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In defence of the apology
I keep seeing posts like this on my social media feeds that say things like, “Stop apologising at work. You don’t need to say sorry.” (Yes, I’m on social media. No, I haven’t abandoned my principles. My role with one of my clients has expanded to include social media content, so here I am, in the… Continue reading
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Empty nesting is overrated.
My daughter is flying the coop for grad school abroad. I’ve been feeling all kinds of feelings—pride, worry, nostalgia, and the sudden urge to wrap her in bubble wrap before she leaves. In the middle of a heartfelt, motherly rant, I told her, “Oh, it’s about time you flew without me flying behind you, clucking… Continue reading
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Unlearning
I used to have many, many stupid notions. Until maybe three or four years ago, I carried around a big bag of unexamined beliefs that shaped everything I did. Some of them were planted early—courtesy of a conservative upbringing—but most were simple arrogance – there I said it. Back in grad school, I went on… Continue reading
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Krishna, My Puzzle
A box of patterned pieces,Of colors, shapes, and hue,I cradle them within my mind,Yet wonder what to do. I sense they form a picture grand,One far beyond my sight—A masterpiece I long to touch,To hold in perfect light. But all I see are scattered bits,Some edges, cracks, and curves;Is this the whole, or just a… Continue reading
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Searching for my inner Usha Uthup
One of the strongest women who’s ever inspired me is Usha Uthup. She’s fascinated me ever since I was a child. For those who don’t know her, she’s a popular Indian pop singer—but that description doesn’t quite cut it. To be honest: she doesn’t have what people would call a “melodious” voice. In fact, the… Continue reading
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Books and Beginnings
Do you judge a book by its cover? Covers are for couch cusions. The first line—that’s where the book shows its true colours. A good first line doesn’t invite you in, it grabs you by the necktie. Take this for instance: “The story so far: in the beginning, the universe was created. This has made… Continue reading
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Confessions of a Washed-Up Blog Star (Who’s Still Writing Anyway)
I’ve always loved writing. It’s my go-to for every mood—happy, sad, angry, bored, hungry (okay maybe not hungry… ). I started with notebooks—handwritten in a style so illegible I couldn’t decipher it. (Ok, you can stop counting my age now) Then came computers. The first thing I mastered wasn’t Excel or PowerPoint, but the Word Processor.… Continue reading
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Temple, Thaer and Temporary Detox
Last week was the annual temple festival in a suburb of my city—the one where my grandfather’s house once stood. It used to be our frequent haunt, a second home of sorts. For the uninitiated, a temple fete here means the deity is taken out in a grand procession around the four surrounding streets—each day… Continue reading
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Saree, Selfie, and Surprises.
Today I attended the 60th birthday event of a second cousin. I wouldn’t normally make the guest list, given the distance of the cousinry, but my dad was invited, and since he can’t (or, I suspect, won’t) travel alone, I was roped in as his Emotional Support Daughter. I wasn’t thrilled. It’s been sweltering hot… Continue reading
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Let’s Twist and Turn
Coloured lights in melody,Are they from You, are they from me?Or perhaps there is no divide,Just flickers booming from inside. Red and blue and emerald gleam,Each note a hue, each pulse a dream.Can light itself create the song?Or do we dance and sing along? As we join the rhythm’s call,You and I, no gap at… Continue reading
