Category: Personal stories

My First Video Game: A Lifelong Love! ❤

Daily writing prompt
What was your first ever videogame?
View all responses

What Was Your First Video Game? Mine Still Has Me Hooked! 🎮😂

My first video game is a memory I still cherish! As a child, I loved playing classic video games with my brother on Sega and Nintendo. From Super Mario Bros. and Contra to Road Fighter and Duck Hunt, those childhood gaming days were full of fun, laughter, and a few scoldings from our family! 🎮😂

When my brother and I were kids, we played games like Super Mario Bros., Contra, Road Fighter, Galaxian, Duck Hunt, and so many more. Honestly, if I start listing all the games we played, this entire post will be filled with nothing but game names!

Those were the days when rescuing a princess, shooting enemies, racing cars, and hunting ducks felt like extremely important life goals. And someone always had to interrupt us with the most annoying question ever: “Haven’t you played enough? Go and do something useful!”

Useful? Excuse me, I was busy saving the world! 😂

Then we grew up. Life became busy, responsibilities arrived, and our gaming sessions slowly took a backseat. But did our love for video games ever disappear? Not really. It was simply waiting for the right opportunity to make a comeback.

The Legend of Zelda Games: My Favourite Obsession!

My love for classic video games got a second wind when my mother-in-law left her Nintendo 3DS handheld console for me.

That’s when I played The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks and The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.

And oh my goodness, Zelda! ❤️

You know how some people can talk endlessly about their favourite books, films, or holiday destinations? Give me a chance to talk about Zelda, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

The magical worlds, the puzzles, the adventures, the exploration — everything is so amazing! I can get completely immersed in The Legend of Zelda games and forget that the real world exists for a little while.

Just one more puzzle. One more quest. One more little adventure.

And suddenly, time has flown by. 😂

Of course, real life doesn’t come with a pause button. Unfortunately!

Nintendo Switch Games and the Great Root Canal Bargain!

Now comes one of my favourite family stories.

When our elder son needed a root canal, we had a little negotiation. The deal? One root canal in exchange for a Nintendo Switch game! 🥹😂

Yes, that’s right. Some parents promise chocolates, some promise toys, and we apparently entered the world of gaming-based dental negotiations.

Since the Nintendo Switch had games like Mario and Zelda, my husband, my son, and I were all happily on board.

Our son got his dental treatment, and we got a new gaming opportunity. A win-win situation, if you ask me!

Who knew parenting could involve such creative bargaining? 😂

Nintendo Switch: Our Family Entertainment Centre! 🎮

Today, gaming is something our whole family enjoys together. We play Zelda adventures, Mario games, and Sports Party on our Nintendo Switch. Sometimes, it’s competitive. Sometimes, it’s chaotic. And sometimes, everyone suddenly becomes an expert who knows exactly what everyone else should have done!

My family enjoys playing Ludo on the iPad, but when it comes to video games, we take the fun to the big screen — the television! 😂🎮

And before anyone assumes that we spend the entire day glued to a screen, let me clarify something.

We are perfectly capable of completing our responsibilities on time, too! 😏

Household work, daily routines, and other responsibilities get done. We know how to manage our time. Gaming is our way of relaxing and enjoying ourselves together, not a replacement for real life.

We believe in getting things done and then enjoying our free time without feeling guilty about it.

After all, adulthood already comes with enough compulsory tasks. Why should entertainment become another one?

Getting Scolded for Gaming: A Lifelong Tradition! 😂

The funniest part is that I used to get scolded for playing video games as a child, and even now, I haven’t entirely escaped that tradition!

Apparently, growing up doesn’t automatically make your family stop telling you to get off the screen. Some things are passed down through generations, and some are simply repeated because they work. 😂

But honestly, I love how gaming has come full circle for me. What began as a childhood pastime with my brother has become something I now enjoy with my husband and son.

For me, nostalgic video games aren’t just about high scores or completing levels. They bring back childhood memories, remind me of simpler times, and give our family another reason to laugh together.

We do a little bit of everything — watching television, reading books, listening to music, taking care of our responsibilities, and making time for the things we love. And yes, that includes our family gaming sessions! 😂🎮

Because no matter how busy life gets, we always find time for a little Mario, Zelda, and some family fun. After all, responsibilities have their time, and gaming has its own happily reserved slot! 😏

Share Your First Video Game Memories!

Now tell me, what was your first ever video game? Was it Super Mario Bros., Contra, Road Fighter, or something else entirely?

Do you still play video games, or have you officially retired from your gaming days?

And here’s another question: does your family enjoy gaming together, too?

Share your memories in the comments. Let’s find out how many grown-ups are still happily holding on to their childhood gaming love!

Because video games for adults aren’t necessarily about refusing to grow up. Sometimes, they’re simply about remembering what makes us happy.

And as far as I’m concerned, growing up is compulsory. Giving up Mario and Zelda? Absolutely optional! 😂❤️

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Until The Next Whisper,

—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd | The Silent Stories That Speak to the Soul. All Rights Reserved.

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READ MORE :Childhood Memories I Had Forgotten

Fictional Characters | Two Extra Chairs for My Childhood

October 26, 2026
My Blogging Journey: Apparently, I’m Not Done Dreaming Yet!

What’s something you’ve done that you never thought you could?

My blogging journey has been anything but straightforward! Apparently, I have a habit of starting blogs and then letting life hijack them. 😂

Years ago, I started a travel blog, followed by a mom blog. One was supposed to take me places, and the other documented the joys of motherhood. Both had promising futures until real life walked in, dumped a mountain of responsibilities on my head, and said, “Cute little hobby you have there. Anyway, here’s your to-do list!”

And just like that, my blogs took an unexpected break. No farewell post, no retirement party. They simply disappeared into the background while I got busy with the business of being a grown-up. Honestly, nobody warned me that adulthood came with so many unpaid internships! 😜

My Blogging Journey: When Life Hit Pause on My Dreams

My blogs slowly faded into the background while life kept me busy with its usual circus. You know how it goes. You start the day with a plan, and by evening, your biggest achievement is remembering what you went into the kitchen for!

Somewhere between responsibilities, family, and the endless to-do lists, writing took a back seat. Not because I had run out of things to say. Oh, please! If anything, life was giving me enough material for several bestselling books. I just didn’t have the time to write them. 😂

But dreams are funny little creatures. You can ignore them for years, and one fine day, they come knocking again. Apparently, mine hadn’t received the memo that I was busy!

Enter Nihshabd! 🦋

After all those years, my blogging journey brought me back to writing with Nihshabd. ❤

I started sharing my thoughts again, one post at a time, never imagining that people would actually stop by to read them. And then came the views, the subscribers, and lovely people from different corners of the internet who found a little piece of themselves in my words.

Wait a minute. People are reading what I write? And they’re coming back for more?

Someone please inform my family. I may finally have an audience that doesn’t walk away halfway through my stories! 😂

Jokes apart, there’s something incredibly special about discovering that your words can make someone smile, think, or feel a little less alone. You may be sitting in one corner of the world, typing away in your own little bubble, completely unaware that someone else is nodding at your words on the other side of the screen.

And suddenly, this isn’t just about writing anymore. It’s about connection.

My Blogging Journey: Turns Out, I’m Not Done Yet!

What I never thought I could do wasn’t simply start another blog. It was find my way back to a part of myself I’d quietly tucked away while taking care of everything and everyone else.

Turns out, the girl with all those unfinished dreams wasn’t gone. She was just terribly busy being a grown-up. And honestly, I would like to file a formal complaint about how much work that involves! 😜

Today, I’m not chasing perfection or trying to make up for lost time. I’m simply enjoying my blogging journey, writing, creating, and discovering that it’s never too late to pick up an old dream and give it another chance.

My travel blog may have stopped travelling, and my mom blog may have gone into retirement, but Nihshabd is still here. Perhaps my blogs deserve a pension for all those years of service. 😂

Because sometimes, life doesn’t give you a brand-new beginning. It gives you a second chance at something you loved the first time.

And sometimes, all it takes is one little blog to remind you that you were never finished. You were just on a very long coffee break. ☕❤️

What About You?

Have you ever put a dream on hold because life got busy, only to find yourself returning to it years later?

Maybe it was writing, painting, travelling, learning something new, or simply doing something that made you feel like you.

Tell me your story in the comments. I’d genuinely love to hear it. ❤️

And if you’re sitting there thinking about that one dream you’ve been postponing, consider this your friendly nudge. You don’t need a perfect plan, unlimited time, or a sudden personality transplant to begin again. Sometimes, all you need is a little courage, a small first step, and a cup of coffee.

Here at Nihshabd, unfinished dreams are welcome. Mine have practically formed their own reunion group! 😂☕.🦋✨

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Until The Next Whisper,

—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd | The Silent Stories That Speak to the Soul. All Rights Reserved.

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READ MORE :Digital Fashion Illustration: My Creative Journey

Success in Life: What Really Matters?

Same Answer. Still. 😂

October 21, 2026
If Kiwi Could Talk, We’d Be in Trouble 😂

If your pet could talk, what would be the first thing it says?

If Kiwi could talk, I’m pretty sure food would be her first topic.

Not because she doesn’t have anything else to say, but because, honestly, why waste a perfectly good opportunity? 😂

Once that important matter was taken care of, I can already imagine her looking at me and saying, “Now take me to the park. And please don’t make the mistake of thinking I’m going there to walk. I’m going in your lap.”

Once we reached the park, though, she would suddenly become very independent. She would run around, explore everything, follow whatever caught her attention and do exactly what she wanted. And if we tried to control her, she would probably look at us as if to say, I was perfectly fine until you got involved. 😂

Then, once we were back home, it would be time for hide-and-seek. The rule is simple: we hide, Kiwi finds us. And somehow, she always looks so pleased when she finds us, as if she has just cracked a case that had the entire family fooled.

Her brothers would have one little rule to follow: stay away from Mumma. She may love them dearly, but apparently, loving your brothers and sharing your Mumma with them are two entirely different things. 🤭

And going anywhere without her? Not happening.

Wherever we go, Kiwi is coming along. She doesn’t need an invitation, a plan or even an explanation. If her people are going somewhere, she has already decided she is going too.

I sometimes wonder what made her so certain that the entire world revolves around her.

Then I look at her.

And realise she probably has a point. 🤭

Because maybe she isn’t spoiled at all.

Maybe she has simply mastered the art of being so ridiculously cute that saying no to her feels like a personal attack.

And that, I suspect, is how a tiny dog becomes the unquestioned princess of an entire household. 👑🐾🤍🦋

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Until The Next Whisper,

—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

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© NihshabdThe Silent Stories That Speak to the Soul. All Rights Reserved.

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READ MORE : Dog Who Understands Me Without Words: Meet Kiwi 🐾♥️, Some Companionships Don’t Need Words

September 9, 2026
The Movie That Made Me Cry Wasn’t a Movie After All 😂

What’s the last movie that made you cry?

The last movie that made me cry? Hmm… I wish I had a dramatic movie name to share here. 😂 But the truth is, I rarely give movies enough time to reach that emotional moment.

My Complicated Relationship With Movies 😂

My relationship with movies is a little complicated. I start a movie with full excitement, popcorn in hand (okay, sometimes only imaginary popcorn 😄), and after 5–10 minutes my attention politely walks out of the room. Sometimes I feel even my TV knows me well enough to switch off itself.

My Real Netflix Is WordPress and Jetpack

I’m not really a movie marathon person. These days, my real “Netflix” is WordPress and Jetpack. 😄 I spend my time reading people’s blogs, discovering their stories, knowing about their journeys, and getting lost in the beautiful world of words.

Honestly, there is something magical about reading a stranger’s thoughts and slowly knowing the person behind those words. Every blog feels like opening a small window into someone’s world.

Pinterest, Illustrations, and Endless Inspiration

And when I’m not reading blogs, you’ll probably find me wandering around Pinterest — collecting art inspirations, creating imaginary mood boards, saving beautiful illustrations, and convincing myself that “one more idea” won’t hurt. (Spoiler: it always does. My saved folder strongly disagrees. 😂)

When My Own Creations Make Me Emotional

Sometimes my own illustrations make me emotional. Not because they are that extraordinary (okay, let me pretend for a second 😜), but because there is a strange joy in looking at something and thinking, “Wow… this came from my imagination and my hands.” 😂

Maybe it’s the creator in me, but seeing a blank page turn into something meaningful feels like a tiny miracle every time.

So, the last movie that made me cry? I honestly don’t remember. But a heartfelt blog, a beautiful illustration, an old song, or a simple story from someone’s life can still stop me for a moment.

The Real-Life Comedy Drama That Made Me Cry 😋

And finally, when all these things are not enough to keep me entertained, I have one more source of unlimited drama… my husband. 😋

I go to him with random thoughts, unnecessary discussions, and my never-ending list of things to share. I keep disturbing him so professionally that sometimes he runs out of patience and I get a well-deserved scolding. 😂

And guess what? That is when I actually cry. 😭😄

So technically, the last “movie” that made me cry wasn’t a movie at all. It was a live-action comedy-drama starring me and my husband — no tickets required, daily episodes available, and the main character (me) still hasn’t learned her lesson. 😂

Maybe I’m not a movie person… maybe I’m a little more of a story-hunter, idea-collector, creator, and occasionally a professional husband-annoyer. ✨🦋😂

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Until the Next Whisper 🧿💕
—Rajeshwari

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© Nihshabd The Silent Stories That Speak to the Soul. All Rights Reserved.

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READ MORE : Favorite Song Lyric | The Soundtrack of My Life

The Awkward Truth About My “Favourite” TV Series

August 20, 2026
Dog Who Understands Me Without Words: Meet Kiwi 🐾♥️

Share a photo of your pet and tell us one thing that makes them uniquely them.

Meet Kiwi — the first member of Nihshabd. 🐾🤍 Kiwi is the dog who understands me without words. She came into my life at a time when I needed her the most. And ever since she arrived, somehow, everything good in our home has multiplied.

More laughter.
More masti.
More cuddles.
More love.

The Dog Who Understands Me Without Words 🐾

She has these beautiful little eyes that somehow say everything without saying a word. Kiwi truly is the dog who understands me without words, and maybe that’s why she became the first member of Nihshabd because she understands the language of silence better than anyone.

..

But Kiwi is totally different. 😂

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Kiwi Has Her Own Way of Being Brave 😂

For starters, she is the bravest dog I know… until she sees a community dog. 😅

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The moment one appears during our walks, while other pet parents proudly walk past with their dogs barking and showing off their strength, my Kiwi immediately jumps into our lap.

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“Ahhh… I’m safe now.” 😂

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And the moment she feels safely tucked into our arms, her confidence magically returns.

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Safe place secured. Power mode ON. 😅

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When It Comes to Mum, Kiwi Has Rules ❤️

She loves everyone dearly, but when it comes to my lap, there is an ongoing competition between Kiwi and my two sons. 😂

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Then there is her very strict rule:

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Nobody comes too close to Mum.

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Not even my boys.

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Kiwi Wants What the Kids Have 😂

And I’ve learnt one very important thing about her:

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Whatever belongs to my boys, belongs to Kiwi too.

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They get dressed up? She wants to get dressed up.
They get a new hairstyle? She wants her hairstyle done.
They wear T-shirts? Put one on Kiwi and watch her happiness! 😂

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She genuinely believes she is one of the kids—and honestly, we don’t have the heart to tell her otherwise. ❤️

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She loves her ball, running around, her crazy zoomies and, of course, being pampered.

My Four-Legged Emotional Support System 🐾

But her most special superpower is knowing when my emotional data is running low.

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She somehow senses it.

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She comes over, climbs into my lap, cuddles up and gives me her little hug.

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And just like that…

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Mood restored. ❤️

Some Souls Don’t Need Words 🤍

Kiwi isn’t just our pet.

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She is the jaan (life and soul) of our home, my little happiness package, my four-legged emotional support system and quite possibly the most pampered child in the family. 😂

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Some souls don’t need words.

They just look at you with those eyes, climb into your lap, and somehow say everything.

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That’s Kiwi.
Totally different. Totally ours. 🐾❤️

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Until the next whisper,
—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd by Rajeshwari

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More Whispers from Nihshabd 🤍

The Happiness Department | Happiness Myths and Everyday Joy

Some Companionships Don’t Need Words

Kiwi, My Little Magic…

Nature Is Calm… But My Imagination Is Not 😌🌿🐜My Dream Home (With My Feel, My Chaos, My Magic)

August 8, 2026
The Best Purchase I Ever Made

What is the best purchase you have ever made?

If someone asked me ten years ago, “What’s the best purchase you’ve ever made?” I probably would have said something sensible. Maybe jewellery. Maybe a good mixer grinder. (Let’s be honest, we all go through that phase.)

Today, my answer is surprisingly simple.

My iPad Pro.

Now, before you roll your eyes and think, “Oh great, another person obsessed with gadgets,” hear me out.

I didn’t buy it because I wanted to look cool. I bought it because I wanted to draw. Little did I know that this sleek piece of technology would quietly become my therapist, my sketchbook, my entertainment system, and occasionally, the reason for family arguments.

A few years ago, I was going through a difficult phase. I was quite unwell, and there were days when I didn’t feel like doing much of anything. When you’re sick for a long time, even your favourite hobbies begin to feel distant. That’s when my iPad stepped in.

Whenever I had a little energy, I picked up my Apple Pencil and started illustrating.

Something magical happened.

For those few hours, I wasn’t thinking about medicines, doctor’s appointments, or how miserable I felt. I was choosing colours, drawing outfits, creating faces, and getting completely lost in my own little world. It didn’t cure me, of course, but it certainly made the difficult days much easier to live through.

Even today, if someone in my family can’t find me, they don’t bother searching the entire house.

They simply look for the glowing rectangle.

There I am.

Drawing.

Experimenting with new brushes.

Or confidently telling myself, “Just five more minutes.”

We all know how that story ends.

Three hours later, I’m still sitting in exactly the same place.

My iPad has another important responsibility too.

It hosts our family Ludo matches.

Now, if you’ve never fought with your loved ones over someone sending your token back to the starting point, have you really experienced family bonding? We laugh, we argue, we accuse each other of cheating, and then we immediately start another game.

It’s become a family tradition.

Looking back, I realise I didn’t just buy a device.

I bought countless hours of creativity, laughter, distraction, and comfort.

Some purchases lose their excitement after a few weeks.

This one somehow became more valuable with time.

If I had to choose just one thing, my iPad Pro would always be the best purchase I ever made.

Without a doubt, my iPad Pro has been the best purchase I’ve ever made.

And yes… every other thing I’ve ever bought is probably feeling a little jealous.

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Until the next whisper,

—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd by Rajeshwari

July 23, 2026
I Had No Seat… Until a Stranger Gave Me His✨

Describe a random encounter with a stranger that stuck out positively to you.

To the strangers I never thanked… this is for you.

I didn’t have a seat.
Not even the “adjust a little” kind.

Holiday rush. Train packed like everyone suddenly remembered they have a home.

And me?
Standing there with my bag… and the consequences of my last-minute confidence.

There was a group on the side lower berth.
I stood nearby, pretending I was fine…
while mentally negotiating with the universe for 2 inches of space.

One of them noticed.

No speech. No drama.
Just “Sit.”

That small space felt like an achievement.

And then, later that night…
they did something I didn’t expect.

They gave up their seat so I could sleep.
And one of them spent the night near the door.

No introductions.
No “remember us.”
Nothing.

Just help… given like it was normal.

And the strange part?
I didn’t even say thank you.

But then I thought
this wasn’t the only time.

There have been so many strangers
who showed up quietly, helped without asking,
and disappeared before I could even process it.

So this is for all of them.

Not the loud ones.
The quiet ones.

The ones who make space…
without making it a big deal.

I hope
you never need help like that.

But if you ever do,
I hope someone shows up for you
the way you did for me.

Without thinking twice.

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A seat I didn’t have… and a kindness I won’t forget.

—Rajeshwari 🧿💕

© Nihshabd by Rajeshwari. All Rights Reserved

April 18, 2026
** What’s Your Favorite Thing to Cook (And do women ever truly have one?)**

What’s your favorite thing to cook?

People often ask me,

“What’s your favorite thing to cook?”

It sounds so simple.

But every married woman I know

gives that tiny one-second pause

before answering.

Because slowly, gently, without any drama,

her favourites start blending

with the needs, moods, and cravings

of the people she loves.

Mornings begin with

“What goes in my husband’s tiffin today?”

“Kids want something crispy?”

“Someone needs something light?”

And in those everyday moments,

our own choices quietly step back.

Not out of sadness…

just out of love.

We women are a little like salt 🧂

We dissolve.

We balance.

We blend into every flavour.

And sometimes forget

what our own flavour feels like.

But still

cooking remains our calm corner,

our comfort,

our softest way of caring.

My kitchen is where my heart breathes ❤️

Some mornings, I make

idli–vada–sambar,

with both onion chutney and groundnut chutney

simple food,

but so full of warmth.

Vadas and dahi vadas rarely betray me.

They turn out good most days,

so for a few minutes

I proudly behave like a mini MasterChef.

(My kids already call me “Chef Mumma”

especially when they want extra.)

Then there are the special-effort days

chole bhature with imli chutney,

crispy soulful parathas,

and of course,

the slow-cooked love of

rajma-rice.

Each dish fits a mood,

and somehow my heart knows

which day needs which plate.

South Indian meals — my whole kind of comfort 🌿

My everyday favourites:

modda pappu, rasam, poriyal, papad,

and an entire universe of chutneys (pachadi)

tomato, onion, okra, cabbage, Kandi pachadi, gongura, palak,

bottlegourd,sesame and so on…

Simple flavours.

But deeply soothing.

Banana Leaf — tradition, health, and a warm kind of love 🍃

South Indian food truly feels complete

only when served on a banana leaf.

When hot food touches the leaf,

a gentle natural aroma rises

a fragrance that makes the meal feel

a little more comforting.

But there’s more to it.

Banana leaves are rich in polyphenols

(the same antioxidants as green tea),

and when warm dishes are placed on them,

a tiny bit of that goodness

infuses into the food.

A full meal

rice, rasam, sambar, poriyal, chutneys, papad,

and a spoon of warm kheer at the end

feels like a small festival

even on an ordinary day.

Soft. Simple. Beautiful.

Winter… and my Masala Bhat ritual ❄️🍚

Winter in our home begins

the day I cook

Masala Bhat.

Fresh seasonal vegetables,

lightly fried,

mixed with rice

and my special secret masala,

finished with a gentle drizzle of ghee

that fills the whole house

with a warm, cosy fragrance.

And always

spicy tomato–hing chutney on the side.

It’s the kind of meal

that wraps you in comfort…

that makes you pause,

smile softly,

and feel a quiet happiness inside.

A winter hug.

A family ritual.

A little moment of joy.

Food and life… they taste similar 🍽️

A little sweet,

a little tangy,

a little salty,

a little comforting.

Never just one flavour.

And that’s what makes them beautiful.

Maybe we women are like that too

balancing everything

with a soft, steady heart.

So what’s my favourite thing to cook?

Honestly?

Anything that fits the moment.

Anything that suits the season.

Anything that makes the people I love

feel cared for.

And slowly, gently,

I’m learning to keep a small plate

just for myself too.

Because food like life

tastes complete

only when there’s a little bit of my own heart in it. 🌿

“Warm rice, soft dal, crisp papad… and the quiet comfort only a banana leaf can hold.”

February 2, 2026