Heartbeat of a raindrop

My journey began back in high school when my maternal grandmother came to stay with us. My mom was busy running her business, and as any independent woman in her early 40s would attest, it’s not easy to start something new at that stage in life. That’s a story for another day, though. What’s crucial here is how her journey inadvertently kickstarted mine—in the kitchen. A family thrives when everyone works together, and I stepped in where I could. It all started humbly with Maggi (aka ramen) and tea. I have always preferred soupy Maggi, over the dry version, though I know many of you might disagree. My initiation into cooking also meant preparing the quintessential evening tea. In most Indian households, chai-time between 4 and 5 PM is non-negotiable. Chai with biscuits is life itself. Initially, my mom tried to make it home for lunch and prepare tea herself, but work often came first. That’s where I stepped in, and the kitchen became my experimental lab. I’ll admit, many horrible tea e...

Life presents itself in many forms, but teachers remain constant—a guiding force steering us towards progress. The best educators, in my view, are reflective practitioners, motivators, and passionate mentors. There have been numerous times when I felt like giving up—whether it was learning to drive, preparing for a competitive exam, or finding the confidence to seek a promotion. Fear of the unknown often holds us back. While it is said that teachers dispel the darkness of the mind, the wrong guidance can just as easily create lasting obstacles. One of my most challenging learning experiences was driving. It began in India before I moved to Canada. I enrolled in a driving school recommended by a colleague, expecting structured training. However, after a few classes, my instructor disappeared. Despite paying in full, I had to track him down two months later just to complete the course. Although I managed to pass the exam, I still lacked the confidence to drive independently. Fast forward...

The child chased a butterfly,   Unaware it was only a moth.   Through fields and light she ran,   Drawn by a shadow, beauty cloaked.   When at last its truth was revealed,   She sought to paint its dull wings bright,   But dyes could not remake its form,   For its essence was forged in night.   She wept for the chase, the loss, the lie,   And vowed to never again pursue shadows in disguise.   Yet, will she learn from her scars,   Or repeat until the pain burns deep?   For tireless runs leave marks anew,   Lessons unheeded, wounds that seep.   Moths outnumber butterflies,   Nocturnal forms with muted hues.   To find the rare and radiant prize,   One must learn to wait, to choose.   Ceaseless chasing brings only despair,   But patience blooms where wisdom lies.   Let the nectar-rich flower guide t...

The past shapes who we are today. Can ignoring it really help? Memories—whether of mistakes or triumphs—are like medals from battles we’ve fought. Instead of running from them, why not embrace them?  We should be okay with reminiscing the past, while also daydreaming about the future. In my opinion, realizing the fact that you are not in the present plane is an indication of self-awareness. Shutting off my phone, even briefly, gives me moments of clarity, though it’s not easy. App timers help, but I still get distracted by multiple devices that have become foundational. The struggle to stay present is real, and I’m constantly learning how to improve. We’ve all been advised to live in the present and not dwell on the past or worry about the future. This idea promises a better quality of life by helping us appreciate what we have. But how easy is it to truly live in the moment? Being present isn’t always grand or complicated. Sometimes, it’s about loving what you do or enjoying the c...

I’m not talking about the people we share a few hours with on a journey, but about those with whom we travel for months or years. We often hear that some people come into our lives to teach us, love us, fix us, or help us grow. Yet, in all these narratives, we rarely discuss the ones who hurt us. The world tends to shed light only on the positive lessons others bring, leaving the hurt and betrayal locked away, treated as a matter for therapists—if we even believe in therapy. For many, it’s a burden carried alone, stored away until it overwhelms us. But is this how we should approach life? Some of us have trusted family and friends who genuinely care, but not everyone is blessed with such a circle. And when betrayal strikes, it becomes difficult to believe in anyone. Can we slowly unravel our sorrows, little by little, instead of letting them build until they crush us? The truth is, you don’t need a single person to be your all-in-one solution. Share your burdens like you would do chore...

In a world where people are on a constant quest for identity, many of us wait for some grand, omnipresent force to unlock our true potential. But life isn't about waiting to be discovered. It’s about discovering ourselves. For me, being independent means feeling happy and excited in my own skin. But does that mean I must always stay the same, without room for growth? Absolutely not. From childhood, we adapt to our environment—at home, at school, and in society. We rely on others to guide us on what’s right and wrong, which shapes our thinking. Over time, this dependency can prevent us from fully realizing who we are. In trying to fit in with the world's expectations, we can lose the space to grow in our own way We become so comfortable with dependency that we rarely challenge ourselves unless we're forced to. As children, we were fearless learners—figuring out how to walk, talk, and experiment. But growing up means fitting into certain norms, which limits the range of our t...

After being left feeling trapped and purposeless, I decided it was time to take a break from self-pity and dive into something different. I embarked on my first solo trip, driven by a mix of worries and a desperate need for change. The journey began with a bus ride to Banff under gloomy, rainy skies. I was expecting a standard bus, but instead, I had a classic experience in a fun-filled SUV that drove me to my destination. It was much colder than my hometown, and as I shivered, I relied completely on ad-hoc plans. At the bus stop, while I was taking pictures, I met a beautiful old couple. We struck up a conversation about everything—work, life, and their experiences of moving to a new country. They were incredibly kind, even offering me $2 in change to help me get to my hotel. Their encouragement to explore and their random compliment about my smile made me feel overwhelmed and blessed. After a heartfelt conversation with friends and a yummy dinner, I started planning for the next day,...