Five regrets of the dying

 An ultra fascinating read by Bronnie Ware who had spent a lot of time working as a caregiver to dying people at their homes. During their last days, these people shared a lot of stories and regrets they carried with them. This book encapsulates all of that in the most beautiful of ways.

The departing souls regretted of not being true to themselves, of having worked too hard, of not having the courage to express, of losing track of the loved ones and of not allowing themselves to be happier. At the end, all that mattered was how joyfully they could live and how true to themselves they had been. Apart from being greatly spiritual and intriguing, the book is phenomenally written. I would definitely not regret in saying this -one of the best ones I have ever read.

Perpetual yearnings

It had been a while since I had taken a class/lecture and ergo after continuously speaking for almost two hours, I could feel the texture of my voice had degraded. It was almost time so I asked them if they had any questions. An elderly person stood up and enquired,"I am too old for the exam but can I come to your classes for getting knowledge?".

It was a pleasant surprise to see him there. I have seen old people running marathons. I have seen them clearing exams. I have seen them starting new careers after retirement. It is inspiring to witness the perpetual yearning to learn, expand and conquer. "Absolutely, most welcome", I told him.

Rainbow-esque Persona

 As we approached her almost complete PMAY house, she welcomed us with a beaming smile. On hearing our appreciation for the timely construction, her smile broadened. "When are you planning to colour it?", I asked. "Soon, but what colour should I use as per the regulation?", she enquired.

The innocence made all of us smile. Her joyful personality made me question my inquiry. When you have a person radiating happiness to such extent, the whole house is already lit with all colours of a rainbow. That house without colour suddenly seemed the most colourful ever. But, of course, we told her to select the one of her liking.

The Good Blot

 Every time when I sit down to tie the laces of my black sports shoes, these couple of contrasting white blots grab my attention. I tried to get rid of them but they persisted. Aye, they compromise the aesthetics, but I don't mind.

They represent my amateurish attempt at painting a house. We were painting the PMAY house of a specially abled beneficiary. It was community work and the place was lit with volunteers. It brings back those wonderful memories. As my nostalgia dominates the hollow idea of aesthetics, I don't mind them at all. They are, the good blot!

The Great Gatsby

Touted to be the greatest American fiction novel of the 20th century. Well, it's been more than 100 years now. In the era of romanticism, this yes would have felt magical. That was perhaps a time when people could not differentiate between obsession and love.

Gatsby's contrasting romanticism in times were money power was starting to spread it's wings, is still relevant today. But the modern reader craves for much more. The gradual build up is perhaps quintessential in these times. So then, only for those, who like to romanticise, with the romantic era of literature