Aksha

                  I am unsure whether this has become an addiction or simply a hobby. I feel trapped in a digital and highly influenced world, and I am exhausted. I genuinely want to take a break from my digital life. While others use their time productively, I see myself sitting endlessly, scrolling through reels and wasting valuable time. Scrolling has become a routine that I struggle to stop, and it consumes my time without any real purpose. I wonder if I am the only one facing this issue or if everyone is going through the same struggle. The people who create and post this content earn money and seem to be progressing in life, which makes me question whether I could also become a content creator. My father often advises me to focus on my studies and not waste time scrolling, yet I find it difficult to overcome this habit. This addiction has begun to affect my academics, mental health, and overall well-being. I long to return to my childho...

              Mehndi is not just a simple art to me; it is an emotion. From my childhood, I have always felt excited and happy whenever I applied mehndi on my hands. I honestly don’t know how this deep love for mehndi began, especially since no one in my family knew how to apply it. When I was a child, the aunties in my neighbor’s house used to apply mehndi for me, especially the day before my birthday. My Amma and Appa never opposed my interest in mehndi, which gave me the freedom to enjoy it fully. After applying mehndi, I would imagine myself as a princess, and when the designs slowly faded, I felt a sense of sadness, as if something beautiful was leaving me. As time passed, I started trying to apply mehndi on my own. In the beginning, even drawing simple lines felt very difficult, but that never reduced my eagerness. I practiced regularly by applying mehndi on my Amma’s and Anna’s hands. With time and practice, my skills gradually improved. Though ...

My eyes are wet, Yet my legs still dance, Running the race With a broken heart. Born a child, Known as a woman, Claimed as equal, Yet judged as weak. Raised by rules, Sheltered by walls, A pillow of tears, Nights without sleep, filled with fear. I long to fly On broken wings, Yet still I rise— And here I stand.