Sunshine and cleaning 

After long days of gloomy weather, with barely any sunshine, everything seemed dark and dull, accompanied by a slightly chilly atmosphere. The drizzling rain often arrived unexpectedly and stayed for quite some time. The gloomy weather was not very exciting, especially as people often fell sick because of the sudden changes in weather.

After days of clouds covering the sky, the sun finally came out brightly today, spreading its warmth everywhere and helping to dry the wet surroundings. Since it was a holiday, everyone was out cleaning the area. The long-grown plants were cleared away, and algae was removed from the surroundings. There was always a risk of slipping, while the overgrown plants had also become a home to many small creatures and insects.

The walls were scraped to remove the tiny plants that had grown there and were making the place damp. Among them, small insects were also found. The sun was shining at full strength, helping to dry out the damp spots that had remained after the rainy days.

Even the tiny little hands were eager to help as much as they could. It was quite exciting for them, and they were very enthusiastic about the work. The whole experience reminded me of the cleaning I used to do at my grandmother's house. We would scrape away the plants growing on the soil, as the overgrown areas could become a hiding place for snakes if they were not cleared properly.

The long staircase that needed to be swept and cleared of dry leaves was a real backache because of the number of stairs leading down the hill. Nevertheless, this small community effort brought everyone together and made the surroundings as clean and spotless as possible. At the end, bleach powder was spread to prevent further growth of algae and to keep unwanted creatures from crawling around.

It was certainly a productive morning, made possible by the bright sunshine that finally decided to show up after quite some time.

A Week of Joy, Learning and Patriotism

A week full of fun and meaningful events where children got the chance to enjoy themselves while also learning important values. The Independence Day celebrations brought together a variety of activities, including quiz competitions, board decoration contests for both junior and senior classes, and sports events that allowed students to showcase their skills. Regular practice sessions for the Independence Day programme kept everyone active, involved, and excited throughout the week.

The Army Unit arranged a special programme for children belonging to different schools, all gathered together to celebrate the freedom that they received after the struggle. The day started with a March Past that included many schools. Our school had students from Classes 6 to 8 who were enthusiastic about their band and the March Past. They walked a long way across the streets, where people also joined in. Everyone had a flag in their hand that fluttered in the wind with pride. Alongside this, a cross-country race was also conducted as students showed their athletic skills. Some even tried it for the first time and enjoyed it.

After the March Past, the students gathered at the Town Hall, where the Army Unit presented a video depicting the struggle for independence and the remarkable changes our country has witnessed over the years. It offered the children a glimpse into the long journey of our nation and served as an inspiration to them as the future of the country. The programme concluded with the presentation of awards to the winners of the various competitions held throughout the week.

In the evening, a quiz competition, an art competition, and games like lemon and spoon, jalebi race, musical chairs, etc. were conducted by the Nagar Palika. The children who participated enjoyed themselves by actively being involved. The day ended with fun and games for the children, bringing a different schedule from their daily learning atmosphere.

Today, the entire day was packed with different activities, beginning with a parade towards a different route, which felt as if we were reaching every house and involving everyone along the way. Then, we went back to school and had a flag hoisting ceremony there, followed by energetic performances by the students as they danced, sang, and even gave speeches. It was quite a beautiful sight as the tiny tots did their best.

After the celebration at school, everyone again gathered at the Town Hall to watch the performances of children as they matched their steps together to the music.

Overall, the week was a wonderful blend of learning, celebration, participation, and enjoyment. The various competitions and activities gave children an opportunity to explore their talents, build confidence, work together, and learn the importance of freedom and unity. The Independence Day celebrations were not just a break from the usual routine but also a meaningful experience that reminded everyone of the sacrifices made for our country. It was truly a memorable week filled with enthusiasm, pride, and joy.

 The Joy of Going in Blind

After quite a while, I decided to watch something new, a movie whose trailer I deliberately avoided watching to keep the suspense of the movie and its characters intact. I had only heard one song, which heightened my interest in watching the movie without knowing anything further about the plot.

Watching it was a sudden decision, as I had never planned to watch it because the reviews were not very positive regarding the plot and the thrills.It turned out to be quite interesting because of its characters. 

The movie begins with a situation of war as it clashes with the ideologies of people from different places, dividing them into multiple groups. It foreshadows the upcoming incidents that move the plot forward.

The female character of the movie was not given much screen space, but she was portrayed as a character who dreamed big despite belonging to a very small community and village. She wanted to do something for her people, even though they did not accept her. Later, the very people who were against her were the ones who helped fulfil her dreams.

The movie had a very realistic approach, showing how people often forget all the good deeds. The drastic shift in people's behaviour is heartbreaking, as it is unexpected. The characters also face such dilemmas, which feel very real.

The negative character's name is mentioned from the very beginning so that he remains a suspenseful presence throughout the film. It presents him as a symbol of fear and an unknown power that ruled over the people like a shadow, even when he was not physically present.

The music plays through most parts of the movie, making it engaging. I was able to sit through and complete the movie without even realising the passing of time.

I enjoyed the movie with a cup of coffee on a peaceful evening, and it inspired me to write again after a long time.

On a dry day

with just us three 

on the way.

The path all dusty

rising with warm wind

gushing towards the face

kissing the face along the way.

A blinding love

far from comfort

with discomfort in eyes

still on the way home.

The big rain drops

falling on the ground 

like crystal balls

stilling the dust about to rise.

The sudden darkening of clouds,

a hasty decision

the sudden heaviness

with a chilling breeze.

The rain cooling the soul

the plants dancing happily

moving along with the breeze

after the long humid days.

A brief joy with smiles,

some with umbrellas,

others without it,

enjoying the gift of nature

that balances out everything.

Lost in shadows, disappeared in night,

A speck of hope, a distant light.

At times it gleams a little near,

Blinking softly, crystal clear,

Before the darkness slowly grows,

Swallowing the light it owes.

Is it natural then to stray

Into a maze that hides the way?

Hiding in a corner small,

A shelter built behind a wall.

The heaviness begins to fall,

Breathless days that swallow all.

As if inside a room shut tight,

Yet something stirs the will to fight.

A shadow hovers, cold and grey,

Like stormy clouds that block the day.

A thousand paws that reach and creep,

But skies like these don't always weep.

The clouds must part, the light break through 

That clearing sky is coming too.

A long road stretches, winding still,

But hope anticipates with will.

The darkness fades, the shadows thin 

The light ahead will surely win.

                     

              A Road Trip We Never Planned

An unexpected road trip surely was not exactly on my list. It all began with our lack of knowledge about the route. The drive began slowly and continued for quite a long time. In the hot, slow breeze that heated the body, the car's chill was surely a relief, tempting me to doze off. But then the long conversations, wrong turns, and beautiful views overcame the tiredness. Today, let’s dive into a road trip along the expressway.

The journey began from the entrance of the college. It was after 5 PM, and the sun was setting, but the heat still remained unbearable. Even chilled water could not provide comfort. As I sat in the passenger seat beside my friend Garima, our ride began with a pep talk and her short prayer, as it was her first long-distance ride. She was nervous and slightly scared, but I was relatively relaxed and enjoying myself. We were not sure about the route, so we kept two map locations working simultaneously.

The roads were empty with minimal traffic, but still, at certain places, we had to move slowly. Soon, the expressway came into view, but two roads emerged, confusing both of us, and bam, we took the wrong road. Panic started as she was unable to turn properly, and the vehicle was getting stuck in the middle of the highway, which was surely scary. After a few attempts, she reversed the car, and we went back to following the map, even though the previous mistake had also happened because we followed the map. This was repeated once more farther ahead, but we managed somehow.

The drive on the long expressway was fun as it was empty, and alongside it, there was a beautiful view from my side window. At times, I was so lost watching outside that I would forget to respond. As the sky dimmed, we entered the village road. It was not so exciting, but yes, we had to cross that place. Slowly, our short ride came to an end.

Along the path, I explored places I had never been to before. Even though they were far-off and distant, they surely felt calm and peaceful. I enjoyed it because it was a part of town I had never visited before, and I might not go there again anytime soon. The ride was long and tiring, but it was fun. After a long time, I experienced a long drive again, and it made me realise how enjoyable driving can be, along with the small fear hidden within the courage and thrill.

A Place Called Mom

Mother a six-letter word,

So simple, short, yet so adored.

The first word we often speak,

Or maybe the second, yet unique.

It stays with us until the end,

Forever constant, our truest friend.

The warm embrace, the gentle voice,

The magic hands that make life rejoice.

Even the worst dish, under her touch,

Becomes a feast, enjoyed so much.

She adds a day more to our health,

A secret gift, her quiet wealth.

When far away, in hostel walls,

The bland meals bring nostalgic calls.

We miss her food, the love it shows,

Counting days until we close

The distance and return once more,

To her arms, our safe shore.

No long talks, just a peaceful gaze,

A quiet calm in simple ways.

Mom’s home a place to truly be,

No pretending, just honesty.

Everyone has their special story,

A private tale, unique in glory.

No one can judge, it’s just our own,

A cherished bond, deeply grown.

Every day is Mother’s Day, it’s true,

But today, we send our love to you.

To all mothers, present and near,

And future moms we hold dear.

A special mention to a woman so bright,

A friend, companion, and shopping delight.

My dear mummy, with love sincere,

Happy Mother’s Day, today and every year!

REVISITING SHERLOCK HOLMES

Detective stories have always been fascinating, not because of the crime itself but because of how it is solved. One character who has consistently stood out is Sherlock Holmes, created by Arthur Conan Doyle. Most people have encountered this character at least once, whether through a school lesson, a novel, a film, or a television series.

I have always admired his way of thinking, which appears effortless, though it may not be so in reality. The concept of a mind palace is particularly intriguing. It is a remarkable and effective method for remembering information.

While browsing one day, I came across a title related to Sherlock, and it immediately caught my attention. I decided to watch it, and it felt somewhat like fan fiction. Seeing Sherlock portrayed by Benedict Cumberbatch often gave the impression of how well James Moriarty understood him. This made me wonder what it would be like if there were a story exploring how they might have known each other in the past.

Later, I discovered a show that seemed to present exactly that idea, set in a parallel universe where Moriarty and Sherlock are friends. I enjoyed watching it and ended up binge-watching the series. The show, Young Sherlock, was engaging, perhaps because of its unusual perspective. Traditionally, Sherlock’s world revolves around himself, Watson, and his cases. In this version, however, we see a different side of him, especially in his interactions with his family.

The relationship between Sherlock and his brother Mycroft Holmes is portrayed as warm and affectionate, which is quite different from their dynamic as adults. Overall, it felt like an enjoyable return to a familiar character, and I truly appreciated the experience.

Sadhya : A taste of Keralam

Food is something that always wins our hearts, especially when our stomachs are empty. It had been a long time since I last ate authentic Kerala food. Since it’s a cuisine I don’t get to enjoy often, I truly love it, though I prefer it with less spice. However, in many places, the spice level can sometimes be unbearable for me.

After craving it for so long, my eyes fell upon a South Indian restaurant named ‘Keralam.’ The name itself suggested the kind of food they would serve. Still, I wasn’t completely confident, as I had visited many restaurants that claimed to offer authentic South Indian food but ended up disappointing me.

The ambience was so similar that it almost felt like I was in Kerala. As we entered, everything seemed pleasantly unfamiliar. Once we sat down, one thing that caught my attention was the doodles of Malayalam actors; they were so cute. Next came the menu. Even though we had the menu card, the server enthusiastically listed a variety of dishes commonly found in Kerala.

After a short discussion, we decided on sadhya. The wait wasn’t long before the banana leaf was placed before us. Soon after came the red rice, still steaming hot. Then followed the various curries like sambar, aviyal, thoran, mango pickle, puli inji (a slightly sour ginger pickle made with tamarind), papadam, and more.

Everything tasted absolutely delicious. The last time I had a proper sadhya was at a wedding years ago. Eating it again felt refreshing and nostalgic. Today, it’s all about that sadhya, reviving memories and flavours that had almost been forgotten.

This meal was a beautiful revisit to an old experience, a moment filled with warmth and love, as we spent time together as a whole family, enjoying authentic flavours.

 A Much-Needed Break: A Trip to Bangalore

After a long and busy schedule, this trip was truly a much-needed break. Our visit to SAICS in Bangalore was something we had been eagerly looking forward to, especially since it was the college where my father studied. Traveling from Delhi was quite a long journey, taking two nights and a full day.

We traveled by the Rajdhani Express, which brought back memories of journeys from years ago when the train had just been introduced. I fondly remembered a family trip to Kerala, where we had especially enjoyed the food on the train, like breadsticks and soup, which are no longer served. This time, I carried a half-read book hoping to finish it, and I had also downloaded a few movies since there would be no network during the journey. However, I was so tired that I ended up sleeping most of the time. I was awake only during meal times and for a few hours in the evening.

We arrived early in the morning, which was quite unexpected. At the railway station, feeling hungry, we bought idlis, the biggest ones I had ever seen! From there, we booked an Ola cab to reach our place of stay. The ride felt both different from and similar to Delhi, though there was very little traffic, probably because it was early morning.

After reaching, we soon headed to the college. We were provided accommodation in hostel rooms that were comfortable and almost like hotel rooms. After freshening up, we went for a walk around the campus. There were many trees and greenery all around, which made it feel very different from Delhi. The roads were neat and clean, and the weather was pleasant.

As we returned to our room, I felt that there was still so much more to explore, and we had a few hours ahead to enjoy and discover the place.

Building Tents, Building Memories

Camp teaches us many things. The days spent with people who are different from one another become a valuable learning experience. The last day was when the most fun happened. The day began with the Scout and Guide flag hoisting. Before the ceremony, we were trained on how to properly fold the flag. After that, we were given certain instructions and guidelines for the hoisting. Once the flag was raised, we participated in a small activity related to road safety.

Later, we attended a session on how to set up a tent. As we listened to the instructions, everything sounded simple, but later we realised it was not as easy as it seemed. We were divided into four teams, and each team was supposed to have eight members. However, to make sure no one was left out, additional members were added to every group. Our team was named the Lotus Group.

We then began pitching our tent. Each team received three wooden sticks, also called lathis, eight nails, and ten ropes. The remaining materials were brought from home, including bedsheets and decorative items. We were also taught three types of knots that would be used that day and how to tie them. Although they looked simple at first, it took several attempts before we could manage them correctly.

Next, we stitched the double bedsheets together and placed them over the wooden sticks. Then we secured the sheets to the ground. To this end, we placed small stones at the ends of the bedsheets and tied ropes to them, one end to the cloth and the other to nails driven into the ground. Three nails were placed on each side, while the remaining two were tied to the sticks at the front and back. Because of the strong wind, the structure collapsed three times, and we had to call our Guide Master for assistance.

After successfully setting it up, we decided to decorate our shelter. The state we chose was Nagaland, so we decorated it with circular designs representing shields, bead jewellery, swords, and pictures. Once everything was ready, hunger struck us strongly, so we went for lunch. Afterwards, everyone gathered again and spent some time relaxing inside the tent.

When the Guide Master arrived with the teachers, we explained our work to them. We also performed a dance to the rhythm of music called the Harvest Dance. As the program came to an end, it was time to pack up. We carefully untied everything we had worked hard to build and gathered around the flag to lower it. As the flag slowly descended, it felt like the closing of another memorable experience. Soon, we dispersed in different directions. Our bodies were tired, but that tiredness reflected the effort and joy of the day.