️ Ted Lasso is a comedy-drama series that follows the titular character, Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is unexpectedly hired to coach a professional soccer team in England, despite having little experience with the sport. Ted’s optimistic and folksy demeanor contrasts with the skepticism and cynicism of the team’s players, staff, and fans. As Ted navigates the challenges of coaching a struggling team in a foreign country, he brings his unconventional coaching methods, heartfelt sincerity, and belief in the power of teamwork to the field. Along the way, Ted forms meaningful connections with the players, staff, and community- ultimately teaching them valuable lessons about sportsmanship, and the importance of kindness.
One parallel in “Ted Lasso” that stands out is the transformation of the character Roy Kent, a gruff and seasoned veteran athlete who initially resists the leadership of the new coach, Ted Lasso. This transformation mirrors the classic sports movie archetype of the seasoned veteran who learns humility and teamwork from a new coach. In many sports movies, we see a similar dynamic where a seasoned player, often with a rough exterior, clashes with a new coach or teammate – who brings a fresh perspective and emphasizes the importance of teamwork and camaraderie. Over time, the seasoned player undergoes a personal transformation, learning to embrace the coach’s philosophy and becoming a key team player. In “Ted Lasso,” Roy Kent’s journey follows this archetype, but with a twist. While he initially resists Ted’s optimistic approach, he gradually comes to appreciate the coach’s genuine care for the team and his emphasis on personal growth. This evolution of Roy’s character adds depth and emotional resonance to the series, making his journey one of the most compelling subplots. Overall, the transformation of Roy Kent in Ted Lasso is a standout example of how the show skillfully utilizes familiar sports movie tropes while adding its own unique spin and depth to the characters and storyline. I personally had developed a crush on Roy- his rugged handsomeness was very attractive. And his character’s plot line was so interesting to watch.
7) The Last of US, adaptation based on an existing game, takes one on a catcalysmic tour through the post apocalyptic drama. How would you describe Ellie ( played by Bella Ramsey) as being ‘the chosen one ‘ in a world set in the ‘ walking dead’ theme? Also which scene got you hooked to the series?
🖥️ So Ellie captivated me as a character, because she loses everything in the beginning of the season. She desperately needed a father figure, which she ultimately finds in Joel.
Ellie, played by Bella Ramsey, could be portrayed as “the chosen one” in a world set in “The Walking Dead” theme by embodying qualities of resilience, determination, and leadership in the face of adversity. As “the chosen one,” Ellie possesses a unique combination of skills and abilities that set her apart from others in the post-apocalyptic world. Perhaps she is exceptionally skilled in survival tactics, adept at combat, or possesses an innate understanding of the undead threat. Furthermore, Ellie’s journey involves a quest to fulfill a specific prophecy that holds the key to humanity’s survival. Along the way, she would face numerous challenges and obstacles, testing her courage and resolve as she battles against both the undead and human adversaries. Despite the grim and dangerous world she inhabits, Ellie serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those around her, rallying others to join her in the fight against the darkness that threatens to consume their world. Overall, Ellie’s character as “the chosen one” in a “Walking Dead” setting would offer a compelling narrative of heroism, sacrifice, and the indomitable human spirit. I instantly fell in love with the relationship between Joel and Tess that appeared 20 years into the infection. Tess easily shot Ellie’s sass right back at her, while often acting like the levelheaded one between her and Joel.
Last Of Us is a game first, which was later adapted into a series. I had watched the gameplay (Pewdiepie) before the release of the show, so I already knew a lot about the whole game/series.
(SPOILER ALERT) In the game, Tess refuses to “turn,” instead sacrificing herself to the incoming FEDRA soldiers so Joel and Ellie can make their escape without detection. But in the HBO adaptation, Tess—in a pitch-perfect portrayal by Anna Torv—dies while fighting off infected, not humans.
The scene is purposefully intimate. Tess, Joel , and Ellie have arrived at the capitol building, a rendezvous point where the Fireflies are meant to pick up Ellie. Once there, they discover only fungus-ravaged corpses, prompting Tess to spiral as she hunts for something, anything, that might clue them into the Fireflies’ location. Joel urges they instead return home to the Boston quarantine zone, and she snaps, “That’s not my fucking home!” Her reaction clues him into the truth: Tess is infected, and now Ellie represents much more than valuable cargo. Tess is never going home again. So Tess starts throwing gasoline and hand grenades onto the floor, and then lights them – including herself – on fire. Tess’s heroic sacrifice made an impact on me, almost brought me to tears. When I found out about this in the series, it was special. I completed the entire season in only 3 days. It powered through sleep deprivation and it was totally worth it.
8) ‘You’ Tv series garnered a massive following thanks to its superb blend of romance, murder and dark humor. What would be a perfect day for you to binge watch this series? You can set the scene as you want to.
🖥️ “You” is a psychological thriller television series that follows Joe Goldberg, a bookstore manager who becomes infatuated with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck. Joe’s obsession quickly turns into manipulation, stalking, and ultimately murder as he goes to extreme lengths to insert himself into Beck’s life. (This is the first season). The series explores themes of love, obsession, identity, and the dark side of social media and modern technology. It delves into the complexities of human relationships and the blurred lines between love and possession. “You” has a gripping storyline, compelling characters, and suspenseful atmosphere. It has also sparked discussions about the dangers of romanticizing toxic behavior and the need for boundaries in relationships.
The series is successful in creating a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as Joe’s actions become increasingly dangerous and unpredictable. However, it also prompts important discussions about the impact of social media and technology on modern relationships, as well as the need for healthy boundaries and mutual respect. In the series, Joe, our protagonist as well as the antagonist (ironically) is shown as obsessive and kind of unhinged, which in my opinion is the charm about him. You can’t help but root for Joe even though he’s clearly in the wrong, and that makes you question your own moral values. And I personally love (pun intended) the second season , when he meets his match, Love Quinn. And, I’m looking forward to the fifth and final season of You, who knows what mischief Joe gets up to next!
9) Out of all the tv series that you have watched till date, which one character did you associate with the most n why?
🖥️ I’m going to take this question very seriously , and after a lot of thought, I think it would be Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones. And I’ll tell you exactly why.
Sansa Stark played by Sophie Turner
Here are a few reasons why Sansa is relatable: 1. Coming-of-Age Journey: Sansa begins the series as a naive and idealistic young girl who dreams of romantic fantasies and fairy-tale endings. As the series progresses, viewers witness her coming-of-age journey, filled with hardships, betrayals, and loss. Many viewers can relate to Sansa’s journey of self-discovery and growth as she matures into a strong and independent woman. It reminds me of how I was a spoiled little child, much like Sansa, and didn’t really know how the world really works. Instead, I had to learn the hard way. 2. Family Dynamics: Sansa’s complicated relationships with her family members, particularly her parents and siblings, mirror the complexities of real-life family dynamics. Her struggles to navigate these relationships, especially in the face of conflict and tragedy, resonate with viewers who have experienced similar challenges within their own families. Her relationship with Arya reminds me of my own relationship with my younger sister, just like Sansa and Arya, my sister is the feisty one, and I’m the older, rather calmer one in comparison. 3. Survival Instincts: Throughout the series, Sansa demonstrates remarkable resilience and survival instincts as she adapts to the dangerous political landscape of Westeros. Her ability to endure adversity, make strategic alliances, and outmaneuver her enemies makes her a relatable symbol of strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. I wouldn’t say that I had life threatening experiences, obviously , but I have been through some tough stuff, and just like Sansa , I’ve become a better woman because of it. Overall, Sansa Stark’s journey from a naive young girl to a formidable political player embodies themes of resilience, growth, and empowerment that resonates with me on a personal level, making her one of the most relatable characters in any TV show.
10) If given a chance to be a part of any tv series, which one would it be n why?
🖥️ So this is an easy one, of course it would be Friends! I love love love the show, I watch it almost everyday, while I have my breakfast, lunch or dinner. I have seen this show over and over so many times, I even know the dialogues of the characters by heart now.
And why, would I want to be a part of “Friends”, you ask? Here’s why :
1. Close-Knit Cast: The cast of “Friends” is known for their chemistry both on and off-screen. Being part of such a tight-knit group of actors would likely create lasting friendships and memorable experiences. 2. Humor and Heart: “Friends” is celebrated for its humor, heartwarming moments, and relatable storylines. Being part of a show that brings joy and laughter to millions of viewers around the world would be immensely rewarding. 3. Cultural Impact: “Friends” has had a significant impact on popular culture, influencing fashion, language, and social trends. Being part of a show that has left such a lasting imprint on society would be a unique and memorable experience- just like how Matthew Perry is recognised and loved all over the world. 4. Friendship Circle: As a member of the “Friends” group, I would develop close friendships with the other characters, sharing in their triumphs and struggles, offering support and advice, and participating in their adventures and misadventures. I would love to date Joey, and perhaps attempt to change his womanizing ways. 5. Relationships: Like the other characters on “Friends,” my character could navigate the ups and downs of romantic relationships, exploring the complexities of love, dating, and commitment in the modern world.
Overall, Friends is a classic. I feel like it will be relevant even 100 years from now. So, to be part of such a wholesome, humourous show would be so, so fulfilling and of course, the stellar cast being super attractive also helps.
In this segment we discuss our favourite television shows in depth that help us beat boredom and delve deeper into the world of entertainment with Dr. Vishruta Salunke. She is someone I would go to whenever I need recommendations for a new tv series – afterall what is friendship if we haven’t laughed and cried together about someone who exists inside a black box?
This section will be posted in two parts so that one could find themselves enchanted amidst the world of compelling storytelling and complex plots. Equip yourselves with the notes application on your phone- you are going to get amazing recommendations for your next set of binge watching and you will have to keep up.
1) The Airbender – what were the differences that you noticed in the characters played by Azulo, Zuko, Katara Aang through your childhood to adulthood? Is there any character that has stayed with you all these years without any changes? Why?
🖥️ So, the Last Airbender is very close to my heart, because I watched it as a child, and it fascinated me. The show mainly focuses on the main five characters, Aang, Katara, Sokka, Toph and of course, Zuko. 1. Aang: The protagonist and the last Airbender, he is playful yet burdened by the weight of his destiny as the Avatar. He’s compassionate, adventurous, and struggles with the responsibilities placed upon him. 2. Katara: A waterbender from the Southern Water Tribe; Katara is caring, determined, and resourceful. She acts as a maternal figure within the group and is fiercely loyal to her friends. 3. Sokka: Katara’s older brother, Sokka is the comic relief of the group. He’s brave, witty, and often the voice of reason, though he lacks bending abilities. 4. Zuko: The exiled prince of the Fire Nation, Zuko starts as an antagonist but undergoes significant character development throughout the series. He’s driven by his desire to capture Aang to restore his honor but grapples with his internal conflicts and ultimately chooses a different path. 5. Toph: A young earthbender who becomes Aang’s earthbending teacher. Toph is tough, independent, and sarcastic. Blind since birth, she uses her earthbending abilities to “see” through vibrations in the ground
Toph Beifong definitely stayed with me. Her unique personality, incredible earthbending skills, and unwavering confidence left a lasting impression- all this, while keeping in mind that she was born blind. Plus, her humor and tough exterior hid a vulnerable side, making her character incredibly nuanced and relatable.
2) Vampire diaries series was the cult hit during its time. Which character you felt had the least screen time and could have benefitted from more of a complicated character arc?
🖥️ One character who deserved more screen time in “The Vampire Diaries” is Matt Donovan. Throughout the series, Matt often served as the moral compass of the group, grappling with the challenges of being the only human among vampires, witches, and werewolves. Despite facing numerous hardships and losses, including the deaths of his sister and mother, Matt’s character development was often overshadowed by the supernatural drama surrounding the main characters. More screen time for Matt could have allowed for deeper exploration of his character, including his struggles with survivor’s guilt, his evolving relationships with the supernatural beings in Mystic Falls, and his own journey of self-discovery. Additionally, delving into Matt’s backstory, family dynamics, and aspirations beyond Mystic Falls would have provided viewers with a richer understanding of his motivations and inner conflicts. Ultimately, Matt’s character had the potential for greater depth and complexity that deserved to be featured more prominently in the series.
3) Termed repeatedly as a parent’s worst nightmare, Euphoria is able to bring sensitivity into the issues dealt by the teens on a regular basis- which balances out the apparent shock appeal. What’s your take on it?
🖥️Euphoria is a bold and visually stunning show that explores the lives of teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence in the modern digital age. Its raw and unflinching portrayal of issues such as addiction, identity, mental health, and relationships resonates with audiences, particularly younger viewers who can relate to the struggles depicted on screen. The show’s visual style, soundtrack, and storytelling techniques are compelling, creating an immersive experience for viewers. Additionally, the performances by the cast, led by Zendaya, are widely praised for their authenticity and emotional depth. I especially felt bad for Cassie, because in my opinion she suffered the most. Her dad manipulated her, and used her for his own gain. Then she met Nate, who again, manipulated and played hot and cold with her. The entire show is kind of controversial, showing drug abuse, sexual abuse, and teens manipulating each other. That is why the show is so addictive, you never can guess what is going to happen next.
Recently, the actor who played Fezco, Angus Cloud, passed away. It definitely impacted me, because he was dealing with mental health issues, and one can relate to that. The show will never be the same again without him.
4) Modern family is a heart touching comedy series with a stellar cast and perfect comedic timing. What would your suggestion be on a possible spin- off involving any 4 characters of your choice? Could you please set the scene too?
🖥️ A possible spin-off of “Modern Family” could focus on the adventures of Haley Dunphy, Alex Dunphy, Luke Dunphy, and Manny Delgado as they navigate adulthood together in a new city. The scene is set in a bustling metropolis where the four characters have all relocated for various reasons. Haley, now a successful fashion designer, has moved to pursue her career ambitions. Alex, a brilliant academic, has landed a prestigious job at a research institute. Luke, ever the free spirit, has decided to try his luck in the city’s vibrant arts scene. Manny, with his boundless charm and entrepreneurial spirit, has embarked on a new business venture. Despite their different paths, the four characters find themselves drawn together by their shared history and the bond they formed growing up as part of the extended Dunphy-Pritchett clan. As they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood, from career challenges to romantic entanglements, they lean on each other for support and comedic relief. The spin-off could explore themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the transition to adulthood, while still delivering the heartwarming moments and hilarious hijinks that fans of “Modern Family” have come to love.
Now that is a show I would love to watch- all four of them dealing with life without the parents- I think it would be a fun watch. Claire or Phil could also play a cameo in this spin off, giving wisdom, and also Phil raises the bar in comedy, which is always awesome to witness.
~ A quote by one of my favourite characters ~
5) I am not allowed to have one but I think this would be my favourite question- What’s your biggest takeaway from Rick and Morty that left you speechless or was rather very life defining?
🖥️ One of the biggest takeaways from “Rick and Morty” is how unique and funny it is. It incorporates the search for meaning in life. The show delves into the philosophical questions surrounding existence, morality, and the nature of reality, often challenging viewers to contemplate their own beliefs and values. Additionally, “Rick and Morty” emphasizes the importance of personal agency and individual responsibility. Despite the chaos and unpredictability of the universe, characters like Rick and Morty demonstrate the power of choice and the ability to shape one’s own destiny, even in the face of adversity. Overall, “Rick and Morty” encourages viewers to question authority, embrace uncertainty, and find meaning in the relationships and connections that define their lives. It’s a thought-provoking journey that explores the human condition in all its complexity.
One of my favourite episodes is “The Ricklantis Mixup” (also known as “Tales from the Citadel”) from Season 3. In this episode, the show takes a break from following the adventures of Rick and Morty and instead focuses on the inhabitants of the Citadel of Ricks, a hub world populated by various versions of Rick and Morty from different dimensions. The episode features multiple interconnected storylines that explore the lives of different characters living on the Citadel, showcasing the diversity of experiences and perspectives within the Rick and Morty multiverse. This episode was kind of eye opening for me, because I realised that there can be various versions of us, and they all exist in the same universe, and that anything is possible. “The Ricklantis Mixup” was great because of its intricate storytelling, dark humor, and clever social commentary. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Citadel’s inhabitants, touching on themes of power, inequality, and societal hierarchy. The episode’s twist ending and its exploration of existential themes make it a standout installment in the series. Overall, Rick and Morty is an awesome animated series, depicting a very sarcastic form of humour. It has taught me to question everything, find humor in life’s absurdities, take responsibility for my choices, embrace diversity, and seek meaning in my relationships with family, and with friends.
We could just be curious about everything and mathematically tabulate every existing variable on this earth. That way we would be containing, or rather predicting, every possible outcome to the smallest detail- thanks to the advantage of being born as the most intelligent animal on Earth. Whatever that appears to be constant, however is rather a variable on an infinitesimally smaller plane of time. It escapes our captivating yet gorgeous eyes- they are curious to know and see everything that happens in front of us. We can’t defy logic and magic, but ignore that tiny fraction of a second that just changes about everything. If only curiosity could solve everything- if only it could earn us a place in the universe that could gracefully evade the concept of temporary permanence.
It’s the drive behind curiosity that trumps it all. You could be curious all your life and still don’t know how to laugh from the bottom of your heart, where you clutch your stomach and gasp for fresh air. You could be curious about how that one white dog wandered all alone on the streets mid winter when you were struggling to get out of bed. Love what you do, and curiosity automatically finds its way. It is that easy isn’t it? You could be sitting on the edge of the world where a single white chair and table could be looking out at the vast ocean in front while the sun rolls up brightly with the deep blue waves- and you would be in unconditional love. Even the seven oceans couldn’t stop your curious wanderings that would fill your hearts to their brim and overflow thereafter. And the time would slow down with each passing second for you and your eyes all along.
The colour yellow. The happy colour. The colour of the sun that spreads through the sky and brightens the day. It helps the plants come back to life and presents us the moment to rise and shine. The sunflowers move at the command to face the sun and break into a song, the yellow bicycle that has yellow coloured groceries in its yellow basket and the yellow almirah that commands your attention the moment you walk into the shop- the colour that stands out and loudly invites you to look into it closer. Yellow is unabashedly itself.
Look for some yellow at the end of the day, would you?
The sun slowly collides with the window sill
And spills into the room
Lighting up the already bright room,
While the unsettled dust slowly moves about
Circling around in a dazed fashion.
The pink trumpets far awaystand framed
Within the white windowwith pink curtains
That sway with the wind and twinkle
Like they belong with the night sky–
But choose to unfurl in the day.
The petals adorn the road below, allscattered,
Way too soft, way too beautiful.
A sole white cloud floats over the tree
Silently muttering yet hovering over like
A contemplative cotton candy suspended,
That somehow escaped the cotton candy machine
And chose to float high up above.
Those small pink petals you gathered
One day from the lonely road
Andpressed lightlyInto the yellowed pages of your journal
~It’s 6:00 in the morning. Sun is rising in the horizon. You drag your comfiest chair into the verandah to witness the magic while sipping your hot coffee – and just like that, you attract an amazing day ahead.~
In today’s transcript Dr. Chandana, MDS (Pediatric and Preventive dentist), is here with us to express one’s transcendental love for coffee and the memories it cements in a wholehearted manner. The whole conversation is non-caffeinated on purpose.
1) You are the one in our friends group who has always loved coffee with one’s heart and soul. Can you recount who introduced you to this beverage?
☕ Coffee is something one can never say no to, ever. As far as I can remember, I was not used to drinking coffee in my childhood. It was probably one of the rarest things to exist at my home. It was first at my grandmother’s home where I first drank coffee. It was a one time thing as I didn’t take any instant liking to the beverage. It was during my Undergraduate days that I fell in love with it. Having the FnH coffee ( a small cafe that was present in our college campus) over small talks during our breaks in internships, coffee at midnight in café during library sessions – all these were the tiny little things that made me love coffee with one’s heart and soul.❤️
2) What is your go-to recipe for coffee on normal days and, recipe for when you feel like celebrating?
☕For me, there is no go-to recipe for coffee. It’s dependent on what I am in the mood for and, the things available for making one- as I prefer making my own coffee. I however prefer filter coffee with fresh decoction – it has always been my favourite thing. I learned to make one after my wedding and I inevitably fell in love with the decoction maker. For those occasions where I feel like celebrating, or for a change from the regular one – I like to add some bournvita to the milk with decoction. Once it reaches the boiling point, I add a small amount of instant coffee powder to make the perfect, strong coffee.
3) Was there a particular instance where you had to travel long distances to get coffee? Could you recount that particular adventure?
☕ The most memorable thing, you wouldn’t believe,is going to the airport for coffee. I thank Karthik, my best friend Manu’s husband, for taking us for coffee at the airport after dinner one day. That’s when we started visiting the airport frequently for Hatti coffee- which made me develop an instant liking for the same.
4) Was there any particular conversation that you had while having coffee that’s etched into your mindforever?
☕ There is absolute truth in that great conversations happen over coffee. Whenever I needed a break during our clinical work sessions in postgraduate years, I would always go to Andrea (co-Post graduate) and say- let’s go for a coffee. We would have discussions panning on our emotions, frustration, good things , bad things – after which we would be recharged and would go back to work with positive thoughts. Just like that, we became coffee buddies.
5) Are there any family members of yours who share the same passion as yours for coffee?
☕ My grandmother and my brother both do. And yes, now my husband is also added to the list of people who-say- yes- to- coffee -anytime group.
6) Is there any particular coffee shop which you always associate with home?
☕ I believe it’s not just coffee we are attached to but also the people we are sharing with, alongwith the location where we are having it. At the end, home is the comfiest place to have coffee at.
It was a brew-ti-full day. 📌Jamie’s pizzeria, Yelahanka, Bangalore
7) Coffee vs Tea debate. What’s your take on this?
☕ Coffee vs tea debate is something which will never see the end of time. It’s all about the personal preferences and the memories associated with the same all along- so one is not mightier than the other. Would you scrutinize as much for which colour you like and why ? or which actor do you like the most? Such debates are baseless.
8) Being invited to coffee by you is like the highest ode to the friendship shared. Have you ever felt nervous before inviting someone to coffee at the initial stages-which blossomed into a beautiful friendship that you still cherish?
☕ Yes, inviting someone to coffee means a lot to me- which I rarely do. I remember my Undergraduate days where I used to prepare coffee at the hostel room occasionally. I would invite my close friends – Chetu and Abhi (Undergraduate batchmates) over coffee, which led to more of coffee meets interspersed with beautiful conversations. I still adore that friendship till date.
9) Describe your morning routine for coffee.
☕ I prefer having a morning cup of coffee with rusk listening to music 🎵 anytime. That amount of happiness one feels at starting a day with caffeine overload is unparalleled. Drink your cup of coffee or tea either in silence/ over slow music / chatting with someone- the whole day falls into its place peacefully.
10) Let’s imagine for a moment here- if you had a chance to create an unlimited coffee option without the need to mix any ingredients – what would your solution be? You can be as innovative as you want.
☕ That is a tricky question. We can go for instant coffee mix like the Nescafé 3 in 1 mix which comes in different flavours. But you can also go with the home made instant mix with varied proportions of coffee power and milk powder with sugar powder based on requirements. The other option I would love is the black coffee 🖤
It has always been a busy road. Cars and bikes zooming past, with an occasional water tanker rolling by casually taking up all the space- it’s your normal Saturday. The water tanker leaves a huge trail of water that leaks all along from the outlet behind and becomes one with the bitumen road below. The speed breakers on the way here are quite polite- they offer a vehicle to slow down, by not throwing off the passengers violently off their seats but by gently leading them up and down its slope. The pedestrians on the footpaths on both the sides flaunt the eclectic mix of fitness from all the walking and the casual grace of avoiding the speeding vehicles that tend to get stuck at every intersection due to traffic congestion – oh how blessed one has to be, to be a pedestrian.
They can move in any direction and nobody would question that. They could decide to get to a shop on the other side of the road and strategically place themselves in the middle of the traffic to walk across without any hassle. The show of their extended palms is powerful enough to slow down any vehicle approaching. They could even relax on the dusty benches when tired and stare at the rapidly blinking traffic lights. They always have an option to cross the road, not just walk straight into where the road converges and a shiny red car disappears into the narrow horizon.
They have these laudable skills which they can use to zoom into an office and demand a raise. We are all about moving mountains but, they could move that heavy pink painting of pretentious abstract art off a wall to the dingy floor behind the sofa. They could even call in sick tomorrow owing to an unprecedented case of food poisoning and prioritise their health over everything else. The resplendent favours that these pedestrians owe to their own existential shadows make them the ones that willingly house their odyssey within- that are not afraid to look back and get caught up, or know when to cross the road and walk in the opposite direction altogether. These paths extend beyond the confines of this universe, where estimated times of arrival and different destinations tumble on the wheel of fortune- what is your pick for today, dare I say?
The Rook stood at the corner of the chessboard. He could move in a straight line as far as he needed horizontally or vertically. The white or the black squares on the floor couldn’t stop him. If the path cleared in front of him and the player gave a signal, off he went until he was stopped. He respected the player’s decisions, as the player always chose what was right for the King- and served he devotionally for the King.
The weird one of the lot was this Bishop, who dizzingly hurried across the board diagonally. He would always be dressed in the most formal clothes, plan a military level operation but then run diagonally?! It just didn’t make sense. Why would anyone in their right minds do that?!
One day happened to be a different day. That day the Rook made it to the end of one side of the chessboard. Of course, the move was supposed to be strategic according to the player- but the Rook found it nonsensical. He would be of more use if he could directly be at the centre of the battlefield, not standing here looking out of the chessboard. It seemed fruitless.
He then noticed across the chessboard, the floor wasn’t painted in black and white. It was a thick floor of grass and tall green trees which looked so humongous to the Rook. This was the first time that Rook was noticing something out of the chessboard and he was stunned. Dahlias sprouted with their giant heads to hover over the chessboard, which gently swayed with the wind. He was awestruck by the giant green board out there. Not because it was a giant world out there, but because he didn’t know anything about it. He wanted to witness where life started and chess ended.
Rook stepped out of the chessboard and never looked back. He sprinted amidst the giant dahlias, having discovered his ability to run both straightforward and diagonally too- which felt quite incredible. He didn’t have to count the black and white squares below nor fight against the imminent death of the King, for which he was most thankful, because the grass was definitely greener where he was at that moment. He was finally the self proclaimed King- the King who could travel afar without any restrictions. The instructions were loudly unclear and he loved that.
Poetry evokes feelings of mixed degrees that one has never felt before. The way you feel elated or sad or enraged or indifferent varies at an alarming pace, which is always beyond your heart’s content. That’s probably why many prefer not to read poetry- because it has the power to suck you in and break you into pieces.
At the end, who will be willing to pick all the pieces and start all over again? Will you be willing to do so?
Is the disclaimer good enough? Or did it make poetry more enticing than ever before?
It was spring time. I wanted to see the tall barren tree interspersed with purple flowers, which sits on the top of a cliff of a small hill. Legend has it that the tree makes any of your dreams come true, as soon as you admire it by standing under it. Seeing from below, the hill looks like a gentle giant squatting awkwardly against the glaring sun, adorned by a sparsely rich green tapestry of trees and shrubs. The rusty slopes provide a rugged appearance – making it look like the giant has awkwardly covered himself with a thick brown blanket all over to the ground below and crouching respectfully.
There is a small path forged by various travellers all over the years to the top of the cliff. This beaten path has been clearly marked by a few shrubs and herbs that politely bow away. I started climbing along this path, swaying as it twisted and curved dangerously, trying to maintain my balance all along. I made sure not to look back, as there was no possible way to get lost here on such a crisp Monday morning. The gravity below kept calling me enticingly, because it worshipped the fall more than the climb- but I cautiously ignored its pleas.
Slowly my legs started to fatigue and beads of sweat trickled down my face as the sun slowly made its way to throw a shade, however the trees around didn’t seem to mind. I kept chugging water from my 1 liter pearl pet bottle, being incredibly mindful to save it for the return trip. Soon enough along the way I had 5 more minutes to go- to witness the magic tree.
As I was about to sway a sharp left, I noticed a woman in her thirties chewing onto beetle quid and rolling beetle leaves. She was sitting with one leg up against her chest, and busily rolling away the leaves and dropping them into a basket on the side. When she saw me coming, she gave just a brief glance and went about with her work. As I passed her, I heard her briefly cough and spit into the shrubs behind her. She then hastily wiped her mouth using her red saree ‘s pleat, while the shrubs around welcomed a splatter of dark red unwillingly. I ignored her and quickened my pace closer to the so-called call of destiny.
And there it was- standing tall and broad, like it could devour the sun and the sky above with its branches that looked like misshapen claws. The ground below was a green carpet of long grown grass that received the travellers with all its might. The purple flowers were crowded more towards the tree trunk, which stood still and appeared dull at that point of time. I shuffled ahead to stand under the tree and ask for a wish- the wish that had made me travel all this far, I had to plead so as to make it come true in all forms.
Once done with my suggestion of meditative mediation, I turned back and started walking. I started going down the grass path , with my neck and shoulders slightly upright. This time, I noticed the same woman from before had started filling another basket of hers with the betel leaves. This time she looked at me with her nonchalant ash-grey eyes and asked me aloud- “Was it everything that you wanted or was it everything that you needed?” I stared back blankly at her. Her lips and teeth were brightly stained with shades of red and brown. “Please go ahead, ” she said and got back to her work.
I started strutting happily down the path to make it in time for a hot late lunch back home. This misguided adventure through the woods was needed – the wish fulfilment part, however, not-so-much. The want for something best and the need for something better could humble me with their chaotic disagreements, where recognising oneself in the mirror wholeheartedly every morning could be the perfect gift to myself. The spell would finally be broken, leading to the dawning of a purple flower whose pentagonal petals would glisten with the remnants of morning dew and magic as we speak.
6) How do you guys try to fit dancing into your regular schedules? How often do you actually get to do it?
🍁Well, it’s not always easy. I try to fit in dancing whenever I can, but now it usually ends up being solely during family occasions or when I am creating short reels for social media.
🌷As of now dancing on regular basis is difficult as I am practicing dentistry full- time. Weekly twice I try to practice dancing, and try making dance videos.
🍁During my post-graduate life, dancing was like a stress-buster for me. Whenever I was feeling overwhelmed, I used to take dance breaks. It helped me feel fresh and recharged; especially to cope with the academic challenges I faced.
🍁Put on the earphones and I am all set to get transported to a different world altogether 🍁
🌷Dancing is definitely a stress buster. It really helps me to relax and stay calm.
🌷It’s extremely freeing! 🌷
7) Do you follow any professional dancers on the social media or have you met any? What sort of lives do you think they lead?
🍁I’m fond of Nora Fatehi and Hrithik Roshan. Also, one cannot forget the “King of Pop” Michael Jackson, the famous moonwalker who has inspired countless numbers of people from our generation and beyond.
🌷I have not met any professional dancers. I feel when passion becomes a profession it’s amazing. Such people lead happier and satisfied lives.
🍁Also dance demands physicality i.e. regular exercise and training, proper nutrition, and regular health care. Many professional dancers experience touring which I love and admire a lot. It allows them to showcase their performances to different types of audience across the globe, allowing them to connect with various cultures. I think the profession can be rewarding, but it definitely comes with challenges such as risk of injuries, competition, short career span and the need to navigate an occasionally unpredictable career trajectory.
🌷I agree. They have to maintain their physical strength as they have a lot of dancing sessions to participate in and a lot of travelling involved, along with walking on a delicate line between passion and work.
8) Are there any particular dance performances that you have watched online/ in-person which captivated you and stayed with you?
🌷There are many dance performances which I have watched online, which I can’t recollect as of now. They have really motivated me over the years to improve my dancing skills and to never give up.
🍁I can certainly recollect Shiamak Davar’s dance which I attended in-person. His highly energetic dance performance was a combination of intricate footwork, fluidic body movements, and expressive gestures that created a lively and captivating atmosphere. I follow Nora Fatehi on social media. She’s a Canadian dancer and model. I personally loved her belly dancing in “Dilbar” and “Kusu Kusu” songs. Currently I’m mesmerized by Hrithik’s signature moves on the “Ishq Jaisa Kuch” song.
9) Are there any different forms of dance that you have tried from other parts of the world? Were there any particular challenges you faced? Any strengths that you acquired in the process?
🍁I have tried Belly dancing (Middle Eastern) and Salsa (Cuba). Belly dancing requires specific muscle control, particularly in the abdominal and hip areas which requires time and consistent practice to master.
Salsa is heavily dependent on rhythm and timing. Salsa music involves foot percussion patterns and is fast-paced which is quite challenging to synchronize the movements with the music. Additionally, maintaining stamina for longer periods can be physically demanding. Belly dancing is excellent for developing core strength. It has enhanced my flexibility. Salsa on the other hand immediately uplifts my mood and boosts self-confidence.
🌷I have tried contemporary dance style that is popular worldwide- most commonly practiced in the US and European countries. One always encounters challenges while inculcating different dance styles. For me, while doing contemporary, it was difficult to maintain the various postures for an extended period of time. It demands more flexibility, so I try to practice it regularly.
10) Are there any particular songs that you love to groove to? (Hindi/English)
🍁The list is going to be too long to mention. Let me open my Spotify playlist real quick.
– HaHaHa– I will mention a few: On the low, That’s mine by Gashi, Safety by DJ Snake, Pasoori, Kesariya, Meherbaan, Questions by Chris Brown, Tip Toe, Chaleya, Copines, Khayaal, Lover.
🌷There are many songs on which I would love to dance to. Songs like Harleys in hawaii by Katy Perry and Under the influence by Chris Brown. Also Bollywood songs like – Humma composed by A.R Rahman, Badshah and Tanishk; Kya baat hai by Harrdy Sandhu and Urvashi 2.0 by Yo Yo Honey Singh.
🍁I instantly groove to Diljit Dosanjh songs such as Kinni Kinni which I’m currently listening to on repeat.
11) What in your opinion draws people to dancing? How are you planning to propagate the love you have for dancing in the future?
🌷I feel dancing is a way to express ourselves. It brings joy and positive vibes in people which originally draws them towards dancing.
🍁The allure of dance often stems from a combination of various factors. Dancing is an enjoyable way to stay physically active and be stress-free. Participating in group performances fosters connections with those who share similar passion – which I did with my bestie and fellow dance partner Navya.
🌷Yes, very true. We first became friends while practicing for our group dance competition during our undergraduate days. Our friendship has continued to grow from then onwards and I am extremely thankful for that.
( Silent nods of approval are welcomed from both sides with wide smiles for the moment. )
Coming to the future planning, as of now I haven’t thought much about this. Either way I am sure about one thing -I will always try to learn new dance styles based on the free time available and keep my hobby going.
🍁I want to join more dance events, festivals, or competitions in the near-future to connect with other dancers and enthusiasts. I want to share more of my dance journey on social media and create content that inspires others to explore dance in future.
— Both the guests lapse into a long contemplative silence. The interviewer stares at her feet, coming to terms with the fact that the interview has come to a dedicated end. The air around is energized with the passionate ramblings of two people with contrasting personalities, who found an endearing friendship through the process to foster their unlimited love for dancing. —
Welcome to the third part of the rehearsed conversations. This time, I took a daring leap and invited two people for the WhatsApp-mode interview. We mighty three delved into the world of dance.
Brace yourselves, things might get a tad bit inspiring here.
This part will be released in two parts. This first part consists of 5 questions with answers, while the other 6 will be released in a week’s time.
Meet the people of the day – 🍁-Dr. Parkhi 🌷- Dr. Navya 🗣️- Myself, the interviewer
1) Can you please introduce yourselves and what you do.
🍁Hello everyone, this is Dr. Parkhi Mathur, a Prosthodontist by profession and a dancer by passion. I’m currently preparing for the Canadian dental exam (NDEB).
🌷Hello everyone! I am Dr.Navya N.B, a Prosthodontist by profession. Stealing Parkhi’s words literally – Yes! Dancing is my passion too. It’s a pleasure to share my love for dancing on my amazing and lovely friend’s blog. Thank you Keerthi for making us a part of your blogging transcripts.
🗣️ (The interviewer is stunned for a moment and smiles)🫰🏻😊🫰🏻
2) I still remember the first time I realised that you guys were big fans of dancing- It was when you two decided to perform a dance duet on stage during our undergraduate days. What was your calling to take up dancing as something that moves you?
🍁Dance has always been my hobby. The reason I took it up as such could be attributed to my parents- they enrolled me in classical dance classes (Bharatnatyam) as young as 8 years of age. They encouraged me to participate in different cultural events such as New Year’s Eve parties, weddings, and society programs where I got to showcase my dancing abilities.
🍁At the age of 12, I enrolled myself in a Shiamak Davar Dance Academy in one of the dance style Jazz. The three-month training period not only refined my technical abilities but also cultivated a spirit of camaraderie among my fellow dancers, establishing a supportive community united by a mutual passion for dance. In a nutshell, it is a form of therapy for me.
Source: Internet
🌷For me dancing is about expressing myself. It is the movement of joy. It is a stress buster and it really makes me happy. Since my childhood I have always loved and enjoyed dancing. It’s quite difficult to articulate the joy I feel into mere words.
3) Which are the dance styles you specifically like to perform in? Any new ones you are planning to learn soon?
🌷There are many dance styles but I specifically like to perform bollywood style and free style.
🍁Having a diverse knowledge of various dance styles is a testament to the rich tapestry of the dance world. Each style has its own unique history for which I wouldn’t go into detail. I like to mix up different types of dancing such as Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary. The process of mixing songs and various dance forms enables me to create a more personalized and unique choreography. My motto is to have fun in the process of learning.
🌷That’s so cool! Recently I have started liking semiclassical and contemporary. So, I am planning to learn those styles.
🍁Hmm, hmm. Since you asked, I would love to explore Zumba because it has an easy-to-follow choreography, with a fine integration of dance and fitness elements. I think it’ll be a great way to stay active and have fun at the same time.
4) Whom would you consider as your role model in your journey of dancing?
🍁For me it is Shiamak Davar, of course! To be frank, the first time I saw Shiamak Davar dancing live in front of my eyes, I was completely blown away. I have always loved how he blends different styles and creates mesmerizing performances. His dedication to his ability to inspire others is something I aspire to bring out into various aspects of my life.
🌷Previously I had numerous role models who inspired me to pursue dancing. Currently my favourite is the Team Naach dancers. Formed in 2014 in a dance studio by Sonal Devraj and Nicole Concessao, they have become one of the most beloved dance superstars on the Internet owing to their incredibly popular covers and semi-classical renditions.
Source: Internet
🍁Hey, even I started following Team Naach recently, thanks to Navya. They’re pretty amazing!
5) You guys started a YouTube channel to showcase your love for dancing. What is your opinion regarding the influence of social media in the context?
🌷Social media platforms are the culmination of many of the trends in the society. It helps us to showcase our talents and also to learn from others. These social media platforms reach a larger audience, through which many potential dancers have been recognised.
🍁YouTube, Facebook and Instagram have completely changed the game. You can gain a huge following and recognition solely through social media. Plus, the ability to share dance tutorials has made it more accessible for people wanting to learn and master the same.
We started a YouTube channel to connect with other dancers, receive feedback, and even discover new opportunities.
🌷We started it during the last two months of our internship as we had just completed our NEET MDS examination and had lot of time at our disposal. It was really fun to make those videos. Keerthi played the part of videographer for our videos. Kudos to her for being patient with the process of making our dance videos.
🗣️The job wasn’t easy. I realised a lot later that understanding the process of the whole choreography would have helped a lot in figuring out the camera angles. This kind of clarity on my end beforehand would have opened up a lot of avenues for experimenting with various shots and video editing to capture one’s ardor on a deeper level.
You walk into a room full of strangers. It’s quite crowded there, you try to carry your drink and shuffle to the nearest available chair – only for it to be whisked away by a total stranger, who momentarily glances your way and goes back to talking to a group of people.
There is faint music playing in the background – you can’t place the original singer in your head. It’s a remix of an old song, so you start humming under your breath. Before you know it, you are bobbing your head gently to be carried away by the music.
Fluorescent lights glow wildly in the backyard, where there is a huge barbecue set up. The smoke fills up every now and then, only to be welcomed by the gloomy stars above. There’s a guy in his brown apron grilling meat, and is surrounded by the people who love him. These people are laughing at some form of elite humour which you can’t hear, but you smile looking at them all animatedly laughing to humor the guy serving them food for the night.
The living room in here is filled with a stench of perfume and new paint which has been applied all over the walls just a week back. The serene blue paint eases into your senses, instantly forming an image of the vast sea where you played on sand with your family and friends alike. You all clasped your hands tight and dodged over the waves as soon as they hit the shore. You laughed heartily into the salty air, as there was always one person who would either jump too early or jump too late. You would build sandcastles, and forge sturdy friendships .
You have never been here at this house before. You were probably invited at the last moment to this party. You stop yourself here and don’t give into that last intrusive thought of yours, because you are busy with that familiar tingling feeling – the déjà vu- that fills every nook and corner of your body. All of a sudden, you are a stranger no more and finally lean back onto the textured wall to sip your wine in tranquility. You have been here before – thanks to your memory palace- and you feel warmth.
The stranger who had just stolen your chair sometime back returns and places it back at its place. This time, he looks at you and gives you a courtly kind smile. You make your way back to this chair and smile to yourself. Yes, you definitely have been here before.
Four alarms rang simultaneously in all four apartments across the narrow dimly lit corridor. Four men got up, stretched for a second with a forced smile on their faces and rushed to get ready. Within 10 minutes, all of them were outside their respective apartment doors, with pieces of bread hanging from their mouths while they hastily tied their shoelaces hopping on the other foot and making way to the elevator.
Ding. The elevator opened to reveal a small metal cubicle with blue and white lighting, with a maximum capacity of 6 people. They all acknowledged each other with a slight nod. “Welcome. Please make sure you are standing away from the door.” – A pre-recorded female voice in a mechanical voice reiterated the message until the automated door closed. They soon began experiencing weightlessness as the elevator sped down to the first floor below. “Thank you. Have a great day.” The elevator doors closed as soon as all four had scrambled out to their workplace.
While working at their desks, the four men randomly zoned out staring at the large glass window which opened up to a scene of bustling cars and motorcycles on the road below. There were people hastily walking on the footpath on the other end of the road, clutching their bags close to their chests. The four men were brought back to reality when one of their phones rang with either angry customers or angry bosses. They patiently repeated “We apologise for the inconvenience.” Or “We apologise for the delay.” Amidst their surface level apologies, the sun would rise and set through the glass window.
Before they knew it, all the four were back to where it all began. “Thank you. Have a great day.” They would ease the tight synthetic neck ties sitting firmly around their necks and hastily open the locks to their apartments.
The elevator is their vessel – their voyager, if you may say- to a better life and a better future. Just when they thought they were at the beginning of the pursuit, they were already at the end and receiving a medal for completing a race which they didn’t remember being a part of in the first place. It lured them into the loop, which goes on forever in this concrete utopian capsule. It will flaunt their successes and their shortcomings too, oh so proudly.
“Welcome. Please make sure you are standing away from the door. Welcome to your matrix.”
It’s beautiful yet perplexing how we see things only from where we stand. We strive all our lives enriching our minds to debate with people all across the globe about how we are right in what we believe, and explain ourselves with such a faint glimmer of hope for understanding.
The funniest part is that our views are never concrete, never set in the rock but rather in the sand- where the sands of time govern the ever changing complexity of reality and let us determine our fates. If fate was set in stone, we would have been heaps of boring creatures with predictive personalities clumped together into a mundane social experiment of extinction.
When we do see something- we remember it. We remember it in the form that singularly attaches to us the most by forming a connection and talk about it to everyone we care about. Hence it is just beautiful how one person might come to one conclusion regarding a situation, while the other might see it entirely as something else.
“Will you make it through this Blizzard?”
She stared out through the window, distracted
Through the howling windsoutside, she let out
Feebly – Yes I will, I have to .
“Will you come back? “
He knew the answer, still he asked
She repliedmeekly – Yes I will, I want to.
She then pulled the creaking door with all her might
I waited on the green wooden bench. Set against the tall green trees, the green bench tried to stand out for me. I had to catch a bus after all, so I was there before time- clutching my blue side bag tightly in my lap, with wired earphones tightly fitted into my ears on one end and smartphone on the other. A 6 foot tall green sign with a white coloured bus within stood closer to the other side of the road. The bus had to stop on this side, so the placement of the elegant bus stop sign just made no sense to me. A diner with grey walls and black sign reading “Oven Top” stood there, with an unsettling stillness. Business was probably slow there for today, as only two tables were occupied by one person each, while some people passed by without taking notice. This diner was situated close to a crossroad on the side, where one of the roads led one deep into the bustling neighborhoods- where sometimes the moon rose high and spread a faint gleam all across the crowded park benches. Occasionally an ice cream vendor would be handing out soft cones filled with almost-melted ice cream on hot days.
That day, I could smell the crisp burning scent of naan in the air, interspersed with stale coffee coming from elsewhere. The old head chef there- always dressed in white overalls, with his shiny bald head always standing out – used to make my usual order of amazing butter naan and dal makhani. He would always serve extra sides of salads and pickles for free; and would long to hear what I had to say about the food- even when he had a lot of customers to attend do. He would sometimes fish out his old Nokia phone out of his pocket and flaunt proudly about the scantily rare days when his son would call from another part of the country. It would take him a tad long time to press one key on the keypad using his calloused, stubby fingers to light up the screen but he would brighten up instantly. It had been almost a decade since he resigned due to an altercation with his manager regarding the meagre pay, so the place no longer felt like home. He stood up for himself that day, and the diner took the brunt soon after by falling apart .
Melancholic jazz poured seamlessly into my ears, when the electric bus with its shiny windows and noiseless engine rolled by. It was going to be a busy day ahead. I chanted some self affirmations vigorously under my breath – to prepare for the mindless chatter I had to partake soon, otherwise I would be deemed unsociable and shunned off from all the necessary future conversations. The driver honked and waved at me, hoping to catch my attention. In my head, it was the daily cassette on loop- the utter need to get the day right, to get the work right and to be bright.
So I stayed. I stood my ground and waved the bus goodbye. The bus left me with a heart full of guilt. I however was convinced- I could always wait for another bus. Even though I couldn’t fathom the possible repercussions to that small daring feat of mine at that particular moment, I felt a huge burden off my chest. Like that brown feather that landed just then gently next to me on the green bench- without making any noise. I scooted a bit further and released my shoulders to droop. I caught the next bus and made it to work on time. It was just like any other day- except for the songs that were sung, praises that were heaped regarding the calming presence of mind and heart. It had been a while since the frown had learned to look up to smile. So smile I did, that day, wholeheartedly.
It was a Saturday afternoon. Emotions ran high and hunger pangs were at it again. All it needed was just an inkling by a dull red matchstick to start a small fire at first. In the presence of fuel in the form of dry firewood from the mighty oak, the flames soon rose high from the deepest pits of the earth below. The ravaging fire bellowed accusingly in an infrasonic pitch, with the heat distorting the surroundings in the eyes of the beholder with its turbulent radiation.
The slow combustion of firewood first glowed a dull yellow, then slowly transitioned into a bright amber. A thin wisp of smoke rose high above the flames, managing to escape the broiling clutches of dirt below towards the open sky through the pompous perils of mankind. Ablaze in all its glory against the grey skies, it managed to draw attention from everything above and below.
As soon as the food was served hot, we eliminated the resplendent fire by starving off its propellant and huddled around to witness it die. It slowly changed from the glowing amber to smoulder violently in the form of bright violet flames. It glared through the charred wood and soot, resembling millions of sparkling shiny, warm violet crystals; only to be consumed by the same. Towards the end, it shone brighter than all the stars in the sky collectively for one last time and left behind a beautiful message in the form of dark charred remains of its agitated life.
At its prime, the fire managed to blindfold everyone in the room and etch a ferociously vibrant image of its vicious necessity into everyone’s retina. It made its way to our empty souls through our bellies, but evoked a caustic roar from the deepest bowels of the earth and momentarily pushed us closest to the sun. The invincible ignorance fallacy that we showcase in an attempt to simplify our lives all burn down to a simple imperishable flame that lets us search within ourselves for something in the vast nothingness. We are the vacant minds with the incinerated remains of formerly existing hearts. We do love playing with fire and love grumbling about everything at any given point of time.
It’s a little after 5am. Cool, crisp wind is blowing against the tall lamp post that has tumbled down on its own from its footing. It now illuminates the symmetrical concrete path from the ground level with its dull amber yellow. The other 3 rustic lamp posts are still standing tall guarding the square-shaped garden in between. It houses various crepe Jasmines lining the boundary. Freshly cut green grass fills up the garden in between laden with sweet smell of petrichor. The light beam from the fallen lamp post fans out towards the dark cloudy sky, where the clouds voraciously engulf the illumination and blankly display their pensive candor. There is a low cacophony of noises made by crickets and katydids filling the long stretches of silence, with a faint heart-wrenching cry of a stray kitten occasionally heard from far away.
For a moment through the glass window, it almost looks like someone is there plucking the flowers, his back against us, in a dull white, plain shirt. He is slowly plucking the flowers with his frail yet slender fingers, so as to not wake up the long shiny leaves yet. His movements aren’t that calculated, as he slowly moves from one bush onto the other, stumbling carelessly on the slippery grass from the morning dew.
But then it slowly dawned on our eyes- it was only the shadows all the while, jumping enthusiastically across the fallen lamp post to disappear into the vast nothingness. They dance and prance around to the discordant noise produced by the glowing veins of the light bulb buzzing with electricity. Before you can make it to bed, the light slowly crawls across the sky and spills against the shadows- prompting them to run and hide for now.
All the lamp posts turn off in unison as if on cue. There are more crepe Jasmines in full bloom today than yesterday. The true guise of the shadows that were clearly lurking nearby sometime back, however, are no longer apparent – all thanks to the elaborate magic of dawn. It was all about believing, not seeing- a cleverly planned misdirection. This is your cue now to just get some well-deserved sleep, before the day resets all over again in a very few hours. Then it would be your glorious turn to shine brightly in order to bury your own shadow.
Welcome to the second part of the series of “The rehearsed conversations”. I successfully connected with my next guest, and chose to talk about dogs- as she is the one who first introduced me to the world of pets. I was petrified of being in the vicinity of dogs long before she encouraged me to casually pick and hold some pups in our college campus back then and play with them. That very moment got forever etched in my heart-the newfound love for dogs and Manjiri’s demeanor included.
1) Can you please introduce yourself and what you do.
🐶Hello everyone! This is Dr. Manjiri Kulkarni. I’m a Periodontist by profession just like our dear author here, who has been one of my closest and dearest friends since college, i.e. since 9 years !
2) Can you tell us which dog breeds you have had as pets in whichever chronological order that suits you? Which were the easiest to take care of and why?
🐶Well we’ve had 2 dogs of our own. There was “Pilloo” (meaning ‘baby’ in Marathi). She was an Indie- beautiful and snowy white. We got her from my grandpa’s family friend, so she was actually sent to us through a handler in a tiny little basket from Jodhpur (Rajasthan) wrapped in a blanket. She was the cutest little bean.
🐶The other one was Max, he was a beagle and the naughtiest boy ! We actually went to a friend’s place who had a beagle named Oscar, so me and my sister coerced our parents to get a similar dog. This was around 2014 if I am remembering that right.
🐶We also have a Labrador at my uncle and aunt’s place whose name is Bob (~Yes, my cousins named him after Bob: the builder!~) and he is the laziest but the cutest member of our family!
3) What is the first memory that you have regarding your pet dog/s, that makes you real happy to think about even after all these years?
🐶It’s actually a photograph of me and Pilloo- he’s in the tiny basket peeping out and I’m right next to her looking at the camera. It is a sweet memory that’s been captured by my parents.
4) What’s the coolest dog name you have ever come across?
🐶That would be- Bhagyalakshmi. Bhagyalakshmi was a Saint Bernard that we had met at a pet show in Hyderabad. It is the most unique name for a dog that I have come across personally.
5) What’s your dog’s strangest/funniest trick ever?
🐶Bob has this quirk of drinking water directly from the tap. He has this bowl of his own where we give him water, obviously, but he still loves drinking water directly from the tap! And also he loves butt scratches and ear scratches. He will always come running to stand next to you and grunt as a cue for scratches behind this ear and around his butt!
Meet Bob- The builder of hearts
6) Is there any particular hobby that you have specifically taken up to bond with your dog/s? If so which one and why?
🐶That would be sharing walk time where they get to meet their other doggo friends in the neighborhood. They also find some birds and squirrels to get into trouble with or energetically say hello to. Either way it is always fun to look forward to their shenanigans!
7) If you had a chance to ask your dog three questions, what would they be?
🐶 I) How is it that you are so freaking cute and lovely and adorable- all at the same time?! (Puppy eyes are for REAL guys!) II) Whether the doggos also equally agree/ consider their humans to be their best friends? Or if they have any qualms about it? III) Lastly, how are they so selfless, loving, and in general, giving? How do they make it possible ? If only us humans had even an iota of that way of being, what a world we would have been living in! (The ultimate best- The doggo world!)
8) Which dog is your favourite from the TV or movies? Can you recommend one underrated movie/ series for people regarding the same?
🐶I have so many movies in my mind right now and would love to list them here. I) Hachi is amongst my favourite doggos from the movies! It’s definitely not underrated but I have come to watch the movie innumerable times by now. II) The 101-102 dalmatians, the classic animated series that we used to enjoy a lot during our childhood. III) Bolt !a Pixel movie . It’s such a lovely movie. IV) Clifford the Big Red dog V) I am Legend- with Will Smith fighting against the world’s end with his doggo VI) Marley and Me VII) A movie named Charlie 777 which is a film in Kannada and was lauded with India’s highest honour for movies- a National award!
9) The present generation is prioritising towards adopting more of pet dogs. Is there any advice that you would like to give to help them through the process and become a responsible dog owner?
🐶My sincere advice would be to kindly not get or make a dog a part of your life or family if you are not fully ready for that level of commitment. Since they are living beings and such lovely souls, they require a lot of care. Understand that you are responsible for them, they are your family and all they need is you and nothing else beyond that. The fact that they are sensitive beings is to be remembered, come what may.
10) Now let’s let our imagination out on a wild dog chase. If your dog could fly, what is the first thing you expect it to do and why?
🐶Oh wow, I actually never thought about it until you asked, but I guess I would love to travel with my dog around the world. Personally I love exploring new places, so travelling would be a wonderful way of flying across continents. I would definitely love to travel around the world with my flying doggo and have an absolute blast!
Walking on the terrace always feels the best – one can feel grounded yet closer to the sky at the same time. It’s always gentle breeze though, that eludes by just caressing the atmospheric layers a few feet above ground and leaving abruptly. It happens in a subtle way- you wouldn’t have noticed it if it wasn’t for the towering gulmohar tree a few feet across, which had just shed all its bright red flowers with green stems and now stands with its slender branches at the top spread out as discreet phalanges off one’s wrist. It lightly sways, as if to not give away the fact that it’s the chosen one in this equation. It has all your attention while it slowly goes back to standing elegantly still.
What is not apparent is how it protects the lush green mango tree next to it- which has grown larger than what it had been a few years ago. Its branches scatter widely to cover the windows of the apartment across with all its naivety, while leaning lightly onto its right towards the lean gulmohar.
In another 4-5 months, it will be laden with the raw mangoes and the air around will have a delicious, sour whiff. The season of mangoes will welcome the mix of sour and sweet delicacies that everyone will love with all their hearts- while we will still be entranced by the imperfect stillness of the gulmohar tree.
The gulmohar tree might be the storm’s favourite, but for the gulmohar tree it is the young mango tree that never stops growing in spite of all the crimson blossoms that rain down over it every fall and try to swallow it as a whole into the ground below. It’s the world of gulmohar that the mango tree is living in, while we all fade away to form the perpetual setting of monochrome- the perfect constants among the floating variables.
We are a clueless bunch- naivety is our best friend and moving forward is the only option. No matter which direction we pick, it never comes with any brochure beforehand detailing to-dos and not to-dos. So we just keep moving with the addled minds of ours, searching for details in the smallest of things – Are we moving forward if we keep piling dishes in the sink and don’t wash them for a very long time? Are we moving forward if our to- be-read pile of books reaches the ceiling and we don’t know where to add a new book that we bought at a dimly lit local bookstore yesterday? Are we moving forward if we didn’t pay the rent on time or found it difficult to get the health insurance because of our busy schedule? Why is there a question mark instead of a stop sign at the critical juncture?
We adore complications, but abhor rejections. We created this society and now we try hard to fit into its conforms. If we don’t, we are told that the whole system would just collapse. The tightly knit fabric can hold only so much, so we keep trying to stitch the loopholes and flaunt it in all its glory. Despite the intricate patch work, we are still labelled as lazy and inept. We are those people who don’t know how to keep the sink free of dirty dishes or, don’t know how to balance between their income and purchases.
We are out there running every single day- no matter what- towards the bizarre definition of forward. We live in a studio apartment, where we cook irregularly and then clog the sink , because we try not to order from outside to stick to our weekly budget. We can probably squeeze in some time to do the dishes tomorrow. We promise ourselves to get the health insurance done by next Wednesday, and probably with our next paycheck, our rent is paid with no dues. We will try to take a different route while coming home from work so as to not get enticed by the dull yellow lights of that small bookstore that we love. Our lives are a collective ensemble of those multiple coffee stains on a brown table cloth that have blended into each fiber from repeated washing. We pretend to be patient, so as to be blessed with the sweet curse of time- time that is invincible, time that is inevitable. Tick, tick, tick…….
It was enchanting to watch the trains from the overhead bridge, the slender diesel- driven/ electric giants that expeditiously carry you to your destination- Himachal and Hogwarts alike. You could see the elaborate network of the railway tracks criss-crossing and separating yet again to reveal a giant lone standing red light. Some kids in shorts and pale t-shirts were always running alongside the train on the muddy ground below, vigorously waving at the passengers yet maintaining a graceful distance from the surrounding turbulent aerodynamics. You would also wave, as you wanted to play an enthusiastic part of whatever that was going on below, establishing a temporal connection with the journey of thousands of others travelling right then and there. The bridge would rattle as the train below escaped at such a laudable acceleration that it was purely exhilarating. You would giddily run to the opposite side of the bridge to catch a glimpse of the tail end of the train- where the guard would be vigorously flashing a bright green light away from you. Very soon you could barely hear the airhorn from where you stood, as it would become a distant dream fading into oblivion. Promises would then be made right there and would be expected to be honoured.
So the next time you are on a train and happen to pass under an overhead bridge in the broad daylight, take a break from all the reading you have been catching up on and smile ear to ear. The overturned book in your lap shall patiently wait for you in solitude as you shyly give into a moment of childlike glee, flushing your face with all kinds of pink. You are reminded of how young you were. And you feel young yet again.
I attended a play recently, where in the audience- a bright ray of limelight was suddenly focused on someone sitting right next to me. The person started singing out loud, while the audience cheered for him audibly. I shifted to my left so as to not steal his spotlight, not knowing that I was already in the blind spot. Nobody would have seen me either way. As the play got over, I scrambled out into the streets. It was pouring. Two lovers ran across the street to hug each other in the rain, and slowly parted to walk hand in hand to a sparsely lit diner next to a rustic lamp post across. The lamp post has been there for decades, probably centuries- and nobody yet has bothered to replace the light bulb inside. It however stands there elegantly, with no other significant usage than being a landmark.
As I forcibly tried to open my tattered umbrella, I looked up. It was like a cone up there- where water started at one point but departed diagonally to fall everywhere – speaking the language of perspective. The sky showed no signs of the evening blues, but as the night started to set in I could hear a distant hum. Somewhere far away, two giant neutron stars collided violently and generated a huge cloud of debris spewing everywhere. I however, was just the observer.
I am not even the writer of this story. I am not even the lead of this movie. I am just a variant – stuck between the imagination and reality – never having been a pivotal part of either. So I sit here, still in plain sight, to play the role of a lifetime and be proud. And when I do achieve it, should I brag about it pompously or go about like nothing has changed? How should I know what to do? Would I, ever know?
Nothing has changed, yet everything has. As soon as you saw it. You saw it.
Almost a month ago, I conducted a heart to heart talk with Dr. Sumanvitha Bodavula in a proper introverts’ meet- greet format. There were no calls involved, just 10 questions in the form of texts. This format might sound very impersonal, but then we have always loved living on the edge, very quietly.
1) Please introduce yourself and what you do.
🫕Hello everyone !! I’m Sumanvitha a.k.a Suma., a.k.a Keerthi’s best friend. I have completed my masters degree in Healthcare administration and currently I am actively looking for employment.
2) You have always been really passionate about cooking. May I know since when you have been interested in the same and why?
🫕I will have to give you the most generic answer you could think of. My mom and both my grandmothers are amazing cooks. Everyone loved their food and watching them cook made me really intrigued and eventually when I moved to live in a hostel, my cooking journey began and I haven’t stopped since.
3) According to you, who would you say is the best cook you have known/met till now? What is their speciality dish that has forever remained in your heart?
🫕Hands down, my mom. If you know me, you would know my love for sweets and deserts. My mom makes the best Gulab Jamun I’ve eaten and writing about it here is making me crave it so much more. My mom used to look up recipes and put so much effort into making any food just as we siblings like. So, every simple dish she prepares is really special.
4) As your roommate during our Undergraduate days, I have seen you meticulously planning for every meal from the scratch. Has this whole process gotten modified, now that you have moved to the USA?
🫕 I would say it has gotten modified, but quite on the worse side. Don’t get me wrong but living here in the USA, accessibility to GOOD Indian food is next to impossible. Even the best of the best restaurants can’t match any of our authentic Indian food (at least not in Connecticut), so for me the best way to satisfy our cravings is to cook the food we crave, so the planning has increased and the number of recipes I cook have grown too.
5) Which particular dish reminds you of family back home?
🫕Simple homemade pickles. The instant pickles that my grandma makes are so hearty; especially with hot rice and little bit of ghee. I’m almost there in recreating those but never as perfect as what she makes.
6) What is the most exotic or unusual dish you have ever tried, and how did it taste?
📌 Acadia National Park, Maine state, United States of America
🫕The most exotic dish I have tasted would have to be Lobster. I might get a lot of hate saying this but I did not like it as much as I was supposed to. It was very bland and did not suit our Indian palate. While some might call it an art, I found it really difficult to eat. It was so.. can I say too technical to eat? Me and my friends got some specialised tools to break the shell. We being the amateurs that we were, found it quite challenging to eat.
7) If you could only eat one kind of fruit/vegetable/meat for life, what would it be?
🫕Cherries no… Potatoes,no ..Brinjal … You being YOU had to include this question in here didn’t you ?! I am very indecisive as you can already see, so I can’t and won’t limit myself to one dish 😉. However if I had to, it would probably be one of the above mentioned.
8) If you swapped bodies with a master chef participant, what would you serve Gordon Ramsay to make him mad?
🫕I would probably make a very Indianized version of his famous Beef Wellington with Chicken or Veggies instead of Beef just to irk him. But again I might end up in tears listening to him swear 🥲
9) Have you ever had any epic fail while cooking that literally brought you down on your knees on your kitchen floor, dejected?
🫕Yes. Of course. I am not a professional, so failure in the kitchen is quite common to anyone I would say. I have had failures but none of them ended up being quite inedible- so I would consider that a win. One such recent failure would be trying to bake a proper bakery style cake and I failed miserably at that. The cake in itself tasted delicious but I just couldn’t get the frosting right. It was such a disaster. I ended up covering it with strawberries to make it look somewhat presentable.
10) Last question. What is your current favourite food that you would suggest everyone to try, which not many have heard of?
🫕For me, authentic Indian food remains as my ultimate favorite. However I can suggest a few dishes or appetizers that I have had around here and found them quite good. For vegetarians, I think you guys would love the spicy Korean mozzarella corn dog. I had it once but it was absolutely delicious. And for non-vegetarians, I would say fried Calamari. This is one of the very first things I tried after coming to the United States, and pretty much loved it .
The constant need of our minds to be churning something new is truly sublime. The confidence and the enthusiasm that stem out of using the creative lobes of our brains provide us the necessary dopamine and the much needed catharsis to move onto the next. There are days where we are struggling to even make a coffee properly – either with too much or too little sugar. Tripping and falling randomly. Cursing out loud at gravity and everything celestial. But once we let the gears in our heads go, new ideas come dashing through the roofs of our heads and start building home right there.
The paradoxical overlap between the need to be better and the need to show as better certainly pushes us out of our comfort zones. When we do that by taking our own sweet time, we savour the moment. We revel in it- for the good or bad. In the end, it leaves a definitive impression in our brains. It will be forever etched in gold – not as some award- but as an armor.
Follow your dreams. Follow your heart. Do whatever you are passionate about.
Passion… the description of passion is the intense , driving or overmastering feeling, or conviction. It is supposed to keep us alive. Probably not as such alive, but it is what makes worth living for. It lets us breathe our emotions through these complex expressions of art, that breathes life into us. Poetry, dance, music- you name it and they make you, well- YOU. But isn’t passion overrated? As much as it drives us to the mountain top, it can very well drive us over the cliff too. Yes, yes the heart wants what it wants blah blah blah but aren’t we in charge of our wild hearts? Are we being passionate or just hurrying for the boat across the mountain that is on the verge of capsizing just to be a part of an imminent cataclysm- just because it gives us the instant boost of adrenaline and serotonin, only to deal with the consequences later? Aren’t we just supposed to dance to the drab tunes of routine and monotony ?
There is always that one friend who clicks pictures of the sky and the one who silently supports it. I mean who would not like to capture a multitude of colors on a small lens and save it for a lifetime?
Every single time when I go for eating golgappa and try to stuff the biggest puris with the spiciest stuffing without crying or choking- I am looking at only one thing consciously i.e. the traffic, and the other being a sub-conscious trail that always leads me to looking at- the sky. Sometimes it is blue, with cottony furballs of clouds floating in that giant space- carefree yet tethered. Then there are those stark contrasting skies where one half is showcasing the brawn of the sun by burning your eyes while the other half is occupied by its rival- the grey thunderclouds. It is never the match of the equals, as the grey always manages to overshadow the shining star. Also, the occasional guest appearances of the moon in the bright sky certainly make us a part through its journey of phases- conscientiously reflecting the sunlight and alluding its charming yet humble self. The sky is the stage and the moon occasionally owns it.
Walking on the street below, we witness the trees reaching out towards the sky- leafy and leafless alike. There is a jet hurrying by across the sky, whose trail is a sharp white line at first, but disintegrates in the next few seconds into scattered foam. The sky is now painted in the gentler tones of pastel pink and orange- with the sun setting on the horizon- relatively obscured by the tall apartment building. Somewhere far off, we hear the sound of the railway level crossing closing and turn to watch the train approaching amidst the tall eucalyptus trees- gliding against the dull wine-red backdrop of the evening sky and swallowed as a whole by the busy civilization. As we look out through the window frame, we realize paintings or pictures could never capture the dynamic yet enigmatic self of our giant umbrella of space that now proceeds to envelop us protectively in a giant cloak of darkness to lull us into a peaceful slumber.
So does that mean we stop clicking the pictures of all those beautiful evening or morning skies, or skies in general? No we don’t. Let the storage space on our phones run out due to all the colorful pictures of the skies that we will never look back at again. We were however able to be present at that golden moment and record the briefest history of space and time. A moment of pride.
I have always wondered how people get their work done on a daily basis- the constant churn, waking up a particular time, getting breakfast at a particular time, leaving for work at a particular time and maintaining the same for every living day- till of course , one’s last breath. How come this particular routine doesn’t squeeze the air out of you yet? Of course, passion for work helps. The drive to earn also helps. Only to a certain extent perhaps.
There are days where getting through the routine just sucks. Especially when the need to get away from everything just gets daringly louder in your head such that staying sane through your entire day’s routine well, sounds wrong. All those nights you spent trying to inculcate Atomic habits into your very veins just feel in vain. I am not speaking about those days where you can’t get out of bed and just hate every centimeter of sunshine out there trying to contact you. I mean those days where you get ready for work, scramble for your keys and stop just before opening your door – because that is when it hits you all of a sudden- what is the point of all this? What if just today, I didn’t go? Would the earth stop revolving around the sun? Or would the sky turn more blue if I didn’t go?
On those days, literally anywhere is heaven. You drive to a different spot. You get this sense of pride when you drive off in the other direction and probably run a checklist of all the things that you had to get through that day and which of those are genuinely important. For the first time, the cost to benefit ratio does not make you hyperventilate and you breathe. For once. After a week- long or a month-long work. Calling in sick for that day sounds thrilling.
You walk into the beach under the morning sun. You have an ice-cream cone with the cream slowly trickling down your hands and making a mess as you walk along to find a comfortable spot among all the bustling tourists. There is a faint odor of rotting fish wafting as you walk towards the cold velvety waves. You just have enough cash for another ice cream perhaps. But it definitely is a good day. Better than most.
So that evening, as you get back to your mundane life, you see that you are a lot more patient with the pile of work on your desk than you were the night before. You don’t like that tea stain next to the pile, but you calmly get an old washcloth and wipe it while low-humming a Coldplay tune. You start planning for another day out. Some day. Some place else. Anywhere..
The collapsed library 