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Narcopolis

Similar to Shantaram, this is a window into a bygone Bombay that i have never known. Delightful read this one - the poetry in the words and the scenes evoke empathy for the characters even when they are at their worst.

manan dedhia

Hangout

manan dedhia

Sameer Gudhate Presents the Book Review of The River Woman and Other Poems by Renu Roy

I read The River Woman and Other Poems slowly, the way one reads something that does not want to be rushed. A few poems at night. One in the quiet between two tasks. Sometimes just a single page, because the lines had a way of lingering — like the aftersound of water moving past stones long after the river itself has slipped out of view.Renu Roy’s poetry does not announce itself loudly. It arrives...

Sameer Gudhate

Sameer Gudhate Presents the Book Review of Madam Commissioner by Meeran Chadha Borwankar

I began Madam Commissioner expecting a memoir about power, postings, and protocol. What I did not expect was how quietly it would sit with me afterward — like the weight of a khaki uniform folded neatly on a chair, still warm from long use. This is not a book that shouts. It stands. Firmly. And asks you, without drama, to look at what integrity costs.Meeran Chadha Borwankar’s life has been written...

Sameer Gudhate

North Woods

A true love letter to New England - not just the forests and the wildlife. But the history and geography. The palimpsest of stories that sometimes cross paths across eras and some that are lost to the vagaries of time. Waiting to be discovered and told.

manan dedhia

My Coin Has Heads on Both Sides

I was feeling irritated because of a traffic jam that afternoon—such a waste of time. We had barely moved for the last fifteen minutes. In the middle of the jam, I noticed a woman pulling a cart loaded with five heavy bags of white powder. She was dragging it with both hands, carefully finding her way through the traffic.She was Neeta Devi, probably in her late forties. She was covered in white po...

Pree Dew

Shawl of love.

My fathers shawl. This shawl is more than just a piece of cloth to me; it's a symbol of my father's love. He loved it for its quality and warmth, and it's been with me since I left home for studies and now for marriage. It's my go-to companion during travels and winter days.Whenever my father sees it, he can't help but praise its goodness and reminds him how it kept him warm during his pilgrimage ...

Sukanya Patil

Chapter 12: Where the Sunflowers Began.

By the time Kaia stepped out of the building, the sky had begun to soften - blue melting into something warmer, gentler. She was almost at the gate when Adrian called her name.“Kaia.”She turned.He stood there holding a small bundle wrapped in brown paper, as though it had been waiting all day to be remembered.“I meant to give these to you earlier,” he said. “For joining the team.”He unfolded the ...

Komal Gujar

Sip, Read, Review – ‘‘Folklogue” by Yogita Bansal Ahuja

Have you observed how ‘Folk Tales’ are usually intentionally layered? Different ages understand them differently. A child sees adventure and enjoys what happens. An adult sees symbolism and understands what it means. An elder sees life wisdom, thus making these folktales timeless teaching tools!This book is based on a charming concept - to share folk stories from different parts of India. It also ...

jaee jadhav

Fuck Streaming

Streaming can tie a boulder to itself and jump into the Atlantic. Streaming platforms made music available - and what did Napster / Limewire / DC++ do? Napster was villified - it stole from artists. And what does Spotify / Tidal / Deezer et al do exactly?At least DC++ never told me that a certain album was not available in my country. Or that the sampling rate would change mid listen. Or Ads. Dear...

manan dedhia

More to read

The one solace through 2025 was reading. Books were the silent companion whether I realized it or not. Every train ride, walk and commute to office was made not just bearable by some of these volumes. Here is to more reading in 2026.

manan dedhia

Last of 2025

manan dedhia

Good riddance 2025

This past year felt like a blur. Looking back through my calendar, I can see all the events and highlights clearly marked. But most of them didn’t feel like it. The days melded into one long day that I sleep walked through. As the arrow of time turns the page on 2025, I am looking back through evidence to piece back the year that went by. And reminds me of what is not in the paper trail, but in me...

manan dedhia

Charleston

Paths well trod, and nary a resident in sight.

manan dedhia

Untitled

Winters in Pune: Mild Mornings, Golden Sunsets, and Cozy VibesWhen most people think of winter in India, they imagine foggy mornings in Delhi or freezing nights in the north. Pune, however, offers a completely different winter experience—gentle, pleasant, and quietly charming. Winters in Pune are less about heavy jackets and more about early-morning walks, warm cups of chai, and golden sunlight fi...

Kunal Nimje

Chapter 11: The Hi-Tea Welcome

The lounge buzzed with the soft clinking of china, warm chatter, and the sweet scent of pastries laid out across the long wooden table. Afternoon light poured through the wide windows, brushing the edges of the room in a gentle gold.Kaia stepped in quietly, meeting her new team’s bright faces. Her smile had a way of settling the room - soft yet steady.Amelia was the first to greet her.“Kaia! We we...

Komal Gujar

Chapter 10: A seat at the table.

Adrian guided Kaia through the glass corridor, the soft hum of morning conversatiion floating around them. The office, with its clean lines and warm tones, buzzed with the low excitement that always came with a new project - and today, a new team lead.Kaia walked beside him, composed yet quietly taking in every detail. Her heels clicked softly on the marble, her formal dress fitted and elegant, co...

Komal Gujar

Understanding Stroke: The Silent Threat You Can Prevent

1. What is a Stroke?A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, causing brain cells to die quickly.Ischemic Stroke (87% of cases): Caused by a blockage (clot or plaque) in an artery to the brain.Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by a blood vessel in the brain rupturing (often due to high blood pressure).Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) or \Mini-Stroke\: Symptoms are temporar...

Tanatat Mokmongkolkul (Win)

Chapter 9: The Morning Follows Him

Adrian was in the middle of explaining a campaign report, when the HR manager’s voice broke through the background hum.“Adrian, your new relationship manager is here. Would you mind introducing her to the team?” He nodded without looking up, still scrolling through the figures of his tablet.”Sure, send her in.”He didn’t notice the first click of her heels on the polished floor.Not until he heard h...

Komal Gujar

Paws, Whiskers, Feathers and Wonders - Stories of Hope for Little Hearts - Book Review

Written by eight writers “Paws, Whiskers, Feathers and Wonders - Stories of Hope for Little Hearts” is an anthology. It’s a collection of literary works. In this case, it brings together short stories by different authors, each offering its own wisdom. Varied life philosophies and lessons are compiled together in this book - through vivid stories . Friendship. Kindness. How it can help someone ove...

jaee jadhav

How I met her Mother

It was during my 10th standard, and tuitions were almost compulsory. It didn't matter even if one was great at studies; one had to attend tuitions. There were three batches: Early Morning, Morning, and Evening batch. The Evening batch wasn't my choice, and I couldn't join the Morning batch – most students of this batch were from my own school. I just wanted to avoid the same group of friends. So, ...

Sukanya Patil

Chapter 8: Sunflowers at Noon

Adrian never really cared much for office gestures. Birthdays, welcome lunches, farewell cakes - they all felt rehearsed. But when his manager mentioned a new team member joining today, he found himself suggesting , almost without thought, “Let’s get some flowers for her desk.”Now walking through the glass doors of the office, the sunlight chasing his steps, he wondered why it had felt so necessar...

Komal Gujar

Chapter 7: The Man with Sunflowers

It was almost noon when Mrs. Alder walked in, her cheeks pink from the sun and her apron smelling faintly of roses.“Busy morning,” she said, setting her basket of trimmings down. “You two survived?”“Barely,” Elena said dramatically. “Kaia’s been a silent storm since seven.”Kaia gave her a look. “Some storms have purpose.”Mrs. Alder chuckled. “You always did sound poetic when you’re pretending you’...

Komal Gujar

Monday blues with mustard charm.

It was Monday morning, and I had to get up late after two lazy days—it was my typical Monday routine. I finished all my household chores and left home just in time to catch the bus. I rode my bike to the main bus stop, parked it there, and then took the bus to reach the office.As I traveled along my favorite route, the one with tree shade, I saw a mustard-colored school van ahead of me. There were...

Sukanya Patil