Alena's Euphoric Quill

Waking up to bursting sounds, Walking up to the sighting grounds, I explore the magic of colors— Blue, red, and green. To the left, I see golden sparkles, To the right, silver ones gleam. I see it all with my heart filled, With flames of festivity and joy. On the terrace I stand, And realize how beautiful it is To watch families laugh together, To light and crackle in delight. Today is Diwali, A festival I don’t celebrate, But one I’ve loved all my life, For it marks my day of colors. Every year I wait and wait, To hear the cracks and see the lights Sparkling across the plain dark night sky, I love this day, and I wait for the next.

A beautiful thick satin cloth, Embracing itself into a folded hug, By pushing a string forward, And pulling the other backwards. By a gentle force of harmless power, Surely It does take time and effort, Of Blissful soft tender hands, To get it to embrace itself.  Wanna be that hand of love? Wanna be that pillow of knots? Wanna be a bond maker? After pulling up it comes, A pretty figure with equal sides, Round, pink and shiny it was, This is what I wear day after day. A bow of embrace, A bow of love, A bow of bonding , A bow of beauty. I graces me with beauty and elegance, In true harmony with my inner self. 

We all have busy, tiring days filled with responsibilities and aspirations in life and career. Amidst these packed schedules, it's essential to find out time for self-care. At least once, we need to slow down, look around, and live in the present, instead of constantly looking to the future. Taking even a single day to unwind and find peace can be invaluable in the fast-paced journey of life. It might not seem possible to pause and reflect, especially when you’re on a train that represents the relentless pursuit of work, studies, and career goals. But even as we move forward, we should make time for simple moments of mindfulness. Whether it’s setting aside a few minutes each day for activities that bring joy, spending time with loved ones, or just relaxing with music or a hobby, these small breaks can refresh our outlook and add balance to our lives. After all, life isn't just about reaching the next destination; it's also about enjoying the journey. Embracing these moments...

This is an appreciation post for a stranger who came to my rescue today. On my way back from college, I had a pack of milkshake with me. I’d bought it two weeks ago, but since I had a cold, I never got around to drinking it. The pack, unfortunately, had a paper cover, which had soaked through over time and suddenly started spilling everywhere, bursting at the seams. My bag got stained, and I was at a loss, with only a few tissues that couldn’t contain the leak. That’s when I realized I had an angel sitting right next to me. She must have been in her 50s. Without a second thought, she took out a cover from her bag and handed it to me, helping me manage the milkshake mess. Despite having many things inside her cover, she chose to give the cover to me, selflessly. She even helped me clean the sticky milkshake off my hands, even though I told her she didn’t have to. This beautiful act of kindness from a lovely stranger reminded me that there’s still so much goodness in the world. It wasn’t...

In my hands, a humble, sturdy friend, A gentle warmth that seems to mend, With whispers of mornings soft and slow, And tales of dawn’s gentle, amber glow. Its rim holds memories, sips of grace, Moments of pause in a busy chase, Silent comfort in a crowded room, A steady light through fleeting gloom. It’s chipped and worn, yet strong it stands, A testament to gentle hands, That lift it up, day after day, As worries melt and fade away. Oh, coffee mug, with stories deep, In you, my quiet secrets keep, A faithful cup, my dawn's embrace, In every sip, a peaceful place.

My mom means the world to me. She has been my biggest source of support, lifting me up through every trial and cheering me on through every success. She's my safe place, my constant guide, and the heart that grounds me when life gets tough. Every sacrifice she's made and every quiet strength she’s shown is a gift that I carry with me, reminding me what it means to be truly loved. Her smile, her warmth, her encouragement are all the treasures that fill my heart and keep me going. She is selfless, talented, calm, genuine and everything one could hope for. In every way that matters, she has it all. There’s no one quite like her, and today I celebrate not just her birthday but every moment of love and care she’s poured into my life. My mom is my everything. When I look back on my life, every memory feels woven with her warmth and kindness. She’s always been my biggest fan and my unbreakable shield against the world’s toughest moments. No matter what I do, to her, it seems like the ...

Growing up, I believed in simple things. I thought kindness was just kindness, and laughter was as honest as it sounded. It wasn’t until I grew older that I noticed the cracks in this worldview, like faint lines drawn around the faces of people I’d known forever. The reality slowly began to seep in: many of those smiles were polished for display, a lot of kind gestures were just hidden transactions, and words were sometimes just fillers, empty of meaning. Even recently, I encountered a person getting appreciated and complimented for their work but the same people who complimented them were the ones who talked behind their back criticizing their work. Why can't they just talk to each other Sometimes, I’d see people helping others, and my heart would lift, thinking there’s goodness in the world. But now, I find myself wondering if the help is genuine or just an opportunity to appear generous. The line between the two has become blurred. The way people take to social media to share ev...

In a world that often feels rushed and prejudiced, making someone’s day better can be a simple yet powerful act of kindness. From my experience, it doesn’t take grand gestures to brighten someone’s mood. Even small, thoughtful actions can create a huge effect of positivity. Here’s a personal guide on how to bring a smile to someone’s face, based on what I’ve learned along the way. Step 1. Start with a Genuine Smile It sounds cliché, but the power of a smile is immense. Whether it’s greeting a classmate in the morning or smiling at a stranger on the street, this simple act has the ability to set the tone for someone’s day. I remember one particularly tough day in college when a friend smiled at me and asked how I was. That small moment of acknowledgment lifted a heavy weight off my chest. A smile can say, "I see you, and you really matter." Step 2. Listen to hearts Listening is an underrated act of kindness. In today’s world, people are often too busy to listen with full atten...

 Music has been my biggest companion when I am happy, sad, overwhelmed, or angry. It calms my nerves and makes me forget my stressful moments. From as far back as I can remember, music has been a source of comfort and escape. It has this incredible ability to take me away from the present moment, especially when I feel like the world around me is too much to handle. During moments of happiness, music amplifies my joy. I love putting on a playlist full of my favorite upbeat songs when I’m feeling carefree. It feels like those melodies lift my mood even higher, turning an ordinary moment into something memorable. Whether it’s dancing around in my room or singing along to a catchy chorus, music has this way of elevating my good times. I have an eye for the lyrics as well. I tend to search for up for the meanings of the songs that I listen to if its a language that I don't quite understand.  On the flip side, music has also been my refuge when I’m feeling down. When I’m sad or hur...

  Today has been the best birthday ever, and I can't stop smiling! The morning began with the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee, made with love by my mom. She surprised me with a beautiful dress that instantly became one of my favorites. My dad followed with a gift box filled with decadent chocolates, and my brother, knowing me too well, handed me my favorite chips, such simple yet thoughtful gestures that filled me with joy. When I got to college, I was greeted with warm hugs and heartfelt birthday wishes from everyone. Messages poured in, not just from friends at college but also from people I hadn’t expected, old schoolmates, friends from church, and even people I hadn't spoken to in a while. Their kindness and love made the day feel even more special, and I couldn't help but feel so blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people.  One of the highlights was a heartfelt handmade letter from my best friend, Angel. It wasn’t just any letter; she had crafted it in...

My eyes reveal a weary tale, Of struggles fought and strength grown frail, Illnesses that wore me thin, Yet, I bore them with a quiet grin. For all of this, though strange it seems, Was meant to be, like distant dreams. Through every storm, I tried to stand, A weary heart, but steady hand. I crave the peace that sleep can bring, But my restless mind takes wing. Yet today, the clouds withdrew, And joy, in me, bloomed anew. I feel a freshness in my face, A lightness time cannot erase, All because my parents’ love, Lifted me like stars above. So I breathe deep and smile wide, Grateful for this brighter side.

Ages of planning, months of dreams, Atlast, we set out on our journey. Bags packed tight, snacks tucked in, speakers loud, With hearts light and spirits high, we set off to Pondi. Through laughter that echoed and tears that softened, We swam through waves of time and feeling, Pushing forward until we reached the welcoming shore. We sang with all our souls, our voices soaring free, Dancing wild, our hands and hearts unbound by worry. On boats, we found our peace, nestled among friends, Gliding through thick forests and tranquil waters. The world around us seemed to blur, But our joy stayed vivid, pulsing and alive. We floated with laughter, carried by the river’s flow, Having fun, more fun than words could show. Breakfast, lunch and dinner we had, Together with hearty talks, We ate until our hearts were filled, Filled with, only but love.

Fingers move gently over the smooth keys, Each sound a quiet echo of something once felt. Black and white, brush against each other, Like the moments that blend into one another. I touch the past, let it linger for a while, A quiet melody of joy and loss. The future is there, just out of reach, A quiet hum beneath the surface. My dream of playing it flawlessly, Occupies my mind endlessly, As I play, I dream more, More, more and more. Life unfolds like a song, sometimes harmonious, Other times filled with quiet pauses, But in every note, in every breath, There is a way forward, a quiet strength. Each key holds a choice, a path, And in playing, I know where I belong.

A love-hate relationship with a sibling is something I’ve grown to understand deeply with my elder brother. We have a six-year age gap. Our bond has always been a mix of closeness and conflict, affection and annoyance, shared moments of laughter and silly fights. But underneath it all, we have this unspoken connection that holds us together. Growing up, he was my partner in everything, yet also the cause of many of my frustrations. I remember the petty arguments that would arise out of nowhere like over the TV remote, where we never liked the same programs or cartoons. I also remember our silly fights over who got the bigger piece of noodles or chocolate. We even fought over something as ridiculous as 'who do Dad and Mom love more.' All of these seem very silly now, but back then, it was serious business for us. It often felt like we lived in constant competition. Even when we weren’t arguing, there was this underlying tension, like we both knew exactly how to push each other’s...

I found a box, wrapped with grace, Gold and black, a dream’s embrace. Ribbons weaved in a pretty sight, Softly glowing in the light. A sudden call, my father's tone, "Open it, it is for you!" I pulled the ribbons, soft and slow, Letting the magic gently flow. With each layer, A treasure waiting to unfold, Chocolates gleamed of dark, white, and milk. I felt like a child again, A child who gets excited over chocolates. But in that gift, it wasn’t about the sweet, It was the love that made it complete. My heart knew well, it wasn’t the treat, But my father’s care that made it beat. Thank you, Dad, for all you do, For every gift that whispers "you."

I want to heal and return to myself, But I’m worn out, weighed down by the sickness, I long for a gentle touch of care, The kind I’ve always been given. But the situation overwhelms the caregivers, Pulling them in other directions. All I wish for is for things to ease, To become less heavy and less intense. I feel light-headed, dizzy from the medications, Everything I eat tastes bitter. I just want to enjoy food again, And for this fever to finally break. I pray, and I keep praying. I want to see my family smile, For the laughter to return. But we’re all exhausted, Each of us carrying our own pain. Hope for better days fills my thoughts. My birthday is next week, All I wish for is good health, And for my family to feel joy once again.

The grace I’ve learned, a gentle light, Shifts my mind from black to white. Through costumes, we define our way, Yet it’s just fabric at the end of day. But some will see what isn't there, A world where judgment fills the air. You deserve the freedom to choose, To stand tall, with nothing to lose. Stitch your story in every thread, Let colors speak what’s left unsaid. No label shapes the soul you keep, You are whole, both wide and deep. Patterns shift, and fabrics stray, But your spirit soars beyond the fray. Wear your truth, let courage rise, You are the canvas, you are the skies. With every thread, you hold the wand, To weave and break the lies beyond. See the person, not their guise, For clothes can never mask the wise. Be who you are, with pride to bear, Wear what you love, and never despair.

Whenever there was a school trip, my mom would make a huge box of cupcakes for my whole class. On the morning of the trip, instead of being excited about the trip itself, I would be thrilled about the cupcakes I carried with me. They were usually marble cupcakes, a perfect swirl of vanilla and chocolate, topped with a thick layer of chocolate coating. My excitement wasn’t just about eating them, it was about sharing them, the way they seemed to have become a part of my identity on those trips. All my friends knew that if I came for the trip, the cupcakes would follow. It was almost a tradition. Whenever people thought of me, their minds immediately drifted to marble cupcakes, as if the two of us were inseparable. The rich smell of hot cocoa mixed with vanilla filled the bus as soon as I stepped on, and I could see heads turning toward me, eyes lighting up with anticipation. The moment I entered, I would always hear a collective cheer, "Alena brought cupcakes! Yayy!" It was th...

Oh my dear santa, Oh my dear candles, Did you receive my wishlist? All I wished for is a happy memory, A pocketful of dreams, some wild, some small, A starlit night, a sunrise call. A moment of peace in a crowded day, The scent of the earth after skies turn. A whisper of wind through the rumbling leaves, Time to slow down, time to just breathe. A book to get lost in, a song to replay, A heart that's open, come what may. Laughter with friends, a love that stays, A path that's lit, even through haze. A wish for wonder, a wish for grace, To find your rhythm, your own sweet pace. A chance to be bold, to dance, to fall, To live and to cherish, to feel it all. For all the wishes, both big and small, Let life’s surprises answer them all. Is it too much to ask? Tell me. 

Little things make me happy, and one of those things is stickers. The love I had for them is indescribable. My first sticker packet was a gift from my mom, and that’s where it all began. I’ve always loved decorating, and being an artistic person, stickers were involved in everything I did. Wherever I went, I made sure to carry a packet of stickers with me to keep myself entertained. Every peel from the sheet filled me with happiness. I would stick them on my notebooks, files, and even on doors. They weren’t just images; they were small extensions of my creativity. Since I loved stickers so much, my friends used to gift me a packet of them with a greeting card every year. Stickers only cost 10 rupees, but to me, they were far more valuable. As I grew older, my relationship with stickers evolved, but it never faded. In 6th grade, my Hindi teacher conducted surprise tests, and for those who scored 20 out of 20, the reward was a gold star sticker next to the score. I studied so hard just f...

  I am sitting in a cozy warm coffee shop with a cup of nicely made hot chocolate. There is gentle breeze from the open window caressing my cheeks and bringing a red hue to my face. The muffled conversations in the background and soft clinging of tea cups and plates. Despite the sound, it is an extremely calm and serene atmosphere. The sun at its golden hour kisses me with its light and I smile as I watch people around me, all living their lives. There are multiple aesthetic posters, diamond chandeliers and golden bulbs, The book section is filled with novels and pretty poetry books. In the background a hear a soft violin music.  The coffee shop becomes a place of inspiration. People around me are engaged in lively conversations, working on creative projects, reading books, or simply lost in thought. Each person has a story, a unique journey, and in this space, their lives intertwine for a brief moment. I imagine myself joining these interactions, exchanging ideas, learning fr...

The most beautiful gift a person can offer is a handwritten letter. It makes you feel loved and cared for in a way that no other gift can. The effort and thought put into every word, the personal touch of the handwriting, and the emotions carried through the ink make it truly special. You only take the time to write a letter when you genuinely love and admire someone, and nothing can replace the joy of receiving such a gift—not even the luxurious presents you've dreamed of. One of the most treasured gifts I’ve ever received was a letter from my friend. It wasn’t just a few lines scribbled on paper; it was a carefully crafted message that spoke to my heart. Her words were filled with warmth, memories, and love, capturing the essence of our friendship in a way no material gift could. As I read her letter, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and connection. It reminded me of the value of simple, thoughtful gestures and how deeply they can touch us. Her letter was more than just ...

At 12:00 am, my birthday officially began. It was October 22nd, 2020, and as I lay in bed, my phone rang. It was a call from my best friends from school. They had planned a surprise Zoom meeting—a virtual party to celebrate! I was both shocked and overjoyed as they unveiled a fun "Who's Who" game that they had created. I couldn't believe they had stayed up late, putting together something so thoughtful. Overwhelmed by their efforts and the flood of birthday wishes, I went to bed with a heart full of gratitude. The next morning, I woke up to another surprise—a video compilation of birthday wishes. My best friends had reached out to people from different parts of my life, including friends from church and my old schoolmates. I couldn’t help but feel so thankful that they had contacted people they didn’t even know just to make my day special. Watching that video, I was filled with excitement and deeply touched by the love and effort that went into it. At 8:30 am, it was ...

October’s beginning, a trial so clear, Of learning and growth with every new year. Of betrayal and new life lessons, All through my ordinary sight. The winds of change, they softly sigh, A reminder to reach, to always try. But October’s more than lessons deep, It’s the month where my memories sleep. For in this month, you came to be, A gift of life, wild and free. My birthday marks the season’s heart, A time of growth, a brand new start. So as October paints the sky, I remember, I am the reason why. Each year you bloom, each year you rise, Like autumn leaves beneath the skies. Learning, growing, and shining bright, October’s gift, your guiding light. A bitter start will not forever be bitter, As time passed, it does become sweet. I learn to grow every October, Also to live and show.

Always good but never the best ♡ I stand there, after all I could, Longing for recognition for once, I hear the cheers, the name that’s called, But it’s never mine, though I gave it my all. I chase the gold, I run miles for it, But always find myself at second place, Or even worse, no prize at all, The medals gleam, they pass me by, I reach for them, but they slip from my sky. I’m good, they say, I’m bright, they say, But never enough to touch the light. I’ve learned the rules, I play the game, Yet no one remembers my quiet name. I’ve held the silver, I’ve felt the bronze, But the gold is what my heart longs for. And in the silence, after the fight, I wonder if I’ll ever shine that bright. How many times can I stand in line, Watching others claim what I thought was mine? How many ways can I prove my worth, Before I break beneath all? I am the echo, not the sound, The runner-up, forever bound To watch, to wait, to almost be What others see so easily. I can sing but I am never the best s...

Shattered pieces of heart, adrift in my mind, I realize there’s an ocean yet to find. Standing here with but a few small drops, While the storm in my chest waits, untouched, unlost. My tears deserve freedom, freedom to fall, To express, to be free—can they answer the call? But can they? Can they truly be? When judgment lingers for all to see? My eyes stay dry for the world’s gaze, Yet inside, they’re wet in a thousand ways. I lose, I fight, though they never heed, The tears that beg but I don’t set free. Behind this mask, whispers take form, Thoughts I bury, safe from the storm. The uncried tears ache to be known, Yet fear of weakness keeps me alone. But with those I trust, in my sacred space, I cry and share without the chase. That comfort zone has always been one, That one person—my mother, my dearest.

A note begins, like a quiet sigh, It wraps around you, soaring high. A rhythm rises, sure and clear, A pulse like footsteps drawing near. Each sound a touch, both soft and true, It knows the things inside of you. No need for words, no need for sight, In music’s arms, you feel the light. It sings of joy, of tears we’ve cried, Of moments lost and love denied. A human voice in every tone, Reminding us we're not alone. In every beat, a life unfolds, A story shared, a hand to hold. Through every song, it finds a way To speak the things we cannot say. Each chord a world, each beat a breath, A melody escapes the grip of death. From hands and lips to sky it grows, Music, the language the spirit knows. It dances through the quiet night, In sorrow's tears or joy's delight. A voice of hope, a bridge of grace, Uniting hearts in every place. A whispered hum, a thunder’s call, In music’s arms, we find it all. The pain, the love, the wild unknown— In every song, we’re never alone.

In every face, a story emerges, Eyes carrying the weight of their untold life. It captures more than a just the scene, The story behind everything we don't see. A child’s laugh spills into the air, A mother’s hand brushes the hair. Love gathers quietly beneath the surface, And the lines on the skin are maps of memory. Now I paint mine, Life paints with no order, Layering the joy and struggle, Some strokes are hesitant, some bold, Each one adding depth to the ever-shifting canvas. In love, in loss, in moments of stillness, We lay down the colors of our existence. Every breath, every pause, Adds to the portrait, always incomplete. The walls of time hold these images, Of days lived, of dreams that rose and fell. In the unspoken spaces, We find the essence of what it means to live. To live, live more the portraits vision.

Wrapped in colors, bright and sweet, As warm as mother's love can be, A little gift, a hidden treat, In her soft hands, she brought me three. It wasn’t just a candy there, Not just a bite of sugar fair, It held a piece of love and care, Wrapped in paper, folded rare. A memory of her smile so bright, In every taste, I find her light. The candy melts, but still it stays, With all the joy her giving plays. A simple thing, a fleeting bliss, But to me, it meant all this. I still recall that taste so true, The candy that she always knew, She brought to me when days were long, After teaching, tired, but strong. Even then, she thought of me, With that sweet gift in hand so free.