Tuesday, December 23, 2025

A Clock that opens a doorway to ‘Time’ itself

A clock that opens a doorway to time itself. The quiet resurrection of a charm from yesteryears… 🍷

 Nearly 43 years old, this clock began its journey in 1982, bought from a small, shop called ‘Aradhana Times & Music House’ in Kottarakkara, Kerala—a shop that still exists today under a new name, Aradhana Tronics and Home Appliances. It first adorned the walls of our home in Kerala, marking ordinary moments that would one day turn into treasured memories.

In time, my father carried it with him to Bhutan. Later, in 1993, when he was transferred to Pune, the clock traveled once again and settled on the walls of our home in CW&PRS staff colony. Our entire school life passed to its rhythm. Every single hour, its familiar music filled the house, quietly shaping our days and anchoring our formative years.

From there, the clock moved with us—to Vishrantwadi, then to our rented house, then to my own home in Pune, and now finally to our home in Bangalore. For more than fifteen years, its music had fallen silent, yet we kept it close, letting time continue without its melody.


Today, lovingly repaired and fully restored, the clock sings again. My family now listens to the same hourly tune, and my 18-month-old baby dances joyfully to its music. There is a rare and profound happiness in watching another generation move to the very same notes that shaped our own growing years—a living bridge between past, present, and future.

And here’s a delightful little mystery the clock carries with it: if you look closely at the shop label on its back, the phone number printed there has only three digits. Telephone numbers moved from three to five digits by the mid-’50s, while the Ajanta Clock Company itself was founded in 1971. Which leaves us with a charming possibility—either Papa was sold an old stock that had been waiting patiently for its moment… or this clock is even older than we think and actually dates back to the 1970s 


Either way, it seems this clock has always been ahead of its time—quietly ticking through decades, memories, and generations.

Saturday, November 16, 2024

The Strums of Life – A Journey Through Memory, Faith, and Resilience

Life is a symphony, and each moment is a note that contributes to its melody. My new book, *The Strums of Life*, is a deeply personal exploration of this truth—a collection of stories, reflections, and lessons from a life woven with the threads of love, resilience, and faith.


The Inspiration Behind *The Strums of Life 


*The Strums of Life* was born from a simple yet profound realization. As I began to recount the events and memories that shaped me, I discovered an intricate connection between them. What seemed like isolated moments were, in fact, part of a larger, divinely orchestrated plan. This realization compelled me to write—not just for myself, but for anyone seeking meaning in the seemingly mundane chapters of their own lives.  


What to Expect  


The book is a tapestry of vignettes that span decades, taking readers on a journey through my childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Each chapter delves into pivotal moments, from the innocence of village life to the challenges of navigating change, the grace of strangers' kindness, and the strength found in enduring friendships.  


Some highlights include:  


- **“Lost and Found at Almost Four”**: A tale of childhood resilience and the unexpected kindness of a stranger who became a lifelong memory.  

- **“The Grand Old Brick Factory and a ‘Teacher’”**: Nostalgic reflections on the simplicity of village life and the wisdom imparted by a humble teacher.  

- **“A Praying Mumma & the Whispers of Rubber Plantations”**: A heartfelt tribute to my mother’s unwavering faith and the spiritual foundation it provided.  

- **“Moments of Truth: Mischief, Chastisement, and Grace”**: A candid look at the lessons learned from youthful mistakes and the redemption that followed.  


Each story is rich with detail, weaving personal anecdotes with universal themes of growth, gratitude, and grace.  


A Unique Blend of Reflection and Storytelling  


One of the distinguishing features of *The Strums of Life* is its integration of spiritual insights with everyday experiences. Biblical references are seamlessly woven into the narrative, offering readers a lens through which to view their own lives. These passages are not just scriptural commentary but meaningful connections to the struggles, joys, and revelations we all encounter.  


Why This Book Matters  


In an age where life often feels rushed and fragmented, *The Strums of Life* invites readers to pause and reflect. It’s a reminder that every experience—whether joyful, painful, or mundane—has a place in the larger story of who we are becoming. The book celebrates the beauty of imperfection, the strength of human connection, and the profound ways faith can guide us through life’s uncertainties.  


A Message for Readers  


This book is for anyone who has ever:  

- Wondered about the purpose behind life’s challenges.  

- Longed to find meaning in their memories.  

- Sought inspiration to navigate their own journey.  


*The Strums of Life* is a celebration of the moments that shape us, the people who inspire us, and the divine hand that guides us through it all.  


An Invitation  


As you turn the pages of *The Strums of Life*, my hope is that you will find echoes of your own story within mine. May these reflections serve as a gentle reminder that life, in all its complexity, is a symphony worth embracing.  


Join me on this journey of discovery and introspection. Together, let’s find the music in life’s strums.  


Where to Buy  


*The Strums of Life* is now available on Amazon. Whether you prefer a physical book to hold in your hands or the convenience of an eBook, this collection is waiting to become part of your own story.