Opinion

  Its a little cold, but not enough for a sweater. Diwali light are off and the sky is dismal and droopy. Time to escape into books and shows. I need some cozy October vibes to keep me going. I have just reading 'Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife' by Deston J Munden. It seems to be second, second chance at life story which I'm excited to delve into.   I'm also watching a lot of cozy shows. Specifically cozy anime. I find cozy shows by and large talk down to their audience but anime takes their audience seriously. Anyway on to the recommendations. First one is - 'Saints Power is Omnipotent'. It has capable intelligent leads and great world-building. Synopsis- A woman is pulled into a world of magic and demons by a summoning ritual. They are looking for a saint to help them get rid of said demons. What follows is a slow build up of the world as she finds new routines and learns about this new world, its society and the people around her. There is no cliché ...

  Maudster had to go to the shop today. She dreaded these visits. The shop that was closest and most convenient to visit also had a most unpleasant old man as its keeper. He commanded his tools with in a very dismissive manner. Unfortunately, though he was thorough. “Ugh Pebbles, Jinx this is literally all your fault. you broke all the good bottles and I have none to keep new plant specimens in” Pebbles looked at her disdainfully like this complaint wasn’t worth her time. Jinx flattened his ear looking down pretending to be sorry. At least jinx tried to mollify her even though she could see the unrepentant sparkle in his eyes. Oh well no use putting of the inevitable. She put on her walking shoes, carried as much change as she could. Old Man Traun insisted on it. It was so unfair she was a long-time customer and he always had change. Her bad mood carried her to the Tipsy Topsy   whimsical name from the grumpy shopkeeper. People have layers.     Ther...

  Growing up in a complicated family dynamic makes you very sensitive to conflict. A slight glance, a clipped gesture, even a hanging silence—the atmosphere shifts, and you can feel it in the back of your neck. So when one sibling talks to his brother in barely controlled irritation, and a daughter-in-law avoids her mother-in-law’s gaze, we sensitive folk feel it like beetles under the skin. Result two sisters forcing smiles. Welcome to the setting of our Diwali. I guess Diwali or any festival for that matter, forces us to interact and work together. Even if you have avoided someone all year you have to tell them to get ready, come for puja, greet guests, or simply sit down to eat. This is enough to force hidden dynamics to the surface. Scene 1, backstory- An elder brother who has taken the helm of all family finances. The younger brother while hasn’t helped has opinions. Although irked the elder one has largely ignored this. Today however younger brother wants sweets and d...