Revered Rhapsodies

I have always been a staunch advocate for clarity and stability. Life, in all its unpredictable glory, is already an intricate maze of uncertainties and ambiguities. Navigating through its unforeseen twists and turns often feels like a relentless mental workout. Therefore, I find solace in the predictability of the little things—the mundane yet significant aspects of my surroundings.   For instance, I am meticulous about keeping my belongings organized and in their designated places. The simple act of knowing where everything is—be it a pen, a vessel, or even a small trinket—imbues me with a sense of calm.   There is a quiet joy in being able to retrieve an item the moment I need it, sparing myself the unnecessary stress of frantic searching. Doesn’t it feel satisfying to know exactly where something is when you need it? For me, it’s like a small victory every time I reach for something and find it right there! This sense of order extends beyond my personal belongings. I like ...

Having grown up in South India where snow was a rarity, my first encounter with the snowy landscapes of Almaty, Kazakhstan was nothing short of magical. Almaty, nestled in the foothills of the majestic Tien Shan mountains, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, especially during the winter months. This was my first girl’s trip with my cousin, and the excitement level was boundless. We have been discussing our dreams of visiting countries and eagerly awaiting the right moment for them to materialize. However, as time passed, we realized that there is never quite a perfect time to embark on a journey. So on a whim, we decided to visit Almaty and experience the phenomenon of snow. Although not a great fan of spontaneity, I gave in this time. Too much planning could also be tiring and exasperating. For a few days leading up to the trip, we were enveloped in a mixture of anticipation and thrill. Uncertain of what to expect or how we would fare in th...

Every Hajji/ Hajja- is a guest of Allah. As one of Allah's millions of guests in the holy land of Makkah last year, with immense gratitude and heartfelt joy, my husband and I set out for our spiritual journey. Deciding to undertake Hajj wasn’t difficult, but even with most arrangements in place, everything had to align perfectly in the end. We are eternally grateful to the Almighty for enabling our dream and guiding us throughout the trip. Hajj is an indescribable journey filled with heartwarming experiences, tests of physical endurance, profound revelations, and transformative insights. It takes place every year between the 8th and 12th of Dhul Hijjah.   Before we started, we humbly asked for forgiveness to all our dear and near for any mistakes or wrongdoings that we may have committed, knowingly or unknowingly. The very sight of the Ka'abah was breathtaking, as scores of pilgrims were circumambulating the epicentre of spirituality in unison and complete devotion. It brought ...

No, not the one you are thinking of. It is not about the mess we made at school. But, the real ‘Mess’ or canteen as we call it. Believe it or not, I actually looked forward to school lunches at the canteen every day. They were deliciousness served steaming hot to fill our palates. Even the veg curry with dal or pumpkin tasted heavenly. The same dish from home may not have the same effect on us. I unabashedly admit that I was an esurient being. Every day when I pack my children’s lunchboxes, my daughter asks me, ‘What's for lunch? ‘    I want to retort, ‘Are you going to school for food?’ But the apple doesn't fall very far from the apple tree, does it? On Tuesdays (if my memory serves me right), we had non-veg for lunch and a chemistry class right after. Talk about a risky combination! Bad timetable. You wouldn't understand unless you sat through that class.                                   ...

Friends are an indispensable part of life. Some of them are truly special and the relationships last beautifully for decades. It is an absolute fortune to have pals that match your wavelength and your vibes. But what if I tell you, that absolute opposites can also share an amazing bond. I have this one long-term friend, an incredibly canny one. We were in the same academic institution for a very long time but never crossed paths. Finally one day, we were destined to meet and were amused to realise that we had never met each other before.  However, there was absolutely nothing in common between us. We do not share the same interests, principles, or belief system. One had a courtly demeanour and dealt with things tactfully. While the other was overzealous and straightforward. Despite our contrasting personalities, the camaraderie has helped us attain a calmer, mature and balanced comportment. Even in different stages of life, this friendship has proved to be a reliable one. When I hi...

The juxtaposition of these two terms is deeply evocative to me. While one is an aquatic animal that is also served as a dish, the other is a person. And the unique connection between the two has a story to tell and takes me back to the land where they belong. Scenario 1:  Well, this was about 25 years ago. I am on an airplane flying back to my native (Kerala, India) after spending my summer vacation with my family who lived abroad at the time. It was a usual journey until monsoon rains cast their watery spell across our route and we were forced to take an unexpected detour to the island of Sri Lanka. I found myself in an unfamiliar land in a very unplanned situation. The pilot informed us that we would have to spend the night in Colombo. I don't recollect what I would have felt as a 12-year-old in a strange land without her family beside her. But, the upside was I was travelling with one of our family friends and they took good care of me. We were accommodated in a hotel and if my ...