Foodie, Moodie, Broodie.
The statement, “Tell me something about yourself” always freezes me. Like how do I define myself in a few sentences strung together? It especially makes me nervous too, because it takes me back to my job hunting days and the countless interviews I gave.
After three decades of life experience on this planet, I still haven’t mastered the art of talking about myself, but I’ll try.
Hi, I’m Manali Desai.
I’m a 32-year-old, happily married (huh?) woman (still a girl at heart). We do not have any children (at least not any that we’re aware of).
Because, what is life without these?
1. Alarm clock
n. The most hated electronic device.
2. Toothbrush
n. an excuse to look at yourself in the mirror.
The way to move ahead and get out of this vicious circle was clear in her mind.
Trigger Warning: sexual assault
Akshay tapped gently on Kaya’s shoulder to get her attention. Before he could say anything, Kaya violently jerked his hand away and shouted angrily, “Hey! Don’t touch me without my permission!”
Akshay was mildly embarrassed at such a reprimand and more so because everyone working around had turned their heads curiously to see what had caused such a reaction from Kaya.
Akshay immediately apologized and said, “Sorry to have caught you by surprise. I just wanted to ask; shall we go for lunch?”
Kaya immediately felt guilty about her outburst and said, “I’m so sorry, Akshay…
Because feminism has become so synonymous with man-hating
Dear men,
Yes, I’m a feminist. And the first thought that probably came to your mind was, “Oh! she must hate all men.”
So, let me begin by saying, no I don’t. And yes, I do. No, because I was raised by a man, grew up with another, and am now happily married to one. So, no I don’t hate all men.
And yes, because, I do have strong opinions and animosity against those who think women are inferior to men. This, however, is irrespective of the gender of that person. …
Stories that connect and reflect.
My ratings: 4.7/5
A collection of 5 short stories titled Life: A Roller Coaster Ride!, Quarantined With Family, Dream Or Nightmare, Neetu & Aja, and Beyond Borders- A story of a couple- Uncle John and Aunt Meenu whose love has withstood time; each beautifully depicting life’s varied colors and teaching us some amazing lessons too.
Book Blurb (as on Amazon):
‘Five Petals’ is a work of fiction & is a collection of short stories capturing different emotions like, betrayal, humour, adventure, expectation & trust. The stories help the readers to get a peek into the lives of the main characters…
A truly cathartic and epiphanic read.
The more answers he got, the further his destination became
Book blurb:
Adi, a soft rebel with a strong mind, challenged the world with his smile. Nila, an innocent girl with a beautiful heart, loved the world with all she had. Love sparkled in the mountains when Adi’s adrenaline lost to Nila’s serenity. Life struck them hard when Adi woke up to a rude shock. His Nila had disappeared and his memories were lost in an accident that Adi cannot recollect. With memories betraying him, he trusts his love to lead him to Nila. Running against time, he felt truth closing in from all directions. The more answers he got…
Because inspiration comes through the words and works of well-known poets and authors.
Rough English translation :Even if there are mighty trees all around you,
Let them be shady, let them be huge,
But, even for the shade of a single leaf,
Beg not, beg never, ask never!
The path of fire you shall tread! The path of fire! Yes, That Path of Fire!
You shall never tire,
You shall never slow down,
You shall never turn back,
This oath you will take today!
This oath you will fulfil in your life!
Take this oath!
And walk the Path of Fire, every single day!
The oath of fire! Yes, That Path of Fire!
What greater spectacle,
Then to see such a man walk,
Who in tears, sweat and…
Your Daily Dose of Humor
Gone are the days when pick-up lines were used in bars.
Thanks to Covid-19, virtual dates have become the new normal.
It is the age where chat conversations happen before the actual first date. One such popular chat stop for eligible bachelors is Tinder. Just getting a match does not guarantee a date on this popular dating app though. Once matched, you need to swipe right, and then comes the chatting option.
Here opens up Pandora’s box of witty, funny, cheesy, obnoxious, and all sorts of pick-up lines. In order to impress each other, Tinder users' creativity levels hit the…
The truth can sometimes be a disturbing self-revelation.
My Rating: 3.6/5
Plotline: Daniel has had a difficult childhood. He goes through therapy and slowly gets better. However, he still suffers from short-term memory loss. Things begin to get better after he falls in love and marries Karen. Their marital bliss gets hampered when Karen goes missing one day. A body matching her appearance and clothes is found at a park. Daniel refuses to believe that it’s Karen. If it, then who murdered her?. If it isn’t, where is she? …
A light-hearted story of self-discovery
A coming of age, short read that delves into the lives of two extremely opposite individuals.
My ratings: 3.8/5
Meera is a runaway bride, who escapes from the clutches of wedlock she knew she’d not be happy in. She lands up at the doorstep of her once BFF, Priya, who helps her land a job as a receptionist at her brother’s hotel in Mussoorie. Meera befriends Sid, one of the esteemed guests here. As they grow closer, Meera’s past catches up to her. Will she have to run again?
Book blurb (as on Amazon):
The chirping of the birds was her haven,
She dreaded a blink and it will all disappear
Till now, twenty-four-year-old Meera’s life…
A Rustic Mind (Manali Desai)
Poet, Author, Editor, Blogger, Freelance Writer & Book Reviewer @ arusticmind.com/
