Coffee Plants and Endless Thoughts!

In the edges of the unknown, suspended, flooded, Dangling on ropes of despair, weary and bloodied, Scars of yesteryears etched deep in skin and bones, Like Hale-Bopp fading alone through the heliosphere’s zones. Hopes withered, ropes tightened, breath caught in the deep, I sank into shadows, into silence, into sleep. No cause, no reason, no anchor in sight, A drifting soul lost, swallowed by night. The dance of fate left, tunes of love turned obscure, The last spark of matches burnt; nothing left to cure. It was only me, looping in pain, A hollow echo, a heart bound in chains. Then you came, like a rose, thorns sharp, petals soft, Gentle and radiant, like light descending aloft. Your heart reached into the dark, tender and true, Fishing me out, letting my spirit renew. Like a Dahlia sprouting from earth to the sun, Fearless, unyielding, a new life begun. You are the quiet glow in the coldest of nights, The whispered warmth that makes all wrongs right. Every smile, every word, a soft re...

My mind lay captive to its restless thought, The rivers ceased their journey to the sea. Time stood still as night in silence wrought, The rains lashed on, the floods consumed me. My body lay unmoving, carved in grief, My soul drifted lightly with the breeze. The air grew thin, each breath a thief, The tunnel’s light dimmed, lost with ease. A point of no return loomed close in sight, I lingered there, with no will to fight. Darkness, my old friend, embraced me tight Life held no meaning, only endless night. I was engulfed in despair’s cruel snare, Longing for a peace that was never there. Floating within the four walls of pain, I gazed at a world I could not claim. A tug-of-war between life and death, I yielded to the God who steals each breath. Sinking into the Unknown’s domain, Yet a smile spread across my face, despite the pain.

Standing at the edge of the moving train, Between the realms of entrain and detrain, The soothing sun kissed my skin with warmth— It set beyond the west coast horizon, slow. Life trembled in the cradle of my palms— Both life and death, a matter of grip and slip. The red arid land, tilled and blooming with breath, Coconut, palm, and mango trees scattered in rhythm. Powerless wires pulsed with quiet fury, While motionless tracks ran wild beside me, Reflecting silver light—mellow yet piercing— As shrubs danced in the warm wind’s whisper. The journey stretched beyond the yonder, Carrying souls like feathers to their doorsteps yet Ponder, This train, like life, shared one start and one end, Moving us forward, each with our silent ache. The summer sun flaunted its golden pride As leaves turned color in surrender and silence. The pages of old books fluttered in remembrance— Of lives unread, yet deeply lived. We cannot leave too soon, nor linger too long; The world around us carved rules in st...

They saw a smile  but never asked what cracked behind the curve. The crescent moon— a sliver of light draped in red, shining like a bruise in the sky— just like him. He wore kindness like armor, but it rusted under ridicule. Called names— Emo, Geek, Closeted, Freak. Bullied by the world, mocked in the safe space, silenced at home. Where emotions were met with, "Man up. Grow up." as if crying were a crime and silence a solution. He was told his pain was weakness. That his softness made him pathetic. That if he wanted to survive, he needed a thick skin— while they sharpened their knives and laughed behind his back. They told him women are too emotional but gave no space for men to feel. They called him a disappointment when he broke, then blamed him for breaking. They said, "You’re just sensitive." as if sensitivity were a flaw, as if rage wasn’t their own legacy wrapped in silence and passed down like inheritance. He kept words instead of weapons, hoping words...

The sunshine trickled through the window’s embrace Mango blossoms cascaded 'neath the tree’s green lace Highrise sentinels rose in the urban sprawl Amidst the symphony of grasses, standing tall The march of rain, mornings draped in mist’s veil Roads unwinding beneath the sun’s steady trail Days reborn, nights ancient, ghosts unbidden Unwilling to release, the past is hidden Cars swarm the roads, an ant-like parade Life moves on, in soft hues, memories fade Morning mist mingles with the golden rays Paths stretch long, both known and unknown ways Solitude on the road, a peaceful, quiet shower Music’s embrace, a comforting power Soft drizzle, a warming touch in the cold air Winter slows, giving way to spring’s care The summer sun peeks from behind a cloud’s veil Seasons shift, and time tells its tale Morning’s glory, another fresh start in sight But shadows remain, soft, yet full of might

A conversation poured from tender hearts, Lingering in melancholy's gentle embrace, A space where vulnerability meets laughter, A friendship matured in the cradle of trust. We spoke of life's intricate nuances, Love and every fleeting sense between, Still reeling from the ache of yesteryears, I bared my soul to the chill of acceptance. The sunset brushed against our skin, Curtains danced and clocks kept time, Moments hung suspended in the air, Lessons learned, bridges unburned. Sorrow curved into a smile upon my lips, Laughter mingled freely with the setting sun, Lavender-scented winds whispered serenity, Life's lessons etched in fragrant memories. In life, moving on isn't a tidy end, The past lingers, painting our minds and days, Yet, therein lies its precious authenticity, Moments to pluck, to hold in purest honesty. The past, a tapestry of ancient tales, Valued in its raw, unadorned truth, Moments cherished, untouched by time, An ode to life's enduring purity.

Sunset Stroll on Rue le Marine Roads adorned with bougainvillea’s glow, Their petals whispering secrets we’ll never know. The sunset draped the sea in hues of fire, Each wave, a note in a hymn of desire. Beside me, she walked—serene and true, An aura so radiant, my heart just knew. The salty air carried her laughter, her voice, A melody that made my soul rejoice. As the waves kissed the shore in their endless race, She asked, with a smile etched on her face: “Can kindness and truth ever be weighed?” Her words lingered, a gentle cascade. I wondered then if fate held the key, A roulette wheel pausing just for me. The songs and sunsets wove a spell, In her presence, my guarded walls fell. That night, sleepless but awake in bliss, Replaying the moments I would forever miss. Bougainvillea now bears her name, A symbol of a day never the same. Yet, my only regret, a touch not dared, Hands untaken, feelings spared. I don't believe in destiny—at least, not yet, But perhaps this bloom is no ...

Life is a questionable myth, and the world, a mystery, An insignificant existence, hidden from history. Humbled and bundled into the universe's embrace, With nothing but the mind, hanging by a fragile trace. The cold winter night passed, leaving me hollow, As I lay in my room, staring into the endless shadow. The world remained dark, yet my mind burned bright, Sifting grains of reality from the ocean's vast might. Nature gifted ways to free my vulnerable soul, Dragging it from the confines of my body's control. Plants and fungi, a symbiosis breaking sensory chains, Binding me in oneness with all that remains. A journey that shattered my ego, burying its boast, Revealing truths beyond life's narrated ghost. No battle to fight, but surrender to vast epochs of truth, Suspended between delusion and wisdom's root. Confusion raged: what is real, and what is not? I sought peace, closing my eyes, a heart distraught. Transported to a transient plane of wisdom and lore, Where...

"A blend of Andaman, Kanyakumari, with a dash of France curated on a plate." Simplifying SAKARÉ in one statement is no easy feat. However, because of the friendship Jenny and I share, I was privileged to get a sneak peek into her journey. SAKARÉ might have started in Bangalore, but I was introduced to it in a quaint little neighborhood in Chennai. A multitude of cultures has inspired Jenny and her passion for baking. Back in 2016, I met this quirky and charming junior from law school. We quickly realized we shared a common heritage in Kanyakumari, but nothing else seemed to align. Yet, over time, our shared interest in the culinary arts—an essential distraction from the rigors of law—and a few secrets I dare not reveal, fostered a deep mutual respect and friendship between us. From the humble shores of Andaman to the bustling streets of Bangalore, SAKARÉ’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Set in a brick house nestled in a serene green neighborhood in Bangalore, SAKARÉ ...

Tucked away in the quiet suburbs of Pallavaram, Chennai, Buddha Hut is a hidden gem that feels like a secret waiting to be discovered. Covered beneath the shade of a sprawling tree, the café radiates an old-world charm, with antique art scattered across its walls, setting a serene and almost nostalgic ambiance. The location itself is a bit of a mystery — not immediately visible to the passerby, but once you find it, you’re drawn into its warm embrace, away from the hustle of the city. For the past fifteen years, Buddha Hut has been a sanctuary for grilled sandwich enthusiasts. The food here isn't just about taste; it's about an experience. Every bite of the grilled sandwich is a slow, deliberate journey — the cheese oozes out in a perfect pull, melting effortlessly in your mouth, leaving you craving more. If you're lucky enough, you might be greeted by the café's resident cat, adding a homely touch to the already comforting atmosphere. The menu is refreshingly simple,...

It is the one thing we all have in common, the prize for being slaves to time. I know no art or heart, only words and words alone, empty, meaningless vocabulary crying out and withering in pain. The question that haunts me at this late hour is appalling: death is neither a beginning nor an end. Don’t we all die, but why? Why do we always question death? Is it life that accompanies death, or is death the consequence of life? I ponder aimlessly, finding neither answers nor the courage to seek them out. This burgeoning, evil bastard does not acknowledge our existence. Did we have a choice in birth, or do we have a choice in death? What have life and death come to? Some deaths kill us from within, and some deaths heal us. The deaths of others often end up killing us from the inside, yet the death of oneself is the one and only thing that heals. This futile state this choice less, senseless phase called existence seems meaningless. What is death? Who gets to decide death? Is death the only ...

The improbable convergence of "identity," and "life" in a single sentence seems almost surreal. Yet, against all odds, it happens. This past year has been a tumultuous journey, to put it mildly. I've battled demons from my past, grappling with thoughts that threatened to derail my career and obscure my sense of self. It was an ongoing struggle against my own mind, a battle where I often felt lost and adrift. I wrestled with shame and internal conflict, facing skepticism and even disgust from my own family. To provide context, I've decided to abandon discretion and speak my truth, both to myself and those around me. While I'm proud of the battles I've fought, today I find myself here—dejected, disappointed, yet somehow still grasping at shards of happiness, whispering to myself, "I'm proud, and it will be okay." In August 2023, I received a diagnosis of clinical depression. For two months, I denied that anything was wrong, struggling to ...

The blue skies open in warm embrace anew For me it is melancholic and gloomy blue For you it shines bright like spring and florets Each of us in our corner living in contrast Our lives stay parallelly intertwined in history Profound memories they hang by a thread The spring florets withering in my gloomy sky Wounded scarred and scathing I lay rest A part of me wants to know if I was wrong A part of me bruised and bleeds curses The sweet and sour contours of love missed The agony, pain and adverse state of mind I am the broken and cursed tenant of time Battling in wars within and hiding away The war mongering thoughts of you leaving Pain surging from every breath and bone The sodomy of truth drowns me in guilty pain Questioning unto my everyday life profoundly The last bit of life in me still yearns for you Hoping the universe turns back it's clock  

  Beneath the sway of ocean waves, A sea of contradictions paves. Untraveled roads in silence lay, As divergent paths lead us away.   You bask in hues of azure's grace, While I seek solace in dark space. Your love for berries sweet and bright, Contrasts with my bitter, moonless night.   Your eyes alight with sunlight's gleam, While shadows cloud my every dream. To the world, you're joy's epitome, Yet in my eyes, no Fauntleroy, you be.   You wear whites and roseate hue, While I'm draped in black, askew. Your attire pressed with perfect care, Mine, crumpled in disheveled air.   Your smile, a set of pearls so fine, Mine, a curve tinged with pain's design. You dance with grace, without a stumble, While I falter, in doubt, I crumble.   You were my dawn, my dusk, my all, Leaving me adrift, lost in my thrall. You were my joy, my sorrow's song, Leaving me with shadows long.   In the mirror's void, I s...

  Walking through the Streets and climbing down the Stairs Following the aura of the brunette hair and the slaying smile You turn around and smirk while I could do nothing but smile. Dark green print, checkered shirt and shining nose, pierced.   I knew something instantly, a calling from the depths within The magical tide that gravitated me closer to you ever so slow I completely lost myself and followed you, pursuing aimlessly. Seeking just a word and a glimpse of that voice uttered by those lips.   The market streets crumbled behind me like a paper as I passed. The crinkling sound and the distorted pictures shadowed me. The aura that lay ahead of me remained picturesque in your beauty. While the chaos behind me continued to crumble and disintegrate.   The relative effects of time breached the laws of physics and failed. I stood amongst the corroded stairs looking at you and smiling. The summer sun seeping through the clouds illumin...

  How much longer? Will the pain ever subside? I question! My absurdist mind of mine lingers aimlessly in chaos. Thus, paving thoughts of destiny and death in dance.   Words of the devil sing to the tunes of my pain within.   What am I doing? Where am I heading? I question! Aimless as my life might be, the goal is the end but nay. The direction of the least faithful and most chaotic. I am sinking within the thoughts of my own demise.   Who am I truly? What do I want in life? I question! Mirror of truth is a reflection I detest because of the truth. Purpose within and beyond the realms remain muddled. I am unclear and confused about the purpose, past and present.   What is Love? Am I unlovable forever? I question! The alien and oblivious concept of love is Greek and Latin. The far reaches of the universe ask me more questions. The answers are shrouded in mystery, and I know none.   What is Life? Does an answer exist? I...

  I stood on the Shores of the east coast of Bay of Bengal. Listening to the Artistic dance of the waves crashing. The songs of the winds dancing over the sands. The blue waters churn into a galaxy of milky white.     The indentations of history the shores dearly held. Are literally a memory in the sands of time everlasting. The dunes carved by the flow of winds and men. As the shells and crabs adored the dunes aplenty   The sun provided the much-needed warmth to comfort. The winter clouds canopied above the horizon. The blue waters painted the skies in their own image. The surface below and above teaming with life.   The ocean has always been a place of reassure for me. A sense of warm hug at the times of uncertainty. The breeze friend that I can always count on till I die. A picturesque representation of a mind, my mind.   Empty above, but teaming with life within, in the dark. Vast and lonely away from the maiden...