Chasing food through the rain

Heavy rain couldn’t stop us from following through with our plan for a good meal. After several delays, we finally made it to the food court above Dmart. It was around evening time when we set out. While we were still planning, the sun peeked out briefly through the clouds. But just as we started getting ready, strong winds began to blow. Still, our determination held strong, as if we were embarking on a heroic mission.

Midway through the journey, the clouds gave way and the rain poured heavily, flooding the roads. Despite carrying an umbrella, we got drenched. Our clothes were soaked through, water dripping from the hems. After battling the downpour, we finally reached the entrance of the food court. Stepping inside, the blast of cool air from the air conditioners sent shivers down our spines.

We picked a spot and settled in, chatting while we observed our surroundings. Couples and families filled the space, yet we couldn't help but look around for another friend group like ours. As time passed, more people poured in likely seeking shelter from the rain, just like us.

Eventually, we placed our orders, and after a short wait, the food arrived. Everyone patiently waited while I clicked a quick photo (I truly appreciate their patience!). Then, we dove into the meal, and the next few minutes disappeared in silence, focused on the delicious spread.

By the time the plates were cleared, our clothes had dried as well. We lingered a little longer, enjoying the comfort and warmth of the space.

Soon, it was time to leave. Outside, it was still drizzling, and the streets were filled with puddles from the earlier downpour. To avoid getting soaked again, we decided to take a rickshaw ride home. The rain continued gently for a while, but by the time we reached our doorstep, it had begun to fade.

And that’s how we made it to the food court despite the stormy weather making the meal feel all the more memorable.

My silent friend

Green, green — everywhere green,

In shapes and shades yet all unseen.

Though every hue may seem apart,

They share the same, a leafy heart.

Fascinating, isn’t it so?

How colors shift as sunsets glow?

From dawn to dusk, her tones rearrange,

Yet through it all, she does not change.

She stands so still by walls and ways,

Unmoving through the nights and days.

Just watching life from up above,

A silent soul, a friend with love.

She bears the weight of joy and pain,

The laughter loud, the silent strain.

In summer's blaze, she does not flee,

But offers shade to you and me.

The clouds then see her burdened form,

And send cool rain, a soft reform.

From crown to root, she's gently kissed,

By drizzling drops of morning mist.

She dances when the breezes blow,

In whispered tunes so sweet and low.

Again she shields us from the rain,

A quiet guard through joy or strain.

She listens though she cannot speak,

Her comfort strong, her presence meek.

We may not hear, yet she replies,

In rustling leaves and gentle sighs.

A world without her — dry, unkind,

A desert both to heart and mind.

I love her grace, her branches bend,

Forever true — my silent friend.

My grandmother's home

My grandmother's house has always felt like a vacation spot. While I never felt deeply connected to the place, each year that I didn’t visit, it felt as if I had left behind something important.

Listening to my friends share stories of their close bonds with their grandmothers bedtime tales, long chats, and shared secrets I realized that my experience was different. Perhaps it was because I was never given the chance to stay with her for long. My visits were brief, only once a year.

As I grew older, my feelings just like the house itself began to change. Nestled among trees on a hilltop, it wasn't just any house anymore; it was my grandmother’s home. The aroma of her cooking would reach us even before we stepped through the door. She always prepared a feast, filled with love. One of my favorite dishes was a cucumber curry she made, its taste still lingers on my tongue, although I haven’t had it in years. Somehow, nothing has ever matched that childhood flavor.

Though I return to the same house every year, I still miss how it used to be. In my memories, the home had a large kitchen where we’d sit and chat while my mother and grandmother cooked together, sharing stories from the past year. There were no modern appliances like no fridge, no mixer grinder. Instead, there was a large grinding stone for making pastes or batter for idli and dosa. Food was slow-cooked in earthen pots over a smoky fire, taking hours but the result was always worth the wait.

My grandmother never owned a television, and still doesn’t. But she had a radio that played songs and narrated stories. With no smartphones back then, we spent our time fully with each other. I vividly remember lying on a wooden cot after lunch, eyes closed, listening to melodies float through the air. Those were the longest, slowest days I've ever experienced beautifully unhurried, unlike today.

There was a waterfall higher up from her house. We spent many evenings there, letting nature’s music soothe us. It's now a tourist spot, drawing visitors from distant places just to witness its beauty. As a child, I never understood why people would travel so far to relax here but now I do.

Even though I return to the same place year after year, it always feels as refreshing as the very first visit.

My grandmother’s home continues to be a special place. And though my bond with her may not mirror the stories others tell, I’ve grown to cherish the time I did spend with her, with my cousins, and within that warm, timeless space we all shared.

Ocean or Rivers or both

Welcome to another day of Trivandrum Diaries.

As I pondered deeply over a question do I prefer the mountains or the ocean? I found myself stuck in a sweet dilemma. I love both equally. Each holds a special place in my heart, comforting me like my mother’s embrace. So today, I decided why choose? Let’s visit both places.

The day began early. I felt a bit lazy to get out of bed, but somehow managed to pull myself up and get ready. I had a strong feeling that it could turn out to be a wonderful day and I didn’t want to miss it. Before sunrise, we were already on the road, heading toward Rajadhani College in Trivandrum as my sister had an exam. The drive was smooth with empty roads, but true to Kerala’s roads, they were full of bends and curves, which made me slightly carsick.

Upon reaching the college, I felt relieved. I sat down and sipped a cup of tea it was just what I needed to refresh myself.

While my sister went in for her exam, we decided to explore a nearby viewpoint. The road leading there was rough and unpaved, but the destination made it worth every bump. The view was breathtaking. Strong winds brushed against my face, filling me with energy, and the shadows of drifting clouds danced across the trees below as though nature was playfully hiding each one from the burning sun.

After spending some peaceful time there, we returned to the college to wait for my sister. Once she came back, we headed for lunch and then made our way to our next destination: Anjengo Fort.

This fort, perched on the Malabar coast, offers a stunning view of the sea. Built by the East India Company, it holds great historical significance. Close to the fort stands a towering lighthouse, adding to the colonial charm of the place.

From there, we walked down to the beach nearby. It was there that I witnessed something truly mesmerizing: the point where the river meets the ocean. A distinct line separated the two bodies of water as if each was claiming its own space, refusing to blend just yet. I’ve seen three different oceans converge at Kanyakumari, but this was my first time seeing a river and sea meet. It reminded me of how mysterious and awe-inspiring nature is crafted so perfectly, each part fulfilling a unique purpose.

Tired but content, we drove back home.

Meeting both the mountains and the ocean on the same day was magical. It felt like the best of both worlds nature and history, wind and waves, past and present all woven into one beautiful journey.

Tourist family

Words fell short as emotions spoke

It had been a long time since someone had suggested a movie to me. I usually lean towards thrillers or mysteries, but today I felt inspired to watch this particular film after it was highly praised by the person who recommended it.

I started the movie with no expectations. Since it was in Tamil, I initially found it a bit difficult to follow due to the unfamiliar dialect. However, I was genuinely captivated by how beautifully the language was spoken as it felt almost poetic.

I was slightly disappointed when the subtitles didn’t appear, but thankfully, I had my personal translators (Mom and Chechi) by my side to help me with the challenging words. It was comforting to have such great company to share the experience with.

At first, the plot left me confused, as I couldn't quite grasp what was happening. But as the story progressed, I realized it wasn’t just centered on one family rather it brought together several families, who eventually became one big, united family.

The film had many heartwarming moments between spouses, parents and children, friends, and their individual priorities. It also carried a powerful message about honesty where it is highlighted in a scene where a character only secures a job after being truthful about himself.

By the time the movie ended, I hadn’t even noticed how much time had passed. It was truly engaging in an emotional rollercoaster from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed it and am deeply grateful to the person who recommended it.

Trivandrum diaries

As we left home, the weather was pleasant. We reached the bus stop and quickly boarded a bus. At first, we were in a hurry, worried we might miss our train. But to our surprise, we were actually quite early. So, we walked leisurely, bought our tickets, and took some time to rest our legs, preparing ourselves for the long journey ahead.

The train ride felt incredibly short and swift. I vividly remember getting on board, and before I knew it, the trip was over—like a blur. Time seemed to fly past, just like the greenery outside, with trees and plants zipping by the window.

Our first destination was the British Library in Kerala. Climbing the stairs to the reading area gave me a sense of calm and elegance. The seats were occupied by students and elderly readers, immersed in their worlds—people who clearly spend a lot of their time there. The place was so quiet that even the sound of footsteps echoed through the halls. As I entered the main reading section, I was amazed by the sight—rows upon rows of neatly arranged books. After spending some time exploring, we descended the steps and exited, only to be greeted by a grand banyan tree. Its roots hung beautifully, shaping the tree in a way that reminded me of how books shape and nurture our minds.

Next, we headed to Lulu Mall, known as the largest mall in Asia. The moment I saw it, I could tell it lived up to its reputation. We drove around for a while looking for a parking spot, and after a few laps, we finally found one. Since it was a weekday, the crowd was relatively light.

As we ascended via the elevator, the place grew brighter and more vibrant. A miniature installation caught our eye—it was an artistic representation raising awareness about waste disposal in water bodies. It was creatively designed and deserved genuine appreciation. There were also sculptures of plastic trees that added a unique, aesthetic touch.

Time flew by as we wandered from aisle to aisle, admiring the variety of beautiful items on display. I was particularly excited to try different kinds of refreshing drinks and snacks. I even tasted dragon fruit for the first time—it was nothing like what I had expected, but surprisingly enjoyable.

Eventually, our legs began to tire, and our stomachs growled in unison—clearly, it was lunchtime. We made our way to Mandi Manzil, a place that truly lived up to its name as our final stop of the day. The ambiance was lovely, and the food was absolutely mouthwatering.

Finally, we drove back home with soft music playing in the background and casual conversations filling the car. It was a memorable day—one more wish ticked off the list. It also reminded me how much the people we travel with matter—friends who match our vibe make the journey even more special.

A beautiful gift

 

Watching the trees

Dancing to the wind

Enjoying the company 

Of the clouds and breeze.

The music of cicadas

Singing to the breeze

Telling a never-ending tale

Of the day without a fail.

A moment of calmness

Just nature and me

To nurture my tired soul

And bring back the lost me.

A short vacation 

To let go the chaos

A long lasting blessing 

Just for you and me.

Let's save the trees

Water, soil, land

And the air we breathe

Not just today but everyday.

            

                     ______ Beera Rajan

Water Pollution

When we talk about environmental issues the first most important issue turns out to be pollution. This issue has been present for a very long time. The pollution affects everyone equally that includes both flora and fauna. When we talk about the environment we do realize that it is our home where we are supposed to co-exist. 

We give utmost care to our homes by often cleaning and maintaining it but not our surroundings. Why is that? Everyone seems to neglect the fact that our home is a place where we can relax but with all the issues caused by men, how can they even relax? People often suffer from problems in lungs due to breathing bad quality air, they have other internal as well as external problems due to drinking unclean water, they also lose hearing abilities due to excessive noise. Pollution can be seen in a wide range, to be more specific there are seven types of pollution. Those include air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution, radioactive pollution, light pollution, noise pollution and thermal pollution. Today I would like to discuss water pollution. 

WATER POLLUTION

Water is an essential part for survival, around 80% of the earth's surface is surrounded with water. 97% of the total resources are not useful for domestic agriculture and industry. The sewage and wastewater that is produced by each household is chemically treated and released into the sea with fresh water. The sewage water carries harmful bacteria and chemicals that can cause serious health problems. 

Pathogens are known as a common water pollutant;  Microorganisms in water are known to be causes of some very deadly diseases and become the breeding grounds for other creatures that act like carriers. These carriers inflict these diseases via various forms of contact onto an individual. A very common example of this process would be Malaria.

Industries produce huge amount of waste which  contains toxic chemicals and pollutants which can  cause water pollution and damage to us and our  environment.They contain pollutants such as lead, mercury,  sulfur, asbestos, nitrates and many other harmful  chemicals. Many industries do not have proper waste  management systems and drain the waste in the  fresh water which goes into rivers, canals and later into sea.The toxic chemicals have the capability to change  the color of water, increase the amount of minerals,  also known as Eutrophication, and change the  temperature of water. 

The picture shows a river that is near the city in a place called Faridabad. This river had clean water flowing through it, and that was around fifteen years ago. As years went by people neglected the water body and started throwing waste which got accumulated as years went by causing the current condition of the river.

It's very sad to see this part of our earth that is slowly being unfit for use. The place where once it was filled with fishes is nothing more than just black water. This is just one place and I know there are lot of places just like this and it's slowly harming us too. 

Our earth is slowly dying and sadly we are responsible for it. I hope it won't be too late to save our environment.

When the phone rings

Unexpected calls,

Unexpected hours,

A caring voice appears,

When the phone rings.

A wrinkled face,

With million smile lines,

A flash image appears,

When the phone rings.

"Mole, Did you eat lunch?"

"Is it raining there?"

Just two lines,

When the phone rings.

" Grandma, How are you?"

Overpowered by her care,

A moment a day,

When the phone rings.

A loving calm voice,

Everyday without fail,

Sweet forty four seconds,

When the phone rings.

A Rainy day in Delhi

Rain in Delhi sounds wonderful as it's quite rare here. But as soon as it happens, it provides relief along with quite an unsettling feeling, as after rain comes the extreme summers where the afternoon burns extremely and the nights are too got to sleep. It's not rare to find people wearing scarves and holding an umbrella to prevent direct sunlight during the day.

After a hot summer's day, the slight drizzle and the pitter-patter sounds of the rain calms the raging heat within. Providing relief to everyone as they all stand at their windows watching the rain. The doors and windows would be open to let the breeze cool our home.

During the summers, the ground will be too dry as the moisture gets evaporated quickly, dust in the air, and other air pollutants. After the first rain, it settles down, giving fresh air to breath. The smooth scent of the rain gushes towards your nose, giving a hypnotizing effect. 

A cup of hot coffee with some pakoda (hot crispy snack) and soft music just brings out the aesthetic feeling while pouring out joy in our hearts. It's not the same for all. I know. Some might hate the moisture in the atmosphere or the splashes of water on the roads or even the wet mud sticking to their shoes. I do sometimes feel the same, but rain is just a blessing that occurs once in a while, so it's always good to cherish it while it lasts.

Enjoying the rainy days in our own ways sure makes it much better and special.

The Third Level by Jack Finney

We all try to escape from reality that disrupts the peace and it provides comfort. The short story that we will discuss talks about one such escape from reality.

The story " The Third Level" by Jack Finney is about a man who finds a mysterious place that is similar to a portal that takes him to the past. We are all always curious about time travel, going back to the past, escaping this harsh modern life and finding peace in a simple life. Isn't it just amazing, and what if it actually becomes true? Since the author is an American writer, the plot revolves around the American context. Let's begin with the title, the title shows the location of a mysterious place where the entire story takes place. As the short story begins, we see the superiors of the station making an oath, claiming that there are only two levels, but Charley, the protagonist, claims that there are not only two but rather three levels to the station. Here's where the mystery starts: how did he see the mystery level, and what proof is there of his claim?

As the story goes forward, we meet his psychiatric friend who claims that Charley is having a ' waking wish fulfillment' which means that he is daydreaming because of his modern insecurities and worries, and he wants to escape from reality. As a way to escape from reality, he had a hobby of collecting stamps, but he justifies saying that having a hobby necessarily does not mean a way to escape from reality. 

Then he starts the story of his experience of how he discovered the mysterious third level and what he saw there. The detailed description of the Grant central station draws up a picture in our mind, leading us to stand at the very same station, walking along with Charley. He walks along various tunnels, finally leading to an exit towards the third level, and he sees a totally different world, somewhat similar to his past life. The description of the place and the year 1894 indicates him travelling to the past. He wanted to take his wife along and stay there, but the currency he had was not the same as the past, which led him to go back to the present and exchange it for the currency from the past. Later, when he tries to go find the Third level, he cannot find it, leading to his disappointment and disregarding it as an illusion.

One day he finds a letter among his grandfather's letter collection and when he opens it he find the letter addressed to him by his friend Sam, who was a psychiatrist initially called his discovery of the third level but later he started searching for it leading him to go to the past and start a small business of his own and leading a peaceful life.

The characters Charley and Sam are a reflection of individuals who are tired from the rat race and the monotonous life that they live. This repetition leads to the search for something exciting and adventurous. We all live in an illusion, convincing ourselves that people in past lived a very peaceful time, but if it's true, wouldn't they want to pass down their same livelihood to the younger generation rather than finding various technologies to make life better? As I understand that every era had its own struggles, and changes were only made to overcome these struggles. Instead of running away, we need to try to find something interesting to do along with our daily activities.