#Garden Swing in India

[vetra-furniture]

True Luxury Outdoor Furniture By VETRA

[houseofashesif]

he was born and raised in Varanasi, India until the age of 10. then he immigrated to Britain with his parents where he studied in █████ University till he was 18. (p.s. i changed his past from Keaton's death to simply getting tortured physically and mentally)

ABOUT HIM (p.p.s it's all jumbled up soooo-)

➤ Ayaan originally wanted to be a Wildlife Biologist, maybe a part time Toxicologist, but his father wanted him to join I-DIE so he did. albeit reluctantly and against his will. because his father insisted so.

➤ has a surprisingly very british sounding accent despite what people think when they hear about his indian heritage

➤ tends to violently and unexpectedly switch between hindi, english and bengali whenever he's agitated or just mad in general

➤ can be frequently seen facepalming himself on the face and letting out an anguished "কি খারাপ অবস্থা" (basically "what the hell" In english) whenever someone messes up something before him, which they frequently do owing to his intimidating reputation

➤ has a pet venus flytrap. and a poecilotheria metallica (aka peacock tarantula) too. which he always brings to work with him. apparently it's his emotional support tarantula. don't question it.

➤ his favourite animal is the Eastern Green Mamba.

➤ has been bitten by snakes more than 50 times so far. that, not including bites from wild hornets, his pet tarantulas, scorpions and etc

➤ Ayaan's house has a small greenhouse behind it, which is basically filled with all sorts of poisonous plants. 90% of them at least. but who even dares to test the statistics out. the poisonous garden is filled with Lily of the Valley's, Oleanders, Marigolds, Peruvian Lilys, Water Hemlocks, Wolfsbanes, Angel's Trumpets and many more. so better stay away from it. if you value your life that is.

➤ also has a seperate section in his house where he keeps all of his poisonous pets together. anyone walking in might think they just walked into a wild jungle out of the blue. one filled with creatures capable of killing you within minutes.

➤ weirdly enough Ayaan likes polishing and manicuring his nails with the greatest care as if his life depends on them (jk im just exaggerating), he will frequently pick the polish on his nails or simply pick his nails in general if nervous or uncomfortable or even flustered. at least the remaining ones that is. Ayaan is missing 4 nails on his left hand including his thumb, then 2 nails on his right hand, courtesy of the kidnappers. he greatly cherishes his remaining nails. and is therefore always seen wearing black gloves no matter the circumstances. wouldn't wanna scare people off yknow.

➤ for some reason, Ayaan attracts the attention of animals, especially this one time when he and keaton (when they were still alive) chose to explore one of their bases in rome instead of riding in a cab, and he petted a cat he found by chance on the streets and the next thing he knew he became their new god

➤ "he killed me. Father just killed me."

➤ "i feel like i did a really good job, so you should give me overtime compensation and an extra long vacation"

➤ ”ah someone died here? no biggy, i come from varanasi afterall, the city where the world comes to die.”

➤ "i used to have this creed, if you can't trust them, don't use them. if you're gonna use them, trust them."

➤ he is a very llight sleeper. even the lightest creak of a door swinging in the wind is enough to wake him up immediately. therefore seeing him sleep deprived and drinking an unholy concoction of monster drink with vodka and iced coffee isn't uncommon. very rarely will one ever find him heavily asleep.

➤ despite his dyslexia, Ayaan loves reading books, newspapers, magazines and literary works of any kind. he usually prefers to read nonfictional works like autobiographies, even instruction manuals over fictional works because they expose him to more vibrant and useful words, plus providing insight on different real-life events and experiences. sometimes he may read a realistic fiction or two, but that's only if he finds nothing else to read. he’ll usually read them for an hour or two everyday inorder to keep his mind fresh with the knowledge. his favourite book is ‘daughters of the samurai; a journal from east to west and back’.

➤ Ayaan was once addicted to marijuana and smoking, but slowly he got rid of his unhealthy addiction. however he still smokes, although not as bad as he used to. however there are times when he's so stressed that Ayaan will start reverting back to his past self and smoke as many as three packets all at once in a single day. it's surprising how his lungs haven't collapsed yet.

➤ thinks very lowly of people, especially politicians. imagine his surprise and horrow when he was assigned to one. he planned to quit the job for a second there but hesitatingly agreed to the job fot some reason. hmmm…

➤ although he's more of a non violent person (if speaking and humiliating people into submission is anything but), Ayaan won't hesitate to throw hands if he wants to. he's skilled in krav maga, taekwondo and muay thai, courtesy of his father. he will beat the shitz outta you, then mock you by going "why you weak? huh why do weak?"

➤ has an especially soft spot for scalpels and sniper rifles. although he isn't partial towards pick axes and haandguns either.

➤ will look into the eyes, call you the ugliest piece of disgusting wet stale dough then walk away nonchalantly as if he just said that potato chips are made from potatoes.

➤ oranges are his favourite fruits. not because he actually likes it but because he can spray the citric acid in its peel on the eyes of any unfortunate fool who dares invade his personal space.

➤ personality wise, he can be described by the following words. Sophisticated. Quiet. Listless. Calm. Sadistic. Workaholic. Generous. Determined. Dense. Volatile. Sensitive. Ill tempered. Self destructive. (das a lotta worse tho)

➤ has shown multiple signs of psychopathy in the past despite not being a psychopath, including his apparent lack of empathy for those around him and his balant disregard of law. literally he doesn't even bother to remember people's names and only calls them as 'you'. only remembers Nadia's and Ailbhe's name.

➤ as a reciprosexual, Ayaan has never really formed any kind of strong relationship with anyone so far. not even his own family members. he thinks dealing with people is annoying already, and having a significant other isn't even in his list of to-do's before death. therefore he is quite dense. no scratch that, he's so dense light bounces away from him. every time someone tries to flirt with Ayaan or express their feelings for him :

➤ as a child (and adult) Ayaan suffers from an undiagnosed reactive attachment disorder. “a condition in which a child is unable to establish healthy attachment with parental figures or primary caregivers. [...] children with RAD have been so disrupted in early life that their future relationships are also impaired. they may experience difficulty relating to others and are often developmentally delayed.” [source : helpguide.org]

➤ can be VERY VERY petty and vengeful depending on the circumstances. he likes to return the pain back 10 fold worse to those who are unfortunate enough to piss him off.

➤ likes to talk about adult stuff in a pretty anatomically scientific sense. especially about kinks, sex and etc. even though he isn't kinky at all (or is it) he has QUITE the knowledge on it and several more forbidden stuff.

➤ he is NOT a kid friendly person. if a kid were to ask him a question like "how are children made?" he'll gladly give the child a detailed explanation about how sex works and how babies are actually made. mothers especially dislike him. he wonders why, seeing no wrong in it.

➤ can swear like a sailor. and he can rapidly change his cuss words from english to hindi to french within the span of a sentence. and he doesn't give a shit about what others think about him.

➤ one of his biggest pet peeves is people eating his food. he doesnt mind sharing his food with others, but isn't it a common courtesy for people to ask permission before they eat your food? apparently not, and this ticks off Ayaan to no ends. he’ll gladly buy you another meal if you are so hungry, but please don't touch his food without his permission. maybe if you ask nicely he may be willing to share some with you tho

HELLO HELLO 👋 here's my detailed profile on my MC Ayaan :D (@rf-interactive ) he's gonna be paired up with Roman, much to his dismay XD

To those who don't know what it's about, QUICKLY GO AND CHECK OUT RESPICE FINEM BY THEM IT'S SO GOOOOOOOOOOOD

[umichenginabroad]

Swinging by Singapore (Week 4)

Hello from Singapore! Having always wanted to travel to Southeast Asia, I was ecstatic to learn that one of my roommates had a similar dream. I couldn’t believe it when we started discussing the trip just two weeks in advance, but I seized the opportunity to immerse myself in a new culture. My schooling at UNSW is split between the Summer semester which runs from Jan 2 - Feb 5 and term 1 which runs from Feb 11 - May 9. During the summer semester, I have been taking a single Ecotourism class which is entirely asynchronous until the end of January when the class takes a trip to the Great Barrier Reef! This meant that I could travel with no fear of missing class. After a 9hr flight, Lauren, Charlotte, Shaunak, Evan and I landed in Singapore and got right to exploring. The Jewel is a mall containing the world’s largest indoor waterfall located just outside the Changi Airport. As soon as we got off the plane and laid eyes on the beauty we were speechless. Luscious trees and shrubbery surrounded the waterfall and staggered up all around it. The light shone through the windowed ceiling and made me forget about any stress I ever had. We might as well have been standing in a jungle. The surrounding mall was just as exciting. Several minutes were spent wandering around the Pokemon store where I got a pack of cards in honor of my ever growing childhood collection. The chocolate croll I got at a little bakery stand was one of the best things I had ever eaten in an airport. After 2 hours of exploring, it was clear to me that airports in the US need to step up their game. 

Utilizing the very reliable train system known as the MRT, we made our way to our AirBnB located in Little India. For reference, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures with a 74% Chinese, 14% Malaysian, and 9% Indian population. This means that when you look around, all signage is in Mandarin, Malay, Tamil, and English. The fact that English is widely spoken across the country made transport and communication extremely easy and not something we had to worry about. After settling into our single room with just enough space for our beds and bags, we made our way towards Kampong Gelam which is Singapore’s Muslim Quarter and the site of the remarkable Sultan Mosque. Starving, we found a restaurant for dinner which was full of new foods and a particular favorite of mine – Kothu Paratha which I’d only ever had at my favorite Indian restaurant in Ann Arbor. We called it a night soon after that, but I was excited to be on a new continent and get right to exploring. 

The next day we hit all the major stops including Gardens by the Bay, the Cloud Forest, and Marino Bay Sands. The first two attractions, like the Jewel, emphasized the appreciation for nature that Singapore has as many of its major attractions are centered around greenery. 

Pictured first is Gardens by the Bay. Second is me in the Cloud Forest!

Nearby was a Hawker Center called Satay by the Bay where we got lunch. Hawker Centers in Singapore are essentially large food courts with countless stalls of diverse Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian foods and drinks for incredible prices. On average, you could get a whole meal for about $5 and a side drink for another $1 so needless to say I seized the opportunity to try as many foods as possible. That lunch I had chicken satay, my first ever stingray, carrot cake (a dish local to Singapore containing absolutely no carrot nor cake), and pineapple juice. I can’t even begin to describe how delicious everything tasted so I’m afraid you’ll just have to imagine through the picture below. 

Hawker Centers like that one are scattered all throughout the city, so we made it a rule to seek them out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. At Marino Bay Sands, one of the most unique buildings I have ever stepped foot in, we made our way to a restaurant called Lavo at the highest floor where we got drinks, incredible views, and a 20-layered chocolate peanut butter cake. We may have been exhausted from walking around all day, but we did not leave until that cake plate was clean, even if it meant spending the next hour there. 

Marino Bay Sands is the building pictured above followed by the equally-as-intimidating chocolate cake.

The next day we ventured to Sentosa Island where you could take cable cars across the island and see the beautiful beaches and various amusement parks. Though the weather wasn’t in our favor, it was nice to see what beaches look like outside of Australia since they reminded me of just how lucky I am to be living on Coogee. Sentosa was followed by Chinatown and Clarke Quay in the evening, both of which are full of rich culture and were a pleasure to roam in. Before our flight to Bali, we concluded our trip with the MacRitchie Treetop Walk where we were greeted by monkeys and even more beautiful greenery. 

Though we were only able to spend a few days there, I fully intend on returning to Singapore one day and making my way to those Hawker Centers. Until then, back to exploring Australia!

David Bayer

Biomedical Engineering

University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia

[royalzigluxuryfurniture]

https://royalzig.com/wooden-swing-india/

Introducing the Royal Swing - a piece of art that will add an elegant touch to any home or garden. Made of the finest quality teak wood, this swing is a true masterpiece that combines intricate carving, exquisite brass chains, and a comfortable seat that will make you feel like royalty.

Crafted with precision and care, the Royal Swing is a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans who create it. Every detail of this stunning swing is carefully considered and executed to perfection. From the beautiful natural teak wood color to the natural wood grains that give it a unique and organic texture, the Royal Swing is a true work of art.

One of the most striking features of the Royal Swing is its intricate carving. Every inch of this swing is adorned with beautiful and delicate carvings that showcase the skill and artistry of its creators. The carving on the swing roof is particularly impressive, featuring a detailed and ornate design that is fit for a Maharaja.

In addition to its stunning design, the Royal Swing is also incredibly comfortable to sit in. The seat is spacious and features a soft cushion that will cradle you in comfort as you swing gently back and forth. The brass chains that suspend the swing are not only beautiful to look at but also incredibly strong and durable, ensuring that the swing will last for years to come.

Overall, the Royal Swing is a true masterpiece that combines beauty, comfort, and durability in one stunning package.

#woodenswing #woodenjhula #carvedswing #teakwoodswing #teakwoodjhula #royalswing #royaljhula

[shesadollette]

𓍊𓋼𓍊 Total chapters: 4

𖡼𖤣𖥧 Taglist: @raiha-storm65557, @linsyfelisyya

Ⱄⱄ. 𓆏 .ⱄⰔ

⊹ ࣪ ˖ I: A Curious Encounter ࣪ ˖

In this story, I dreamt of a peacock that possessed an ability to speak and I saw looming gates of a mansion overlooking an acre of verdant belonging to a very wealthy person. I decided to expand and make it into a piece of fable and thus, it is how this story was born in my head…

Once upon a time, in a tiny, remote village in India, lived an heiress who as per usual would spend her days lazing around in her ginormous mansion.

She was well-known to be filthy rich and pretty, but she was also known for her short temper and mean demeanor.

Almost every day, beggars knocked on her gates hoping that they would be given a penny or a grain of rice. And each time they knocked, they’d receive either an earful or if they were fortunate, the gates slamming obnoxiously in their faces.

That year, the village experienced a massive drought. Crops wilted, many livestock died, and the poor villagers were famished. The heiress was the only one known to be the wealthiest in the village; however, knowing her demeanor the villagers didn’t dare to ask for her help and ended up praying to the gods.

Needless to say, their prayers were answered.

One fateful dawn as she was deep in slumber, Lord Krishna appeared in her chambers and with a palm hovered over her forehead, chanted, “My dear child, once you arouse in the morning a peacock shall be waiting by your grand doors. Treat it with sincerity and respect its wishes for it will bring you happiness in your upcoming days. It is my gift to you. You shall treat it well.”

And with that, he disappeared out of thin air, much like how he had appeared.

Not long after, when the slightest rays of the sun began showing on the floor, she woke up from her slumber in deep confusion. She vaguely recalled that somebody had visited her in her dreams while muttering something that she was supposed to remember.

However, she thought nothing of it and brushed it off. She then went to wash herself in the river in the back of her mansion and got dressed in one of her expensive and dazzling garments.

‘I feel like eating some fresh berries for breakfast,’ she thought, grabbing a basket before strolling toward the entrance and swinging them wide open… only to be surprised by a peacock, squawking at her.

Then it struck her, the so-called dream last night.

She gawked at it, jaw dropped. It really was a gorgeous bird but what in the world was it doing standing pridefully right in front of her entrance like so?

“You,” she growled, thick brows furrowing. “A strange voice in my dreams told me that I’d be met with a certain peacock at my entrance. I believe it is you?” She cocked an eyebrow. She then went on recalling the rest of her dream, scoffing in disbelief. “Why that’s ridiculous, have I gone mad already? The fact that a bird would bring me fortune? Oh, please do enlighten me on that.”

She swerved past it, barely managing to make it a few steps into her garden when she heard a voice.

“No no, I can assure you that you are completely sane.”

She swiveled around, eyes wide as saucers but oddly, no one was there but the bird. “Who said that? Was it you?” she asked the peacock warily.

It squawked in exasperation, “Why yes, who or in this case, what else would it be?”

She froze, agape. “Oh my, I must have really gone mad. Perhaps a bit of fresh air would help,” she mumbled worriedly to herself and gradually turned around to step into the garden, attempting to ignore it completely.

“Hey, where are you going? Aren’t you supposed to bring me with you?” it called out, waddling after her.

“This is just a dream, isn’t it? It’s definitely just a dream… A talking peacock? Not in this lifetime. I must be completely out of my mind to think so.”

“Quit it! I told you that you are completely fine. You’re not going mad, young lady. You’re just in denial.”

“Denial, huh?” she laughed incredulously. “Mind elaborating on that?” she bent down to pluck some plump berries into her basket.

“Please, just listen to me! You are not going insane, trust me. I promise you that if you treat me sincerely that you’d be joyful in return,” the bird pleaded with its life, frustrated.

“And how, exactly, is a bird like you supposed to do that other than to be a decoration for my collection of hats?” she spat.

“Ouch,” it clucked, “harsh words, my lady. We shall begin by fixing those manners of yours. I assure you that I do have my ways. All you have to do is to trust me. The only question is, are you willing?”

A long sigh escaped her. She pursed her lips before looking away momentarily as if to gather her thoughts together.

“One chance,” she finally decided and glanced down at it. “One chance to prove that you are worthy, if not, then my gates are always open to throw you out.”

It squawked cheerfully, “Wonderful! Then let’s begin, shall we?”

➳ Chapter the Second

[elizabeth-karenina]

Guess who’s back with a brand new tag game?

I told y’all, I’m banging these out before I forget to do them! 

I was tagged by one of my new friends, the AMAZINGLY talented and kind, @wheresbenni! Thank you so much for thinking of me, my darling. :)

Tag 10 people you want to get to know better!

Relationship Status: Single as can be, babes. Ain’t nothing changing that any time soon, lmao. 

Favorite Color: I have a bunch! My favorite of all favorite colors is sapphire blue. But I also adore emerald green, royal purple, burgundy red, light pink, and chocolate brown. 

Song Stuck In My Head: Flowers - Miley Cyrus. It’s a catchy song! 

Last Song I Listened To: Azeem-O-Shaan Shahenshah, from the Bollywood film Jodhaa Akbar. I adore that movie so much, and the song itself is just bad-ass. 

Three Favorite Foods:

Korean BBQ

beef or chicken empanadas

pepperoni pizza 

Last Thing(s) I Googled: a bunch of obscure royals, please don’t ask. My 3 a.m. Google searches don’t make sense in the light of day, lmao. 

Dream Trip: A trip around the U.K. and Europe (I would especially love to go to Ireland, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Russia), then onto Turkey, Egypt, India, China, and New Zealand. 

Anything I want: A debit card with an unlimited amount of money; a large cottage in the countryside with a library with comfy chairs, porch with a porch swing, and garden with a screened back porch; a swimming pool; a way to make my dog live as long as I do; a lifetime supply of macarons, champagne truffles, and funnel cakes. I’d like a beautiful dress in all of my favorite colors. I’d want a gorgeous set of pearls, that sapphire necklace from Titanic, and an opal ring. Oh, and a way for all of my and my parents’ bills to be automatically paid off for life; and just try to find happiness wherever I am. 

tagging: @ofallingstar, @1980s-jean-ralphio, @greeksorceress, @miumiumacaron, @midnightinjapan, @wifeofbath, @magalis, @madeleineengland

[byneddiedingo]

Madhabi Mukherjee and Soumitra Chatterjee in Charulata (Satyajit Ray, 1964) Cast: Madhabi Mukherjee, Soumitra Chatterjee, Shailen Mukherjee, Shyamal Ghoshal, Gitali Roy. Screenplay: Satyajit Ray, based on a story by Rabindranath Tagore. Cinematography: Subrata Mitra. Production design: Bansi Chandragupta. Music: Satyajit Ray. Charulata (Madhabi Mukherjee) is the beautiful, bored wife of the wealthy Bhupati (Shailen Mukherjee), who spends his time working on his newspaper devoted to the independence of India. At the start of the film, behind the opening credits, we watch as she embroiders a handkerchief for him, then Ray's ever-fluid camera follows her as she wanders through the richly appointed rooms of their house, gazing at the outside world through opera glasses and searching for something to read. At one point, Bhupati enters the house, smoking his pipe and reading a book, and walks right by her, not seeing or acknowledging her. But he becomes conscious of his wife's ennui and invites her brother, Umapada (Shyamal Ghoshal), and his wife, Manda (Gitali Roy), to live with them, and turns over the management of his business affairs to Umapada so Bhupati can devote more time to his newspaper. But Manda is empty-headed and prefers playing card games to providing intellectual companionship. Then Bhupati's cousin Amal (Soumitra Chatterjee), an aspiring writer, comes to visit, and Charulata is immediately attracted to him because of his literary interests and his sensitive poetic nature. In a scene set in the neglected garden of Bhupati's house, Amal writes poetry while Charulata soars on a swing, the camera tracking her movements. Their conversation inspires Charulata to express herself in writing, and she succeeds in getting a piece published about her memories of the village where she grew up -- even inspiring a little envy on Amal's part. Then we learn that Umapada has embezzled money from Bhupati and he and Manda have disappeared. Despondent, Bhupati tells Amal that he has lost trust in everyone but him, which stirs Amal's guilt: He realizes that he and Charulata have fallen in love, and rather than add to the burden of betrayal that has already been unloaded on Bhupati, he leaves suddenly. Charulata's grief at Amal's departure opens Bhupati's eyes to what has happened between his wife and his cousin. At the film's end, Charulata and Bhupati reach out for each other, but Ray chooses to depart from his usual mobile camera and to record the moment in a series of still photographs, over which he superimposes not the title of the film but that of the story by Rabindranath Tagore on which it was based: "The Broken Nest."

[kamreadsandrecs]

Title: The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla (Pink Carnation #11) Author: Lauren Willig Genre/s: romance, historical, Regency romance Content/Trigger Warning/s: period-accurate misogyny, death of parents (offpage, in a character’s past) Summary (from publisher’s website): In October of 1806, the Little Season is in full swing, and Sally Fitzhugh has had enough of the endless parties and balls. With a rampant vampire craze sparked by the novel The Convent of Orsino, it seems no one can speak of anything else. But when Sally hears a rumor that the reclusive Duke of Belliston is an actual vampire, she cannot resist the challenge of proving such nonsense false. At a ball in Belliston Square, she ventures across the gardens and encounters the mysterious Duke. Lucien, Duke of Belliston, is well versed in the trouble gossip can bring. He’s returned home to dispel the rumors of scandal surrounding his parents’ deaths, which hint at everything from treason to dark sorcery. While he searches for the truth, he welcomes his fearsome reputation—until a woman is found dead in Richmond. Her blood drained from her throat. Lucien and Sally join forces to stop the so-called vampire from killing again. Someone managed to get away with killing the last Duke of Belliston. But they won’t kill this duke—not if Sally has anything to say about it. Buy Here (publisher’s website): https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/311696/the-mark-of-the-midnight-manzanilla-by-lauren-willig/ Spoiler-Free Review: This...is a bit of an odd duck of a book, series-wise. It happens after Book 10 (Purple Plumeria), which had something incredible happen in it, and the consequences of which OUGHT to have been handled in the book immediately following it. But no: we get this book, which goes on a tangent largely unrelated to the momentous events in Purple Plumeria. I don’t know if it was the author’s decision to do this, but I highly suspect that it was the publisher’s decision, so the entire series could be finished with a round twelve books, as opposed to an awkward eleven. But putting aside that one little irritation (and it IS just little, in the grand scheme of things), there’s another thing about this book that kind of bothers me that I hadn’t really noticed when I first read this book: the unknowns regarding Lucien’s mother, specifically if she was mixed race. It’s easy to assume that she’s white because she’s described as pale, but she’s also described as having dark hair and very dark eyes, which is a color combination that white people can certainly have, but to my mind, hints that she could have been mixed race but white passing. If this was the case, I wish it had been made clearer if she was in fact mixed race, especially because she’s described as having abolitionist leanings and may have been involved in supporting the slave uprisings in Martinique. It would be even more impactful for Lucien’s characterization, because he’s described as having inherited his mother’s coloring (pale skin, dark hair, dark eyes), and it would have been fantastic to have an outright mixed race male lead in this novel. (Honestly I suspect the author of trying to dodge around the thorny history of slavery and colonization that occurred in the Caribbean and of course in North America, given that she herself is a white person and is writing about white people. That’s just me though, and not necessarily something the author should be condemned for. Something to look at them askance for, maybe, since they also kind of did this in Blood Lily, dodging around European and specifically British colonization of India.) With that being said: the actual story isn’t half-bad! I’m not much into the language of tropes, but I think this would be considered a Grumpy-Sunshine romance? Certainly feels that way, given that Lucien’s all dark and broody and Sally is the most aggressive ball of sunshine to have ever existed in this series. Actually there’s not much else I could possibly say about the romance, really: it’s pretty entertaining, and ends much as one might expect it to. Not sure what else can be said. Oh, another thing I took away from this: how the most popular books of any given period - the ones people think are going to be surefire classics - can potentially descend into obscurity as time goes by, their early status as “classics” dissolving into so much dust as they disappear into the murk of time. Even though The Convent of Orsino is a fictional book, its disappearance from literary history as time went on is something that happens all the time - and will likely happen again. While in some ways this is kind of sad, I find this rather heartening, given the reputation of a certain series about a boy wizard. Anyway: I’M IN THE HOME STRETCH BAYBEE! After this book it won’t be a reread anymore, but a first time read of the final novel of the series. I can finally put this series to bed for good and move on to something else - which...I’m going to have to decide pretty soon. Rating: four manzanilla flowers

[realestatepallaciya]

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[dnfairytale]

Have You Been To Bhubaneswar’s Very Own Fairyland?

Odisha has remained India’s best-kept secret for years now. But not anymore! Recently, Odisha’s capital city has witnessed tremendous population growth due to tech giants hovering around it. Bhubaneswar houses many dining options, coffee shops, retail stores, theatres, and many more recreational sites. The city’s rich culture and history have been the center of attraction for many.

With all these factors at play, Bhubaneswar saw a rise in luxurious residential properties.

Haven't we all dreamt of living in houses straight out of our favorite fairytale? What if we tell you that it’s possible?

Located in Madanpur, DN Fairytale offers luxurious 2 BHK & 3 BHK apartments in Bhubaneswar. Madanpur is a quaint neighborhood surrounded by top-tier engineering colleges, schools, and hospitals. Returning from work to a peaceful evening on the city’s outskirts will just hit differently. DN Fairytale provides a calm environment away from all the hustle-bustle.

But will that be a problem for your daily transit? Not at all! DN Fairytale is well-connected to the city’s center and NH-16, making it accessible to all.

DN Fairytale: All Your Dreams Come True

DN Fairytale showcases the best of modern architecture and fairytale elements. The garden of swings and sculpture court are the two most unique features of DN Fairytale. They look straight out of a fairytale. Take a stroll in the garden and feel the magical atmosphere around you. The beautiful sculptures have been built with complete precision to elevate the look.

What’s more? Keep your health in check with our state-of-the-art open gymnasium. Play your favorite sport on the Basketball Court and Cricket Practice Net. Enjoy a relaxing weekend in the swimming pool. Plan fun celebrations on the Party Lawn with your friends and family.

Invest In Your Dream Home

DN Fairytale by DN Homes holds a strong emphasis on providing an elevated lifestyle with modern infrastructure and luxurious facilities. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, DN Homes is here to change your perception about real estate and architecture. We aim to redefine your living spaces with unparalleled trust and faith.

If you are looking for luxury residential projects Odisha & want to live your fairytale dreams, contact us TODAY! RERA Registration Number MP/19/2019/00268

[rentnhope]

Top 10 Cafes to Visit in Delhi during Valentine

Delhi couples, looking for the perfect cafes to stop at during your romantic Valentine's Day bike ride? Well, you're in luck because India's capital has an abundance of dreamy cafes that are perfect for cozy coffee dates or refreshing snacks between riding landmarks.

Take your pick from these 10 delightful Delhi cafes I highly recommend visiting on your V-Day bike rental in Delhi. 

1. Big Chill Cakery

Start your cafe crawl right by getting a bike on rent in Delhi near Big Chill in Khan Market. Their red brick walls, pretty hanging lights, and nostalgic memorabilia exude cozy retro vibes. Share a creamy slice of chocolate cake or rum ball as you plan your bike route for the day.

2. Connaught Place Cafe Coffee Day

In the heart of CP, this CCD outlet has a lovely terrace with dreamy string lights - perfect for people watching over coffee. Try their signature cold coffee or green tea frappes as you take in views of bustling Connaught Place. You can visit Connaught Place without any hassle with the help of a bike rental in Delhi. 

3. Cha Bar

Make a quick pitstop mid-bike ride at Cha Bar in Connaught Place to recharge with authentic Indian chai. Sip comforting adrak or masala chai on their artsy terrace or inside among quirky decor.

4. Triveni Terrace Cafe

Escape the city rush on Triveni's relaxing open-air terrace surrounded by greenery. It's right near scenic spots like Lotus Temple and Lodhi Gardens - ideal for a light-bite post-bike ride. Their sandwiches and shakes are amazing.

5. Big Yellow Door

Make your way to Big Yellow Door in Karol Bagh for the ultimate romantic vibes with a vertical garden, swing chairs, and dreamcatchers. Their menu matches the whimsical decor - think heart-shaped pizzas, pink lattes, and chocolate fondue. 

6. The Living Room Cafe

In funky Hauz Khas Village, The Living Room has an artsy indoor space with mismatched furniture, books, and board games. Order their thin-crust pizza and grab a cozy corner seat for quality time chatting over coffee.

7. Rose Cafe

This Insta-famous Saket cafe is filled with roses, candles, curtains, and floral decor - ideal for lovebirds! Their grilled sandwiches, garlic bread, and pizzas pair perfectly with their rose latte.

8. The Glasshouse Cafe

Stop at The Glasshouse in CP for 360-degree Delhi views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Their continental food is excellent - I recommend the pancakes or loaded nachos to share. A heavenly vista for lovers. 

9. Kunzum Travel Cafe

Kunzum in Hauz Khas has a free-spirited hostel vibe, perfect for chilling after hours of bike riding. Browse travel books together as you sip on lightweight ginger lemonade and Nutella crepes.

10. Ivy & Bean Cafe

End your cafe hop at Ivy & Bean in SDA Market for their dreamy Ivy Special Hot Chocolate with marshmallows - perfect for wrapping up a romantic V-day! Their sandwiches and paninis also hit the spot.

Conclusion

With heavenly drinks, delicious bites, charming ambiance, and top locations, these 10 Delhi cafes make ideal stops during your couples' bike ride on Valentine's Day. Bike rental in Delhi helps you live all of this moment. Check out the Rentnhop website to get a reliable bike rental in Delhi.  Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy your cafe and bike adventure.

[rentnhop3]

Top 10 Cafes to Visit in Delhi during Valentine

Delhi couples, looking for the perfect cafes to stop at during your romantic Valentine's Day bike ride? Well, you're in luck because India's capital has an abundance of dreamy cafes that are perfect for cozy coffee dates or refreshing snacks between riding landmarks.

Take your pick from these 10 delightful Delhi cafes I highly recommend visiting on your V-Day bike rental in Delhi. 

1. Big Chill Cakery

Start your cafe crawl right by getting a bike on rent in Delhi near Big Chill in Khan Market. Their red brick walls, pretty hanging lights, and nostalgic memorabilia exude cozy retro vibes. Share a creamy slice of chocolate cake or rum ball as you plan your bike route for the day.

2. Connaught Place Cafe Coffee Day

In the heart of CP, this CCD outlet has a lovely terrace with dreamy string lights - perfect for people watching over coffee. Try their signature cold coffee or green tea frappes as you take in views of bustling Connaught Place. You can visit Connaught Place without any hassle with the help of a bike rental in Delhi. 

3. Cha Bar

Make a quick pitstop mid-bike ride at Cha Bar in Connaught Place to recharge with authentic Indian chai. Sip comforting adrak or masala chai on their artsy terrace or inside among quirky decor.

4. Triveni Terrace Cafe

Escape the city rush on Triveni's relaxing open-air terrace surrounded by greenery. It's right near scenic spots like Lotus Temple and Lodhi Gardens - ideal for a light-bite post-bike ride. Their sandwiches and shakes are amazing.

5. Big Yellow Door

Make your way to Big Yellow Door in Karol Bagh for the ultimate romantic vibes with a vertical garden, swing chairs, and dreamcatchers. Their menu matches the whimsical decor - think heart-shaped pizzas, pink lattes, and chocolate fondue. 

6. The Living Room Cafe

In funky Hauz Khas Village, The Living Room has an artsy indoor space with mismatched furniture, books, and board games. Order their thin-crust pizza and grab a cozy corner seat for quality time chatting over coffee.

7. Rose Cafe

This Insta-famous Saket cafe is filled with roses, candles, curtains, and floral decor - ideal for lovebirds! Their grilled sandwiches, garlic bread, and pizzas pair perfectly with their rose latte.

8. The Glasshouse Cafe

Stop at The Glasshouse in CP for 360-degree Delhi views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Their continental food is excellent - I recommend the pancakes or loaded nachos to share. A heavenly vista for lovers. 

9. Kunzum Travel Cafe

Kunzum in Hauz Khas has a free-spirited hostel vibe, perfect for chilling after hours of bike riding. Browse travel books together as you sip on lightweight ginger lemonade and Nutella crepes.

10. Ivy & Bean Cafe

End your cafe hop at Ivy & Bean in SDA Market for their dreamy Ivy Special Hot Chocolate with marshmallows - perfect for wrapping up a romantic V-day! Their sandwiches and paninis also hit the spot.

Conclusion

With heavenly drinks, delicious bites, charming ambiance, and top locations, these 10 Delhi cafes make ideal stops during your couples' bike ride on Valentine's Day. Bike rental in Delhi helps you live all of this moment. Check out the Rentnhop website to get a reliable bike rental in Delhi.  Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy Valentine's Day and enjoy your cafe and bike adventure.

[copper-russell]

Saturday, November 2 — Family Ties One-Shot

The outskirts of Rajkot, Gujarat, India - March, 2019

The story, as he knew it, went like this: 

His mother was the oldest of five, four girls and then finally one boy. They needed money that they didn’t have. His grandmother, his Nani, Amrita, could not go out and work, because then who would look after the house? Who would raise the children? His grandfather, his Nanabapa, Mayur, did his best. But making ends meet in a town that was already overpopulated was tricky. And so his mother, Arushi, kept her head down. Studied hard. Went to university in Ahmedabad, graduated as a nurse, and then did the best thing that she could think to do: she moved away to somewhere where the pay was better.

She sent money back, every month. Even after she met an Englishman, and settled down. Even after she had a child, a boy, to raise alongside. She came back as often as she could to visit, but that often wasn’t enough – she made it back for Holi, a pilgrimage every year, and then a little while in the summer, if she could.

Her father, his grandfather, had never forgiven her.

The night before Holi was his mother’s favourite, and Krish knew it. She had told him many times about the first time she had been brave enough to step up to the bonfire and throw in a handful of shaved coconut, the way she had leapt out of the way of the flames as they had danced over the offering. Every year they came early, to help Nani prepare for the day of festivities to follow, and every year Nanabapa would sit in his chair beneath the mango tree in the back garden, smoking a cigarette and reading a book, talking to them as little as possible. 

His mother had told him many times to leave it. She understood something fundamental about her father that her son didn’t. That he couldn’t, because he had only ever known him in this context.

So, Krish left it.

The bonfire was lit near the shore of the lake, only a short walk from the house. There would be several across town, still more all across Gujarat. But this one was theirs, built by and for the locals, and by the time Krish and his family descended on it, the party was already in full swing.

His uncle Amir, hadn't been able to make it, so it was up to his aunties, Chahna, Ishani and Saroja to help Arushi and Amrita to carry their offerings over to the bonfire – heaps of shaved coconut and corn plucked from the cob, carried in deep baskets towards the flames for people to help themselves. The younger children, his cousins, ran off immediately to play, the teenagers loping off elsewhere, to darker corners where the flames couldn’t reach. Which just left Krish and his Nanabapa, sitting on some of the stools pulled up around the bonfire, watching over proceedings.

Mayur didn’t talk much. If he wasn’t smoking he was chewing paan, spitting the bright red seeds onto the ground at his feet. So Krish was surprised to hear the old man speak, his voice like the creaking of the gate at the front of the house when he said, “Your ba tells me you’re a medic, now.”

Krish looked over at him, hunched in his seat, the flickering firelight illuminating his dark skin and making the wrinkles carved into his face seem even deeper. He nodded, and said, “Yeah, I am. Just graduated.”

His grandfather hummed, back to chewing again. Krish assumed that was going to be the end of it; it was more conversation than they usually had. But after a second, the old man spat, the red betel seed bouncing off the ground and away towards the fire. “Better than being a policeman.” He huffed, grumbling as he searched his pockets, for what Krish had no idea.

“Yeah,” He agreed instead, watching him quietly. “I think so.”

Silence, again. Mayur found what he was looking for: his cigarettes. He lit one, not bothering to hold the packet out to Krish in offering, stubbing the match out under the heel of his sandal. 

Krish knew he should leave it alone, like his mum said. But it was too tempting, when they were sat here like this, when there was no one around to eavesdrop. “Is that why you didn’t like my dad? Because he was a policeman?”

Mayur turned to look at his grandson, his lips pursed around his cigarette. He frowned so deeply that Krish wondered if his mother had been right, if he really should have just left it alone. He had probably invited some big rant or lecture about all his mother’s failings and all his father’s problems. But the old man exhaled, smoke billowing up into the night air, joining that from the bonfire. 

“Why do you think I didn’t like your father? I liked your father. Malcolm was a good boy.”

Krish blinked. Of all the things he had expected, it wasn’t that.

“You liked him?”

“Of course!” Mayur gave a hacking cough, spitting once more onto the ground. “He took care of you and your mother. He was very respectful of me and your Nani. Not like Ishani’s husband. Pah.” He grimaced, taking another drag from the cigarette.

Krish shifted in his seat. He knew how the story went. His mother left. She married a foreigner. Her father didn’t like it. So what was he supposed to do, when it turned out that the story didn’t go like that, at all?

“But you don’t– you don’t talk to mum.” Krish said, beginning to frown himself. “You never have.”

Mayur sighed. He tapped the butt of the cigarette, so that ash filtered to the floor. In front of them, the women and children had begun showering the bonfire with gifts, scattering corn and coconut into the flames. The smell made Krish’s stomach rumble, but he kept his eyes on his grandfather, waiting for an explanation.

“Fathers are supposed to provide for their wives and children.” Mayur began, staring wistfully into the flames. “That is what your father did, hm? He took care of you. I couldn’t do that for my daughter. She had to leave. And she was better off once she did.”

Krish stared at him. Not only was that more words than he had ever heard his grandfather say in one go, but it was more emotion, more depth, than he had ever witnessed from him. He turned away, looking at the bonfire himself. At the people dancing around it, laughing. His mother, her smile so wide, wider than he ever saw it at home. 

“You can’t know–”

Mayur raised one bony hand. “I’m not going to discuss it, babo. I’ve said what I’ve said. She has a good life. I’m happy for her. You have a good life.” He looked at his grandson, finally, and nodded. “And I’m happy for you, too. That’s all there is to it, eh?”

Slowly, Krish nodded, turning his gaze away. Across the bonfire, someone had brought their cow - a Kankrej, with her tall, curved horns and her snowy white fur. Arushi and Ishani had gone to take a closer look, a few of the small children accompanying them. Krish felt as if he should say something. Try to remind his Nanabapa that he did the best he could, in difficult times. But he knew that the old man didn’t want to hear it, and he didn’t want to ruin whatever small amount of trust this was that his grandfather had in him, to reveal something like that.

When his little cousins came running up to him, begging him to come and play, Krish accepted. After a moment, Amrita took his place, sitting beside her husband so that he didn’t look so alone. Later, Krish would tell his mum exactly what Nanabapa had said. It would be too cruel not to; to have her think that her father couldn’t stand the choices she had made, when it couldn’t be further from the truth. But for now, he thought, best to keep it to himself. If he saw his grandfather smile a little, watching his daughters dance, he kept that to himself too.

[shinykittenland]

Things to do in Delhi on Weekend with Family

India Gate and Children's Park: Spend quality time with family at India Gate, a popular picnic spot. The adjacent Children's Park is a favorite among kids with its play areas, swings, and boating options.

Akshardham Temple: Explore Akshardham Temple's stunning architecture and tranquil gardens. The light and sound show in the evening is a must-watch, providing a mesmerizing end to the day.

Delhi Zoo: The Delhi Zoo is a perfect family destination. It is spacious, allowing for leisurely strolls or picnics ensuring an enjoyable experience for kids.

Kingdom of Dreams: A short drive to Gurgaon, the Kingdom of Dreams offers Bollywood-themed shows, cultural performances and interactive exhibits.

Dilli Haat: Visit Dilli Haat for a vibrant cultural experience with crafts, traditional performances, and a variety of Indian cuisines. Families can enjoy folk music and dance performances, making it a fun day out for everyone.

Exploring Delhi with family is both fun and affordable. Opting for a Tempo Traveller on Rent is a convenient choice for family travel, providing ample space and comfort. You can book with us at the best price for a smooth tour to all these attractions.