My Quiet Universe

That day I came to you with trembling hands

Interview fears spilling from my eyes

You did not ask for explanations

You simply pulled me close

And in your arms I found a silence

So gentle it healed me

While we were watching Welcome to Darry

All I could think of was you holding me again

As if your embrace was my favorite scene

More comforting than any story on the screen

I do not know how you do it

But you hear what my heart whispers

Even when my lips stay quiet

In that moment

I found my whole world resting against your chest

Loving you feels like a soft breeze

Warm, steady, and certain

I want to love you the way Shams loved Rumi

With depth that has no edges

With devotion that feels like prayer

I know I get upset sometimes

I know my moods rise like sudden storms

But beneath all of that

There is only one truth

I just want you

Every time I see you

I fall a little harder

I never knew one person

Could become my universe

With you

I am safe

I am loved

I am protected

And I am home.

He is my Sun

They say,

Sunflowers turn toward the sun,

Without being told to.

I think heart do that's too.

Because in crowded rooms,

On heavy days,

In quiet moments, no-one notices,

I'll always find myself turned towards him.

It isn't forced,

It just happens.

The way a sunflower turns,

Like it was always meant to.

He's my sun,

The light I turn to.

Apartment 306

The PG room wasn’t much. A rust-stained mirror, a wobbly table, and a balcony that barely fit a plastic chair. But it came with a view of the building across. 

And every evening at exactly 7 PM, it came with the sound of drums. 

At first, Aaira barely noticed it. She had just moved to Delhi for her internship, and everything felt too loud. The honking, the street vendors, the constant buzz of the city. But there was something different about the drums. They weren’t loud. They weren’t trying to prove anything. Just... steady. Like someone was playing for themselves.

By the second week, it became routine. 

Tea at 6:45. Laptop shut. Phone on silent. Window open. 

And then the rhythm would begin. 

Gentle at first. Then building into something complex, emotional. It was music that spoke even without words. And it always came from one place: a window on the third floor of the building opposite, half-hidden by the shade of a creeping bougainvillea.

Apartment 306. 

She never saw anyone. The lights were always dim. The curtains never moved. No figures. No silhouettes. Only the sound.

Then, one Tuesday, the drums didn’t play. She waited. Maybe he was late? But by 7:15, there was only the hum of a distant scooter and someone cooking onions downstairs. Wednesday. Silence again. Thursday. Nothing. 

By Friday, the quiet had grown too loud inside her. So she wrote a note. “Are you okay? From the girl who waits for your 7 PM drums.” She folded it into a paper plane, stepped onto her balcony, and took aim. It fluttered for a moment, then landed miraculously, on the fourth-floor balcony just below the window of Apartment 306. And she waited. 

The next evening, as she returned to her room, something white was wedged between the bars of her balcony grill. A paper plane. She unfolded it, heart racing. “Still here. Just... lost rhythm.” No name. No explanation. But it was him. She knew it. The paper planes kept coming. Sometimes every day, sometimes with a gap. He sent her doodles, cryptic song lyrics, questions like “Do you think music remembers us when we forget it?” and a sketch of a cracked drum with wildflowers growing from it. She wrote back about chai, about the loneliness of PG life, about how the city sometimes made her feel invisible — except at 7 PM. 

They never exchanged numbers. Never met. But it didn’t matter. A kind of closeness bloomed in that fragile space between two balconies and two imaginations. 

One day, she asked: “What’s your name?”

The next evening, the reply came, scribbled in blue ink: “Vivan. But I used to go by Echo.” And then the drums returned. 

On a Thursday, a thunderstorm cracked through the Delhi sky, and as rain lashed her window, she heard them again. Louder than ever. A beating heart made of wood and skin and storm. It was a goodbye. Because the next day, there was nothing. The day after that, stillness. And on Sunday, not even a paper plane. 

By Monday, Aaira couldn’t take it anymore. She crossed the road to the opposite building, walked up to the third floor, and stood before the door of Apartment 306.

She hesitated, then knocked. No answer. The door was untouched. A rusted nameplate. No sound from within. 

An older man sweeping the corridor gave her a curious glance. “You need something, beta?” “I… was just trying to find Vivan. He lives here, right?”

The man looked at her for a moment, then said gently, “You must be mistaken. No one’s lived here in years.” 

Aaira’s heart slowed. “What do you mean?”

“There was a boy named Vivan. Musician. Played the drums. Nice kid. Died in 2018. Road accident. His mother locked up the flat. Hasn’t been touched since.” 

She stared at him. “But… I’ve been hearing him. For weeks. We’ve been writing letters.”

The man gave her a sad smile and tapped the side of his head. “Grief does strange things. Maybe you needed to hear something. So you did.” 

He walked away, whistling something old and slow. 

That night, Aaira didn’t open her window. She couldn’t. Everything felt fragile. Fabric-thin. 

But at 7 PM, the drums began again. Slow. Tender. Undeniably real. She stepped out onto the balcony, unable to believe it. The sound wrapped around her like memory. She closed her eyes. 

When she opened them, something lay at her feet. Another paper plane. She unfolded it with shaking hands. “Still here. Some rhythms never die.” 

Across the courtyard, Apartment 306’s curtains fluttered.

And just for a moment, Aaira saw him.

Sitting by the window. 

Head tilted. 

Drumsticks in hand. 

Not smiling. 

Not waving. 

Just playing.

Why Does It Feel So Good To Cancel Plans?

There should be a small graveyard for all the times I've said "let's hang out" and never did, and a massive cemetery for all the "sorry, something came up" texts I've sent. Canceling plans is unfortunately my thing. The small twangs of guilt about not hanging out with a friend are just not as strong as the blissful freedom I feel sitting alone and doing absolutely nothing — but that's just my opinion. In the words of Beyoncé, "Freedom! Freedom! I can't move" (from my couch). The truth is, at any given moment, there's probably one to one billion unopened Facebook events that you can pretend you haven't seen, and the world will keep spinning. And even plans with friends you see all the time are destined to fall through the cracks if you don't put in the effort to follow up. But is that bad? "If it regularly feels good to cancel plans, those plans probably shouldn't have been made in the first place," says Andrea Bonior, PhD, LCP, author of The Friendship Fix. "The question is, why are you making plans if you don't want to keep them?" Fair point. Answer: Because if I pretend like I'm interested at first, it will feel less bad for both parties when I have to cancel. In many cases, you're just saying yes to things out of guilt, Dr. Bonior says. "You think, I can't say no at first, but as hard as it is to say no, it's better than flaking at the last minute," she says. Waiting for the possibility of the other person bailing first is also just not a good idea. "You're going to end up disappointing someone, so you might as well front-load the disappointment," Dr. Bonior says. When you say yes to plans you know you're going to flake on, it leads to expectation of flaking and you become the "unreliable" friend, Dr. Bonior says. "Some of it is social anxiety," she says. "You have the best intentions, then the party approaches and you freak out and don't want to go." If that sounds like you, then Dr. Bonior says you should examine your social anxiety with a professional and figure out ways to work on it. It's also completely valid to have bitten off more than you can chew in a day and want to have some alone time, she says. There's also sort of a rebellious pleasure and relief when you feel like you're in charge of your plans. "You're reasserting control, and that's a sign that you got roped into the plans in the first place," Dr. Bonior says. "It's like, You made me say yes, but I wasn't allowed to say no, so now I'm asserting control." Now that, I get. I have very solid, lasting friendships with people I see IRL when I want to. But when certain plans happen in certain scenarios that I don't enjoy (like going to a loud bar) actually roll around, the thought of ripping myself away from the thing I have going on alone (petting my dog, watching Bridgerton, scrolling through TikTok — pressing stuff) just isn't worth it, so I cancel. Taking Dr. Bonior's advice, what I should be doing is just changing the plans so that they're actually something I want to do. Another thing to consider: Maybe I'm just lazy? Maybe we all are, honestly. "We make plans in such a casual way that it's easy to use technology to cancel on someone," she says. "If you were invited by text, you can cancel by text and not hear their disappointment." (Of course, technology isn't all evil, because there are tons of ways you can keep in touch with your friends, especially far-flung ones, on social media and never leave the couch). But Bonior says it's worth it to just put in a little effort to make and keep plans, otherwise you "miss out on a chance to have intimacies in friendships," she says. Those plans can be hanging on the couch, or going to the club, but they just have to be an activity you actually want to do with people you actually want to see. So yeah, does anyone want to hang out this weekend? I'm doing nothing.

From Public to Private: The Taliban’s Quest to Erase Afghan Women

The plight of women in Afghanistan under Taliban rule has been a tragic tale of suppression, and their latest edict banning glass windows in homes to prevent women from being seen by outsiders is another alarming step in their relentless attack on women's freedoms. This decision not only highlights the Taliban's extreme interpretation of gender segregation but also underscores the lengths to which they are willing to go to erase women from public and private spaces.

A New Dimension to Isolation 

Under the guise of maintaining moral order, the Taliban’s decree requires families to obscure windows in their homes, effectively cutting off women from any interaction or visibility with the outside world. This measure, according to Taliban authorities, is meant to uphold their version of "modesty" by ensuring that women are neither seen nor heard by anyone outside their immediate household. According to a statement released on December 29, 2024, by Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, new buildings should not have windows through which it is possible to see “the courtyard, kitchen, neighbour’s well, and other places usually used by women.” The decree claims that “seeing women working in kitchens, in courtyards, or collecting water from wells can lead to obscene acts.” Municipal authorities are instructed to monitor construction sites to ensure compliance, and homeowners with existing windows are encouraged to build walls or otherwise obstruct views. Fourteen million girls and women in Afghanistan have been effectively erased from society. They are banned from every aspect of life—education, work, public spaces, and now even private visibility. Women are virtually invisible today. In three years under Islamic rule, the Taliban has methodically curtailed women's existence. Now, with this new ban, women can't even be visible in private. The Taliban seems to be running out of things to ban, creating new restrictions like this under the pretense of "preventing obscenity." And yet, their hypocrisy is glaring. While they claim to protect morality, reports reveal their brutality. For instance, a woman who reported being raped by officials in jail was arrested instead. What about that? How does this fit into their narrative of morality?

Compounding the Crisis

This ban on windows comes on the heels of numerous other draconian restrictions imposed by the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. These include bans on girls' education beyond elementary school, prohibitions on women working for NGOs, and restrictions on women's movement without a male guardian. The cumulative effect of these rules has created a dystopian reality for Afghan women, robbing them of their basic human rights and dignity. 

The Psychological Toll 

Living in enforced isolation can have devastating psychological consequences. For women who are already reeling from the loss of their educational and professional opportunities, the restriction on windows exacerbates their sense of imprisonment. The lack of natural light and visibility can lead to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and a profound sense of hopelessness. Impact on Families and Society While the Taliban purport that these measures are aimed at protecting women, the reality is that such policies destabilize families and communities. By stripping women of their agency, the Taliban also weaken the social fabric of Afghan society. Families are left to navigate a world where their daughters, sisters, and mothers are reduced to mere shadows, cut off from education, work, and even sunlight. 

Global Response 

The international community has expressed outrage over these restrictions, but tangible action has been limited. Humanitarian organizations operating in Afghanistan face immense challenges in reaching and supporting women, especially with the Taliban's ban on women working in NGOs. Diplomatic efforts to pressure the Taliban have so far been met with resistance, leaving Afghan women with little hope for immediate relief. 

Afghan Women’s Resilience

Despite the grim circumstances, Afghan women continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. From secret schools to underground movements advocating for women's rights, their courage in the face of oppression is a testament to their strength. However, these efforts require global support to amplify their voices and provide them with the resources they need to survive and thrive. 

A Call to Action

The ban on windows is a stark reminder of the Taliban's intent to erase women from Afghan society. It is imperative for the international community to act decisively. Governments, NGOs, and individuals must work together to provide humanitarian aid, advocate for women's rights, and hold the Taliban accountable for their actions. Afghan women deserve more than just words of support; they deserve concrete action that ensures their safety, freedom, and dignity. Only through collective global effort can we hope to bring light back into the lives of Afghanistan's women—both figuratively and literally.

Gandhi's Enduring Influence on Modern India and the World

“The role of leadership is to transform the complex situation into small pieces and prioritize them.” -Carlos Ghosn

Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of truth, non-violence, and social equality continue to resonate, not only within India but also around the world. His impact transcends time, as his ideas are frequently invoked in conversations about civil rights, justice, and leadership. Though Gandhi passed away over seven decades ago, the world continues to witness the relevance of his teachings in various fields, from politics to social movements.

The Foundation of Non-Violence: Ahimsa in Modern Movements

Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violence, or Ahimsa, was the cornerstone of his political struggle against British colonial rule. He demonstrated that peaceful resistance could be a powerful tool for change, and this idea continues to inspire movements today. For instance, Martin Luther King Jr., who led the American Civil Rights Movement, credited Gandhi’s teachings with shaping his approach to racial equality. King’s non-violent protests in the 1950s and 1960s, which led to the end of legalized racial segregation in the United States, were directly influenced by Gandhi’s approach during the Indian independence movement.

A more recent example can be seen in the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests. While many protests devolved into violence, a significant portion of the movement embraced peaceful methods, inspired by historical figures like Gandhi. The commitment to non-violence strengthened their international appeal, showing the world that protest can be effective without aggression.

Gandhi’s Influence on Social Justice in India

Within India, Gandhi’s legacy is firmly etched into the fabric of its democracy. His ideas about equality, particularly concerning the upliftment of marginalized communities, continue to shape India’s policies and social discourse. One of his primary concerns was the abolition of untouchability and the betterment of Dalits (whom he called Harijans, or children of God). Today, affirmative action policies, such as reservations in educational institutions and government jobs for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, trace their roots back to Gandhi’s vision for an inclusive society.

An incident that highlights the ongoing struggle for social justice occurred in the village of Una, Gujarat, in 2016. Several Dalit men were publicly flogged for allegedly skinning a dead cow. This event triggered massive protests across India, with many invoking Gandhi’s ideas of equality and respect for all castes. The widespread public outcry following this incident was reminiscent of Gandhi’s own battles for the dignity of marginalized communities, reaffirming his influence on contemporary India.

Environmental Movements and Gandhian Philosophy

Gandhi believed in simple living and a deep respect for nature. He famously said, “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need, but not every man’s greed.” His ideals of sustainability and responsible consumption have inspired the modern environmental movement. Today, many environmental activists draw upon Gandhian principles to advocate for a balance between economic development and environmental conservation.

In India, the Chipko Movement in the 1970s was a classic example of Gandhi’s influence. Led by women from rural Uttarakhand, the protest involved villagers hugging trees to prevent their deforestation. This non-violent resistance drew inspiration from Gandhi’s methods and resulted in widespread awareness of environmental issues in India. More recently, global environmental activists like Greta Thunberg have echoed Gandhian principles by advocating for climate action through peaceful means.

Political Leadership and Gandhi’s Ideals

Gandhi’s belief in self-rule (Swaraj) and his model of leadership, which emphasized service to the people, continue to influence political leaders worldwide. For instance, Nelson Mandela adopted Gandhi’s philosophy during his fight against apartheid in South Africa. Mandela’s commitment to reconciliation rather than revenge after years of oppression reflected Gandhi’s approach during the Indian freedom struggle, where he preached forgiveness and unity over retribution.

In modern India, Gandhi’s legacy continues to shape political discourse, especially during times of social unrest. In 2019, during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), Gandhi’s image and quotes were often seen on placards. Protesters, invoking his spirit, called for peaceful dissent and civil disobedience against what they perceived as unjust laws. The CAA protests are a reminder that civil resistance remains a potent tool in Indian politics, just as it was in Gandhi’s time.

Global Peace and Diplomacy

Gandhi’s influence also extends into the realm of international diplomacy. His commitment to peace and non-violence has inspired global organizations like the United Nations, which often cites his philosophy in its peacekeeping missions. Gandhi’s concept of non-violent resistance has become a universal strategy for resolving conflict, transcending national and cultural boundaries.

In Myanmar, for example, democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi has frequently mentioned Gandhi’s influence on her political philosophy. While her legacy has become more complex in recent years due to her handling of the Rohingya crisis, her early advocacy for democracy and human rights mirrored Gandhi’s approach of peaceful resistance to oppression.

Conclusion: Gandhi’s Living Legacy

Mahatma Gandhi’s influence on modern India and the world is undeniable. His teachings on non-violence, equality, and self-reliance continue to inspire political movements, social justice campaigns, environmental activism, and even everyday leadership. As India celebrates Gandhi Jayanti each year, the world also pauses to reflect on the enduring power of his ideas.

In a time where violence and division often dominate the headlines, Gandhi’s message of peace, compassion, and empowerment remains as relevant as ever. His enduring influence is a reminder that true power lies not in dominance but in the ability to uplift others and work toward a just, equitable world.

Book Review: A Thousand Splendid Suns

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,

Or the thousand splendid suns that hide behind her walls.

A Thousand Splendid Suns" by Khaled Hosseini stands as a beacon of literary brilliance, weaving a tapestry of resilience, courage, and profound human emotion against the tumultuous backdrop of Afghanistan's recent history.

Within the pages of Hosseini's masterpiece, readers embark on a journey through the intertwined lives of Mariam and Laila, two Afghan women whose indomitable spirit and unwavering resolve shine amidst the darkness of war and political upheaval.

Mariam, born into stigma as the illegitimate child of a local businessman, Jalil, navigates a path fraught with longing for acceptance and belonging. Despite her mother's constant reminders of her unwanted existence, Mariam dreams of a life beyond societal constraints, her aspirations overshadowed by the cruelty of her circumstances. Her father's abandonment and inability to protect her serve as poignant reminders of the harsh realities faced by Afghan women in a patriarchal society.

In contrast, Laila emerges as a paragon of hope and resilience, embodying the virtues of bravery and compassion essential for Afghanistan's future. Her bond with Mariam, forged amidst adversity, becomes a source of strength and solace as they navigate the treacherous terrain of their lives. Laila's journey of self-discovery, culminating in a commitment to honor Mariam's legacy by educating her nation, serves as a testament to the transformative power of courage in the face of adversity.

Hosseini's narrative is not merely a recounting of historical events; it is a vivid portrayal of the human spirit's capacity to endure and triumph in the face of unimaginable hardship. Through his masterful storytelling, readers are transported to a world of danger, uncertainty, and despair, where the characters' struggles resonate with haunting clarity.

What sets "A Thousand Splendid Suns" apart is its seamless fusion of gripping drama with historical truth, offering readers an immersive experience that enlightens as it captivates. Through Mariam and Laila's stories, Hosseini illuminates the enduring power of love, resilience, and compassion to overcome the darkness of oppression and injustice.

Mariam’s ultimate act of sacrifice for Laila and her children transcends the boundaries of maternal love, leaving an indelible mark on the my soul. Laila’s pilgrimage to Mariam’s childhood home, a symbolic journey of closure and acceptance, underscores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of loss and adversity.

As someone who has delved into the depths of countless literary works, I can confidently proclaim that "A Thousand Splendid Suns" stands among the greatest. Its ability to touch the heart and soul with its profound depth and authenticity is unparalleled, leaving an indelible impression long after the final page is turned.

In conclusion, "A Thousand Splendid Suns" is a testament to the transcendent power of storytelling to inspire, uplift, and unite. It is a literary tour de force that resonates with universal truths, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. To those seeking a transformative reading experience, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing oneself in the luminous pages of this extraordinary novel—it is, without a doubt, a masterpiece for the ages.

For the Things That Light You Up

"Maybe in another lifetime."

No. This is all you get. So please, just fight for the things that crack light into your life, fight for the things that soften you. Protect the people you love, leave them better than you found them. 

Defend your heart, do whatever it takes to keep it open despite what it has been through. Forgive, not just others, but yourself, as well. Slow down- taste, and touch, and feel and care. Create the things you want to see in this world, stay as curious as possible. 

Honour your joy, do not shy away from the good that is trying to reach you- do not convince yourself that you're unworthy of it. Be strong enough to be gentle. Be brave enough to break. Be all that you are. Be all that you are. 

And when your time does come, when the stars take back what they lent to you, when the dance ends- I hope you leave this world with a heart that is worn out and tender all over, with a heart that aches from loving, and feeling, and caring in the best way possible.

I hope you leave this world knowing that you poured hope into everything you did, that you crashed your soul into each day. I hope you leave this world knowing, from the deepest part of who you are, that you connected- that you tried for something while you were here. 

The Weight of Staying

Because pain is not the story of the one who left, it is the story of the person who stayed. And the tail belong to those who remain. 

-Stefan Zweig

Unchained from Humanity

Sometimes I wish I could be more than just human—maybe a poem or a painting, something that exists beyond the weight of flesh and bone. A poem, where each word carries the essence of my being, flowing effortlessly, not bound by the laws of time or the exhaustion of emotion. Or perhaps a painting, where my essence is captured in colors, lines, and textures that express more than I ever could with my voice. Imagine being eternal in that way, suspended in ink or paint, unburdened by the mundane struggles of life. I wouldn't need to sleep, to eat, to feel the ache of existence. I would just be—something to be admired, pondered, and understood without explanation. A creation of pure feeling, unchained by the limitations of what it means to be human. Maybe then, I would finally feel like I belong.

Letting Go of Shallow Waters

Allow your heart to leave the ones who cannot fathom its depth.

What Hope Looks Like

I once knew a girl whose favorite color was the shimmery shade of silver linings. You know the kind of person who would always somehow see the good in bad. It pissed everyone off, but we all knew we were envious of her guts, not mad.

She studied hard but couldn’t get her dream branch. She lost the love of her life to five years of fighting and trying. Her heels broke down while anchoring the college event, and even her cat ran off with some random pretty cat.

So when one fine day, on a trip to nowhere—I say nowhere because we had missed our train—and while the entire group was cursing in unison, loathing their fate, she stood four feet away at the station bookstore, cruising through Faiz with samosa crumbles on her mouth.

I couldn’t resist, it was killing me, so I finally asked her secret: how she is never sad, how the worst things in life didn’t affect her cleft-chinned smile. She looked at me in surprise, like I’d asked her to give her Littmann stethoscope in exchange for a candy.

She wiped her mouth with her pretty beige sleeve and began to say, “I’ve had my share of sadness. Things failed, opportunities went, people left. Fuck it, even my cat ran away. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t try. I gave my 100%, and I know things didn’t curve exactly how I wanted, but I’m content in my career. I have a boy who loves me for who I am. Crocs are better than heels, you know, and by the way, my cat is a mother of four now.”

She stopped and waved the book in her hand. “See, I swear by Faiz and he once said,

‘Dil na umeed to nahi nakaam hi toh hai,  

Lambi hai gham ki shaam magar shaam hi toh hai.’

(I processed that line in my mind, in awe.)

“Also, I talked to that guy. The next train is in four hours, and I think I have an idea. Chal, let’s have another samosa.”

I looked up at the pretty sunset and mumbled under my breath,

“Lambi hai gham ki shaam, magar shaam hi toh hai.”

The Gamble of Love

I cut down on love to sound more intelligent. I cut some slack here and there to sound more rational and logical and not too sentimental. I try to act as if I don't wear my heart on my sleeves. I try to act as if I'm not a sentimental bitch. I try to save my love like you save money for a big trip you're excited for. I try not to spend all my love on the wrong person. I try to save my love for the right person as if I'm going to run out of it. I wish I could freeze my love for the right person. I wish I could put my love in a bank and cash it out when I know the time is right. But unlike money, the love saved is just the love lost. 

But, who the fuck am I kidding, right? There is no way to know who is the right person or when is the right time. 

Love is the biggest gamble we know of and the only way through is to bet it all. 

Love's Final Crossing: The Tragic Tale of Soni and Mahiwal

You wouldn't have read something so beautiful and so heartbreaking at the same time. 

I'm still listening to Par Chanaa De, let me tell you the story behind it. 

There is a girl called Soni, who lives on one side of river Chanaa(Chenab river) and the Mahiwal, a herder, lives on the other side of the river. Soni belongs to a family of potters. Mahiwal and Soni end up falling in love but Soni's father gets her married to another family of potters. 

Soni still continues to meet Mahiwal.

Every night she uses an Earthen pot, a matkaa/ghada to cross the Chenab river. Soon enough rumours start spreading in the village. One night, Soni's sister-in-law changes her 'ghada' with an unbaked one. Soni uses it to cross the river and she perishes into it. Mahiwal who was seeing this from the other side of the river jumped in the river to try and save his Soni. Alas both drowned and died only to be united after death. 

And the song goes like, "Yaar nu milegi aaj laash yaar di"- my lover would be greeted by my corpse, and as Klaus Mikaleson in The Originals said, "What worth dying, if not love?"

Ink and Obsession

If only I could write as I think;

With an obsession,

Relentlessly,

Driven by an insatiable hunger.

I would write until breath became elusive,

Until words spun me into the depths of madness. 

Pages would unfurl like tendrils, reaching into the void,

Into the abyss where thoughts dissolve. 

And I would write of you,  

Far more than I ever should.

I would paint my soul across the canvas of words,

Bleeding ink to capture every fleeting emotion,

Tangled in the web of my own creation,  

Where silence speaks louder than the noise of my mind.

And in those quiet moments,

I would find you,

In every line, in every pause,

A haunting presence, a whisper I can never escape. 

From Arshala's Cookbook: One Pan Creamy Chicken Alfredo Recipe

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:1 hr 20 mins

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian 

Servings: 4

INGREDIENTS

1 garlic bulb

3 tbsp olive oil

400 g chicken breast 14oz

1 tbsp sweet paprika

1 tbsp dried oregano

1/2 tbsp garlic powder

1/2 tbsp onion powder

50 g Westgold salted butter 1.7oz

1 onion finely diced

2 cups full cream milk 500mL/16oz

1 cup heavy cream 250mL/8oz

1 cup chicken stock 250mL/8oz

250 g penne pasta 8oz

50 g parmesan 1.7oz grated

fresh parsley finely chopped

salt + pepper

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 200 C / 390 F.

Cut the top off the garlic bulb roughly 2cm down from the top so the cloves are exposed. You can always replace the roasted garlic with 4 cloves of fresh garlic that has been finely diced.

Place the bulb of garlic into the centre of an oven proof dish or piece of alfoil, drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover and bake for 1 hour. Allow the garlic to slightly cool until you are able to handle it. Using your fingers, squeeze the roasted garlic cloves out of their skin. Set to the side.

Using a sharp knife, cut through the middle of the chicken breast horizontally so they halve in thickness. Let the knife do most of the work, applying a small amount of pressure as the knife glides through crosswise. It’s easiest when you place one hand on top of the chicken breast. Don’t worry if this is not done too evenly! Repeat this step with all the chicken breast.

Place one piece of chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap. Using the smooth side of a mallet, pound the chicken from the centre outwards until the breast is roughly 2cm thick and has an even thickness throughout. This step is not necessary but will guarantee the chicken cooks evenly throughout.

Place the chicken into a large bowl and sprinkle over the paprika, oregano, garlic and onion powder and generous amount of salt and pepper. Drizzle with ½ tablespoon olive oil. Coat the chicken in the spices by massaging them into the chicken with your hands.

In a large skillet pan on a medium – high heat, bring the remaining olive oil to heat. Once hot, place the chicken breast into the pan and cook for 2 – 3 minutes on each side. This step may need to be done in batches depending how large your pan is. Remove the chicken from the pan, allow to rest for 5 minutes then slice. Set to the side.

Add the butter to the pan and cook until bubbling. While the butter cooks, use a wooden spoon to scrape any of the delicious chicken bits off the pan. This is where the flavour lives!

Add the onion and roasted garlic to the pan with the butter and cook for 2 minutes or until fragrant and translucent.

Add the milk, cream and chicken stock to the pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn the heat to medium and add the pasta. Stir through and cook for 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed 75% of the liquid.

Turn the heat to low, add the parmesan and stir through. The sauce will begin to thicken.

Finish off by stirring through a large handful of parsley and place the chicken breast on top. Garnish with an extra sprinkling of parmesan. Serve immediately.