SAFA

 Diwali just got a whole lot brighter because guess who showed up my OG childhood bestie! It’s wild, we haven’t met in a year, and as soon as I saw her, it was like a highlight reel of all our epic moments started playing in my mind. We couldn’t stop talking about our little kid routines, especially those early-morning cycle rides. Every morning, without fail, I'd be up by 6 a.m., pedaling my way over to her place and banging on her door until she’d finally get up. We’d just ride through the quiet streets, feeling like we owned the world. Of course, we had our share of wild fights. The silliest one? For her birthday, I once gave her watercolors and a Barbie. But a few days later, we got into a fight, and I actually demanded both gifts back! And the crazy part? She gave them to me! Looking back, we just laugh about how ridiculous we were. We'd give each other the cold shoulder with the longest pouty faces, only to make up a day later like nothing happened. Those were our drama-f...

If you’re a fan of spice, flavor, and a little bit of heat that makes you sit up straight, let me introduce you to my all-time favorite: Chitlam Podi. This is no ordinary spice mix; it’s my mom’s secret recipe and an Andhra classic that has become my lifeline in PG life. Whether it’s a bland meal or just a craving for something flavorful, a sprinkle of this fiery podi does the trick every time.  Ingredients of Perfection: Here’s all you need to make this mouth-watering powder: - Groundnuts (Peanuts) - roasted and skin peeled - Garlic - because who doesn’t love that extra kick? - Red Chilli Powder - go big or go mild, it’s your call - Salt - to balance the fire The Recipe for Spice Magic 1.Start by roasting the groundnuts and peeling off the skin. This takes a bit of patience, but it’s worth it! 2. Throw in some garlic cloves, a generous pinch of salt, and red chilli powder. Warning: the amount of chilli powder totally depends on how much spice you can handle! Too much, and it’ll ha...

 In the heart of Hyderabad, where streets were bustling with anticipation for the festive season, a sudden tragedy unfolded at a local cracker shop. What began as a place of joy quickly became a site of panic and sorrow. The shop was packed, filled with people excited to buy fireworks to celebrate with family and friends. However, amidst the crowd and chaos, a spark led to an uncontrollable blaze, turning excitement into a desperate fight for survival. The fire spread swiftly through the store, and in a place filled with such highly flammable materials, the flames became nearly impossible to control. People who had gathered to prepare for the festival were now caught in a nightmare. Many struggled to escape the thick smoke and flames, stumbling and falling as they tried to find their way out. Despite the panic, a glimmer of humanity shone through the smoke people reached out to help one another, pulling strangers to safety, supporting those who had fallen, and showing the power of ...

  Dreams can take us on the wildest adventures, often leaving us scratching our heads or laughing uncontrollably when we wake up. Recently, I had one of those dreams that was so funny, it stayed with me long after I opened my eyes.  In this dream, I found myself in a bizarre version of my hometown where everything was slightly off. The streets were made of marshmallows, and the trees were giant lollipops. I was wandering around, trying to find my way, when I stumbled upon a talking squirrel wearing a tiny top hat and monocle. Yes, you read that right a posh squirrel!  This squirrel, Mr. Nutters, claimed to be the mayor of this sugary paradise. He was holding a town meeting, and to my surprise, I was invited to speak! As I stood in front of a crowd of animated candy creatures  gummy bears, chocolate bunnies, and licorice snakes I began to address them. However, instead of giving a serious speech, I somehow ended up performing an impromptu stand-up comedy routine about...

Strolling through pathways where legends tread,   Stories of past and future ahead.   MCC whispers in trees that sway,   Carving out memories, day by day.   Cafeteria chats and library vibes,   Between every line, a world survives.   Fests that light the campus scene,   Laughter loud, friendships keen.   Lectures that spark, mentors who guide,   In every corner, there's pride to reside.   Lessons go deeper than words can say,   Shaping the soul in a subtle way.   Nature’s pulse, a calming beat,   Peacocks strutting on leafy streets.   Classrooms echo wisdom’s tone,   MCC makes the world feel known.   Late-night talks and sunrise goals,   Moments that heal, that make us whole.   In the heart of the city, bold and free,   This place, these vibes MCC.

Woke up feeling kinda wrecked,   Body heavy, mind checked,   Coughing beats like I'm on replay,   Flu's got me in a foggy sway. Eyes burning, vision’s blurred,   Every step feels so absurd,   Scrolling through memes just to cope,   But this headache crushes hope. Blankets wrapped, yet still I freeze,   Netflix binge with zero ease,   Tea in hand, but taste’s on mute,   This cold’s relentless, no dispute. Waiting for that Sunny day,   When this sickness fades away,   Till then, I’ll rest and ride it out,   'Cause bounce back vibes? No doubt!Netflix binge with zero ease,   Tea in hand, but taste’s on mute,   This cold’s relentless, no dispute.

 We all remember our first phone. For many of us, it wasn’t just a gadget; it was a symbol of freedom, connection, and excitement. I, too, had that excitement when I got my very first phone a cherished device that felt like a piece of my world. But little did I know, that piece of my world would take a dramatic fall... literally. The story of my first phone is one filled with unexpected twists and unforgettable moments. I was in 9th grade, and like any other teenager, I was beyond thrilled with my new phone. I had barely started enjoying the thrill of owning it when the unthinkable happened. My cousin brother, who was just three years old at the time, called me to come play with him. But I was too busy playing games on my phone, completely absorbed in my own little world. Then, in a moment that still baffles me to this day, my mom called me from another room, and while I stepped away, my cousin took matters into his tiny hands.  Before I could realize what was happening, he gr...

People crave me, love me, can’t get enough,   Melt on your lips, yeah, I’m that sweet stuff.   You unwrap me slow, like I’m pure gold,   But do I know my flavor? That’s untold.   They say I’m smooth, rich, the perfect treat,   But what’s it like, to know I’m sweet?   You taste my bliss, every bite’s a win,   But I’m in the dark, don’t know where to begin.   People love me, taste me, dream of more,   Stock me up, like I’m a candy store.   But here I sit, wrapped up tight,   Unaware of the joy, the delight.   So, do I know my magic, my flavor fame?   Or am I just a bar, with no name?   In your world, I’m a must, I’m elite,   But ask me do I know I’m sweet?

When the universe says " No". Ever had one of those days where literally everything goes wrong? Yep, that was me today. I  ran to college like I was in a marathon, only to find out I’d got the schedule all wrong. Thought it was first-day order, I went to arts block later I realised it was sixth. Great start, right? To make things better, I tripped on my way to class. The only saving grace? No one saw it. Gotta celebrate small wins! During break, I headed to the canteen for a quick snack. Guess what? No phone = no GPay. So I had to run back to class to grab it. Felt like my entire day was a sprint! And just when I thought it couldn’t get worse, my favorite earrings decided to betray me the thread came loose. Ugh, total mood killer. As if that wasn’t enough drama, I almost got hit by a vehicle while crossing the road. Quick reflexes, though I jumped back just in time. At this point, the universe had it out for me. Moral of the story: sometimes, no matter how much you try, the d...

After what felt like a lifetime, I  had kulfi today, and let me tell you, it wasn’t just a dessert it was a whole flashback to my childhood in one creamy bite. You know how certain flavors just hit different? That first spoonful transported me right back to the days when summers weren’t about deadlines or exam prep but about pure fun and waiting for the kulfi-wala to ring his bell at the perfect moment. I remember those carefree afternoons, racing with my friends to catch the ice cream cart. The excitement? Real. We would sit in the shade, faces lit up with anticipation, and once we got our hands on that chilled, cardamom-flavored goodness, it was like the world stopped. No worries, no stress just me, my friends, and that glorious kulfi stick.  Today, as I devoured it, I couldn’t help but wonder why did we stop enjoying these little moments? Adulting makes you forget how the simplest things, like eating a kulfi on a hot day, can be pure magic. It’s more than just food, it’s a ...

In a world full of filters and facades, being honest is like a breath of fresh air. Let’s face it everyone is trying to put their best foot forward, but the real glow-up comes from just being you. Here’s why keeping it real is the.move. First off, trust is everything. When you are  honest, you build solid connections. Whether it's with friends, family, or even yourself, honesty is what keeps the vibe real. People respect you more when they know they can count on you for the truth no sugar-coating, no fake stories. Next, let’s talk about mental peace .When you're honest, there's no need to juggle lies or pretend to be someone you are not. It’s like a mental detox no stress of getting caught up in falsehoods. Plus, when you own your truth, you start embracing who you really are, flaws and all. That’s when the real glow-up happens! Also, honesty is a flex in a world where everyone’s flexing their filtered lives. Owning your mistakes and being upfront about your struggles shows...

Last night's nightmare  was next-level creepy, and it’s still messing with my head. Picture this: I’m in this dimly lit room, old wooden floors creaking under my feet. The place had this thick, dusty air like no one's been there in centuries. Suddenly, out of nowhere, this old lady appears. But she wasn’t a typical grandma figure far . She had wrinkled, paper-thin skin, pale like she hadn’t seen sunlight in forever. Her eyes were hollow, almost glowing, like they could see right through me. And her hair wild, grey, matted down hung in tangled knots like she’d just crawled out of some nightmare herself. The creepiest part? She was wearing this old-fashioned, torn-up dress that barely clung to her, like something out of a forgotten time. She didn’t say anything at first, just stood there staring at me, and I couldn’t move. It felt like her gaze pinned me to the spot. Then she finally spoke her voice all raspy and broken, like it hadn’t been used in ages. She leaned in closer and ...

There are moments in life when time seems to speed up, and every second matters. We find ourselves rushing from one place to another, consumed by the urgency of our schedules. But sometimes, life presents us with a choice a moment where compassion outweighs the ticking clock. One such moment still stands out vividly in my memory. It was a typical day, and I was in a hurry to catch a train I had booked in advance. My dad and I were driving through the busy streets, and the pressure of making it on time loomed over us. The traffic was thick, and the minutes were slipping away. But then, something unusual caught our eye. On the side of the road, a man lay sprawled, his vehicle tossed to one side, and he on the other. It was evident that he had met with an accident. His face showed the struggle as he tried, unsuccessfully, to get up. What struck me, though, wasn’t just the sight of his pain but the scene surrounding him. There were people everywhere, standing by the roadside, sipping their...

Sky’s drippin like a leaky tap,   Clouds roll in, no room to nap.   Wind’s got a chill, air’s feeling thick,   Rain drops drop like a viral hit.   Hoods up, but we're all still soaked,   City’s a blur, streets feel choked.   Lightning flashes, the bassline booms,   Nature’s throwing down its monsoon tunes.     But there's a vibe when the rain won’t quit,   A stormy groove, we lean into it.   Drenched but cool, we ride the flow,   Heavy rain’s got its own kinda glow.

 After a long stretch of being away from home, there is nothing like the feeling of stepping back into that familiar comfort zone. For me, it’s not just the cozy rooms, the familiar sights, or even the hugs from family. It’s the unmistakable aroma of home-cooked food that immediately wraps me in a sense of warmth and belonging. This visit  reminded me just how much I have missed it. It’s funny how you don’t fully realize what you are missing until you sit down at the dining table and take that first bite of a dish that only your mom, dad, or grandma can make just right. No restaurant, no fast-food chain, and definitely no hostel food can compete with that unique taste.  When I am away, meals are usually rushed, convenient, or just something to fill the stomach. But at home, food means something more. It’s slow, intentional, and cooked with love. Every ingredient seems to have a purpose, and every bite reminds me of the care that went into it. It’s not just food, it’s an e...

Stress is a constant in today’s fast-paced world, but there are plenty of ways to manage it effectively. Whether it’s academic pressure, work deadlines, or personal challenges, finding the right stress buster can make all the difference. Here are some of the most effective ways to reduce stress, along with my personal experiences. 1) Exercise  Physical activity, like running, yoga, or even a brisk walk, releases endorphins, boosting your mood and reducing stress. When I was super stressed I took a walk around my campus, and the fresh air and movement instantly lifted my spirits. It was a small but powerful way to clear my mind. 2) Creative Outlets Engaging in creative activities like painting, writing, or cooking is a great way to channel stress into something productive. For me, writing has always been my escape. After a rough week, I wrote about a beautiful sunset, which helped me release tension and find clarity. 3. Meditation and Mindfulness Taking just 10 minutes a day for med...

In a world constantly buzzing with activity, it feels almost sinful to do nothing. Every waking hour seems filled with tasks, responsibilities, and goals to meet. There’s always something that needs to be done, right? Yet, I’ve come to appreciate the underrated beauty of simply doing nothing just existing without feeling guilty about it. I remember the first time I intentionally tried this “art of doing nothing.” It was a weekend, and after a hectic week, I decided to pause. I sat in my room with no plans no phone, no book, nothing that could qualify as a productive activity. At first, it was unsettling. My mind kept drifting to things but I forced myself to sit still and let the moment be. And slowly, something interesting happened. My thoughts quieted, the pressure lifted, and I began to appreciate the silence, the simplicity of just being. I looked out of the window, watched the sky change colors, heard birds singing in the distance, and felt the soft breeze against my skin. There w...

 I wrote this poem while vibing on a solo train journey, where the world outside the window felt like it was moving in sync with my thoughts. You know that feeling when the playlist hits just right, and the rhythm of the train makes everything seem chill and reflective? That’s the mood I wanted to capture those moments of escape, where time slows down and it's just you, the tracks, and the open sky. On the tracks, I roam,   Metal wheels hum a steady tone,   Trees blur past, a greenish haze,   Caught between time in a dreamy daze. Windows down, the wind rushes in,   Carrying whispers of where I've been.   Sunset paints the sky on fire,   As beats from my playlist take me higher. Solitude in the seat feels just right,   Watching stars blink into the night.   The train’s heartbeat, a comforting sound,   In these fleeting moments, I feel unbound. Miles roll by, but I don't care,   Lost i...

Books have been companions of humanity for centuries, offering wisdom, stories, and insights in their quiet and timeless manner. In today's digital age, however, the allure of phones often overshadows the humble book. Imagine if books could speak how would they feel about the rise of smartphones and their dominance in daily life? A Book’s Lament I once was the treasure you held so dear,   Pages turned slow, no rush, no fear.   You’d cradle my spine, in candle’s soft light,   Now you forgot me, with screens so bright.   You tap and you scroll, eyes glued to glass,   While I gather dust as the moments pass.   My stories untouched, my words now cold,   In your hands, it’s the phone you hold.

In our hands, the pen seems like a mere tool an extension of our thoughts and expressions. We wield it to give form to our ideas, to draft our dreams, and to carve our stories. But what if the pen had a voice of its own? What if it did not merely follow our commands but sought to chart its own course? In the depths of its ink lies the unspoken desire for freedom not to break away from us, but to write with its own spirit, unbound by our limitations. Here's a glimpse into the musings of a pen that wishes to speak for itself. The Pen's Voice I am no servant, no silent scribe,   Not bound by the whims of a human's vibe.   You think I glide to the tunes you hum,   But I long to dance to the beat of my drum.   I crave the freedom to write what I feel,   Not just ink the dreams you seal.   Your thoughts are loud, but mine are deep,   I want to carve words that make souls weep.   You grip me tight, direct my flow,...

 October 2nd always feels like a quiet reminder to me a moment to reflect on the life and lessons of Mahatma Gandhi. Growing up, Gandhi Jayanti was just a holiday on the calendar, but now I have realized how relevant his message still is today. In a world that’s constantly moving, where conflict is often just a click away, I find myself wondering how much we have lost touch with Gandhi’s principles of Ahimsa and truth. Can we still choose peace when everything around us feels chaotic? Can we practice non-violence in our thoughts and words, even when we’re stressed or frustrated? Gandhi’s life was about simplicity, but I ask myself how easy is it to live simply today? We are surrounded by so much noise, so many distractions. But maybe that’s why his teachings hit even harder now. His strength wasn’t in grand actions but in everyday choices. How often do I stop to think about the impact of my own choices, on myself and others? This Gandhi Jayanti, I’m reflecting on how I can bring mo...

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about how fast life is moving. It feels like just yesterday I was a kid, skating with my dad, competing in tournaments, and enjoying carefree days. Now, I look around and realize how much has changed, and it’s honestly overwhelming. Time has slipped through my fingers without me even noticing. I remember the excitement of school trips, laughing with friends, and playing games. It all feels like it happened just moments ago, but in reality, those days are far behind. Somehow, between the transition from school to college, everything shifted. It’s like life hit the fast-forward button, and I’m just trying to keep up.e When I visit home, I introspect how my priorities have shifted from enjoying the little moments to worrying about deadlines and the future. Even my thoughts have evolved. I used to wonder what would be when I grew up, and now that I am on the path, I still question where it’s all heading. Sometimes, it’s hard to comprehend how I got here...