Category: English

  • It’s Coffee, Flowing Through Me

    It’s Coffee, Flowing Through Me

    This week’s Blogchatter Blog Hop prompt is a delight for a caffeine-fueled soul like me; it’s all about my favorite drink: coffee. Honestly, I can’t even remember when I had my very first sip. Most people think of Indian households as temples of chai, but mine has always been divided. My father and grandfather are staunch members of the tea party, while my mother, younger brother, and I proudly belong to the coffee gang. Leading our clan for years was my grandmother, the undisputed queen of filter coffee, who reigned until her last days.

    Not just tasty, they are pretty as well

    My earliest memory of coffee isn’t of taste or color; it’s of fragrance. The comforting aroma that filled our home when my grandmother prepared filter coffee in her trusty stainless steel filter. That little device has been brewing magic in our household for decades, even before I was born. Growing up, my world revolved around homemade filter coffee, the occasional cup of Bru instant, and the rare “fancy” machine-made version I naïvely thought was the height of coffee sophistication. Everything changed in 2010, when I moved to Pune.

    Places which Inspire stories

    Back then, Cafe Coffee Day dominated India’s coffee scene. Their cafés seemed to sprout on every corner, luring coffee lovers like me as surely as moths to a flame. Pune, with its bustling college crowd and growing IT culture, also nurtured a new wave of indie cafés. These cozy little spots became hangouts for friends, hideaways for couples whispering sweet nothings, and creative nooks for dreamers like me. Many of my stories were born in those spaces, steeped in coffee flavored air, as I soaked in the places and people around me.

    Today, I’ve built my own little coffee arsenal—South Indian filter, French press, moka pot, and an electric drip machine. Specialty beans are just a click away, ready to be brewed however I please. Yet, no matter how many new brews I discover, my heart always drifts back to that core memory. The one where my grandmother working on our old kitchen counter with her back to me. Patiently preparing her morning filter coffee, filling the air with love and fragrance.

    This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop.

    Also, This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Bohemian Bibliophile.

    To read more from my archives, click here.

  • Ladies’ Tailor: The best story from the Partition era

    Ladies’ Tailor: The best story from the Partition era

    My experience with books set during the time of India’s Partition has been, frankly, underwhelming. I’ve read quite a few, but most failed to strike the right balance between portraying the horrors endured by refugees and the eternal hope they carried in their hearts. That’s why Priya Hajela’s Ladies’ Tailor stands out. It’s arguably the most compelling book I’ve read about that turbulent time.

    Best book set in the partition times

    At the centre of the story is Gurudev, a Sikh man from a small village in West Punjab. The novel opens with his family’s harrowing journey to Delhi as refugees. While this treacherous migration is a key element; as it is in many Partition narratives; Ladies’ Tailor is much more than a story of escape and loss. It’s about resilience. It’s about how people, even in the bleakest of times, held on to dreams of rebuilding their lives from scratch, armed with little more than hope and determination.

    Though the novel primarily follows Gurudev’s story, Priya Hajela skillfully weaves in a tapestry of other experiences through vivid story arcs of supporting characters. She doesn’t shy away from portraying the full spectrum of human behaviour. Some people took advantage of the chaos, while others offered selfless help, even risking their own safety for mere acquaintances. Her characters are authentic and layered, reflecting the complex nature of humanity during a crisis.

    I’d be negligent if I ended this post without mentioning the stunning cover. It’s not just beautiful; it’s deeply symbolic. In fact, it’s the most captivating cover I’ve come across in 2025. The design thoughtfully captures the novel’s key themes: tailoring and clothing as a profession, Gurudev’s love for literature, the deep yearning for embroidery artists left behind in Pakistan, and the dual imagery of fire and small green vines—representing both the devastation of Partition and the unyielding hope that persists in the human spirit. All of this is set against a lovely pink background adorned with delicate embroidery motifs. A true work of art, I must say.

    Here’s what blurb says

    This is a story of Gurdev and his cohort, a group of refugees who travel east from Pakistan after Partition. It is a tale of falling apart and coming together as the world burns around them.

    Will Gurdev be successful in his new business of making garments for women? Will he find love after his wife and children leave his side? There may be uncertainty here, but there is also relentless hope.

    Journey back in time and experience the refugee spirit as Ladies’ Tailor captures you with all its romance, adventure and one man’s iron will to not just survive, but to thrive with new beginnings.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: Ladies’ Tailor
    • Author: Priya Hajela
    • Publisher: Harper Collins India
    • Publication date: 17 June 2022
    • Pages: 304
    • ISBN – 10: 9356290571
    • ISBN – 13: 978-9356290570
    • Kindle e-book Price: ₹ 399

    My ratings

    Story: 5/5
    Writing Style: 5/5
    Cover Design: 5/5

    Overall Rating: 5/5

    Where to get your copy

    Should you read it?

    Guys, I found my first 5 star read of 2025, and you still asking me should you read it? You are missing a great book if you don’t read this one.

    For more about my views on books, click here.

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.

  • On the lookout for joy

    On the lookout for joy

    No matter your age, everyone seeks joy. Even in the most difficult places—like the infamous slums of Dharavi in Mumbai, or war-torn corners of Africa—people still chase happiness. This morning, I stumbled upon almost a decade old Medium article which gave me a glimpse into the lives of Ethiopian kids who’ve taken that pursuit a step further.

    In a place with no roads or paved spaces, they discovered joy in skateboarding. What began with just seven skateboards and 25 boys has now grown into a thriving community known as Ethiopia Skate. Built on passion and perseverance, this club is a testament to what’s possible when people embrace what they have instead of lamenting what they lack.

    When you don’t have, keep your eyes open for it

    These kids have created joy from scraps; turning abandoned buildings into skateparks, transforming local obstacles into ramps and props for tricks. They chose to live their dreams rather than let their limitations define it for them.

    Isn’t that what we all crave? A spark of joy in our day, a reason to smile. Yet so often, we’re caught up in excuses. “Ohh I am too busy, too tired, or I don’t have enough time or resources.” We forget the simple pleasures we once cherished, buried under routine and the chase for money. Along the way, we lose touch with our skills, our hobbies, and the things that once made us feel alive.

    Maybe it’s time to dig out those old paintbrushes, put on your favorite song, or dust off your camera and capture a few moments. Sit back with a drink you love, indulge in your favorite food, and just be. These are the simple joys; the real stress busters.

    I truly believe everyone has their own little ‘joy boosters’ waiting to be rediscovered. So go ahead, find yours. Have some fun!

    For more entries in Adi’s Journal, click here.

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

  • When you are looking for that eluding memory

    When you are looking for that eluding memory

    There are moments when a memory hasn’t completely faded, but it’s no longer vivid either; just some scattered fragments lingering in your mind. Often, these elusive memories are about food. A familiar waft of tadka your dadi once added to a simmering dal, or the faint aftertaste of a unique dish prepared to mark a special celebration. These fragments may be small, but you hold on to them tightly, trying to savor them forever.

    Sometimes, the craving to relive these memories through food becomes so strong, it drives you to great lengths. You might travel miles to revisit the place where you first tasted that dish, or reconnect with a long-lost friend or relative just for a familiar bite. But what if everything has changed? What if the people and places are no longer there?

    This is the very question that Hisashi Kashiwai explores in Kamogawa Food Detectives.

    When you are looking for that eluding memory,

    you should wander down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto, Japan, and seek out Mr. Kamogawa and his daughter. A retired police officer, Mr. Kamogawa now uses his unique skills for a different kind of investigation; tracking down forgotten recipes that match the faint traces of your memory: a smell, a taste, something just out of reach.

    This quest to recover lost flavors becomes a journey, not just through Japanese cuisine, but through the culture and landscapes of the country itself. Together with Mr. Kamogawa, you travel through various prefectures, uncovering stories hidden in local dishes and traditions.

    And when he returns from his travels, it’s in the small, unassuming restaurant he runs with his daughter where the magic happens. There, in that humble space, you don’t just relive old memories, you create new ones.

    From the blurb

    What’s the one dish you’d do anything to taste just one more time?
    Down a quiet backstreet in Kyoto exists a very special restaurant. Run by Koishi Kamogawa and her father Nagare, the Kamogawa Diner treats its customers to wonderfully extravagant meals. But that’s not the main reason to stop by . . .
    The father-daughter duo have started advertising their services as ‘food detectives’. Through ingenious investigations, they are capable of recreating a dish from their customers’ pasts – dishes that may well hold the keys to forgotten memories and future happiness.
    From the widower looking for a specific noodle dish that his wife used to cook, to a first love’s beef stew, the restaurant of lost recipes provides a link to the past – and a way to a more contented future.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: The Kamogawa Food Detectives
    • Author: Hisashi Kashiwai
    • Publisher: Mantle
    • Publication date: 5 October 2023
    • Pages: 209
    • ISBN – 10: 0593717716
    • Kindle e-book Price: ₹ 499

    My ratings

    Stories: 4/5
    Writing Style: 3/5
    Cover Design: 4/5

    Overall Rating: 3.5/5

    Where to get your copy

    Should you read it?

    How strong is your craving for that old taste you once enjoyed? Worth a read for that memory, of food, people and places!

    For more about my views on books, click here.

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

    This post is also a part of #BlogchatterFoodFest.

  • Circle with no centre – Today’s Indian Urban Story

    Circle with no centre – Today’s Indian Urban Story

    Sometimes, a book finds you exactly when you need it most. It feels like a beautiful surprise, making you wonder, was this really my choice, or did fate step in? That’s exactly how I felt when I received a copy of Circle with No Centre in the bookmail. A big thank you to Blogchatter and Notion Press for sending me this review copy!

    When I began reading, I didn’t know what to expect. But the story turned out to be incredibly relatable, and I was hooked almost instantly. I’ve been reading a lot of contemporary fiction set in Europe or the U.S., but Indian stories rarely caught my attention; until now. This book has finally ended my search for a compelling Indian urban narrative.

    From the blurb

    Is life a circle with no single center? It was a restless spin for him―from brief romances to a safe but hollow job to a quiet longing for genuine purpose. For her, it meant heartbreak, then fierce independence, and finally, a passion that lit her every step. Each believed they would keep circling alone.

    But when their paths unexpectedly overlap, they discover a new space―an unplanned center neither saw coming. Within that gentle overlap, old fears soften, and dormant dreams spark to life. Yet real closeness challenges everything they thought they knew: how to protect themselves, how to trust.

    Can two people, each rotating in a personal orbit of past mistakes and new ambitions, learn to revolve together without losing who they are?

    Do we really have a common life, or it’s just overlapping part of our circles with no centre

    This is a quintessential Indian urban tale of two individuals trapped behind emotional walls; shielded by the scars of failed relationships, unresolved grief, or the comfort of stable careers that merely pay the bills. While Gen Alpha navigates dating in an entirely new world, millennials in their 30s are facing a different set of challenges. This story strikes a thoughtful balance between the fast pace of modern life and the deep longing for stability and independence. Coming from a technology background, Deepak skillfully blends elements of modern science, technology, and ancient Indian philosophy to draw insightful parallels.

    Just as we often say there’s a song for every emotion, Deepak laces the story with a playlist-worthy selection of songs that perfectly complement its emotional beats. The narrative flows with a compelling emotional rhythm; taking you through the highs and lows of life alongside the two protagonists. What stands out is not just the strength of the lead characters, but also the depth given to the supporting cast. Khurana delivers a solid punch with well-crafted character arcs, meaningful backstories, and a narrative structure that moves the story forward without sidelining anyone.

    About the book

    • Name of Book: Circle with No Centre
    • Author: Deepak Khurana
    • Publisher: Notion Press
    • Publication year: 2025
    • Pages: 310
    • ISBN – 13: 979-8897247820
    • Price: ₹ 359 (Paperback)

    My ratings

    Story: 4/5
    Writing Style: 3.5/5
    Cover Design: 2/5

    Overall Rating: 3.5/5

    Where to Buy

    Should you read it?

    Deepak Khurana masterfully weaves technology, philosophy, and science into this poignant story of second chances. This may not end up being your all time favorite, but will stay with you for sure.

    If you want more book recommendations, click here.

    This review is powered by the Blogchatter Book Review Program. 

    This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.

  • Back right after a short break

    Back right after a short break

    It’s been a while since I posted anything here. The past couple of months have been quite a roller coaster. A lot has been going on. I had to move to a new apartment, and the process of house hunting and shifting was no small task. Trust me, it was a real hustle. Things have also picked up professionally. Some exciting projects for my language services are finally gaining momentum. Amidst all this, blogging and creative writing unfortunately had to take a back seat.

    But, it was just a pause. A comma, and not a full stop.

    And now, we are back after a short commercial break

    I was quite consistent with my blogging efforts during the first four months of 2025. I owe a lot of that to the various blogging campaigns that kept me inspired. One such beautiful initiative was the #EveryConversationMatters campaign, dedicated to promoting the mother tongue, organized by Manali and Sukaina. It gave me the wonderful opportunity to translate a piece by one of the legends of Indian literature—Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.

    The campaign that truly helped me stay consistent, though, was Season 1 of Blogaberry Dazzle 2025, managed by two amazing fellow bloggers; Cindy and Noor.

    Today, with this inaugural post of Season 2 of the dazzling campaign, I want to thank these two ladies for their constant motivation and support. As I pen this post at the very last minute, I’m reminded of the effort it takes to stay committed through another season. But I’m ready to pick up where I left off and resume my 2025 blogging journey.

    Here’s hoping the train doesn’t get stuck on a siding again for lack of signals; as it’s just starting to pick up speed! Many exciting things are planned for the months ahead. While I can’t reveal much just yet, I’m truly looking forward to what’s coming.

    So stay tuned…

    This blog post is also a part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla in collaboration with Mister Tikku.