#School Closed in Delhi

[todayworldnews2k21]

Primary Schools In Delhi To Shift To Online Classes As City's AQI Dips To 'Severe' Level

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi on Thursday announced that the primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes. The announcement of the Delhi government comes as the Air Quality Index (AQI) in Delhi dipped to ‘severe’ category on Thursday morning with a reading of 428 at 9 am.    “Due to rising pollution levels, all primary schools in Delhi will be shifting to online classes, until…

[gtccabs]

Best Option to travel During Closed 8 -10 September Delhi Schools, govt offices?

Based on the information you have provided, it is not the best option to travel to Delhi during the closed days of schools and government offices from September 8-10, 2023.

The G20 summit will be held in Delhi during these dates, and there will be heavy security and traffic restrictions in place. This will make it difficult to get around the city, and many businesses and attractions may be closed.

If you must travel to Delhi during this time, I recommend planning your trip carefully and avoiding peak travel times. You should also be aware of the security restrictions and make sure to follow the instructions of the authorities.

Here are some of the things you can expect during the G20 summit:

Heavy security presence, including roadblocks and checkpoints.

Traffic restrictions, including bans on certain vehicles and road closures.

Closure of some businesses and attractions.

Increased crowds and congestion.

If you are planning to travel to Delhi during this time, I recommend checking the latest updates on the G20 summit and traffic advisories. You can also contact your hotel or tour operator for more information.

If you're planning to travel in Delhi during a period when schools and government offices are closed (8th - 10th September), you can expect relatively less traffic and fewer crowds due to the closure. This might make your travel experience more convenient and less congested. However, there are a few factors to consider when planning your travel:

Weather: Check the weather forecast for Delhi during those dates. September can still be quite warm in Delhi, so make sure to dress comfortably and stay hydrated.

Attractions: Since schools and government offices are closed, popular tourist attractions might see slightly larger crowds, as families and individuals might take advantage of the time off to visit these places. If you plan to visit popular sites, consider going early in the morning to avoid the peak crowds.

Traffic and Transportation: While there might be fewer vehicles on the road due to the school and office closures, Delhi's traffic can still be congested at times. You might find it more convenient to use public transportation like the Delhi Metro to navigate the city without having to deal with traffic.

Accommodation: As schools are closed, some families might plan short trips or vacations during this time. This could lead to a higher demand for hotels and accommodations, so it's a good idea to book your accommodation in advance.

COVID-19 Considerations: Depending on the current situation, there might still be some COVID-19 related restrictions or guidelines in place. Make sure to check the local guidelines and restrictions before you travel. This could include requirements for masks, social distancing, or vaccination status.

Local Events: Check if there are any local events, festivals, or exhibitions happening during these dates. Attending such events can provide you with unique cultural experiences.

Ultimately, the best option for travel during these dates would depend on your personal preferences and the purpose of your travel. If you're looking for a more relaxed and less crowded experience, traveling during the school and government office closure can be a good choice. Just make sure to plan ahead, consider the factors mentioned above, and stay updated with any relevant information about the destination.

Taxi Is Best Option to travel During Closed 8 -10 September Delhi Schools, govt offices?

Yes, taxi is the best option to travel during the closed days of schools and government offices in Delhi from September 8-10, 2023.

During these days, there will be a significant decrease in the number of public transportation options available, as many bus and metro services will be suspended. This will make it difficult to get around the city without a private vehicle. Additionally, the roads will be more congested than usual due to the increased number of people traveling.

Taxis offer a more convenient and comfortable way to travel during this time. They can take you to your destination directly, without the need to transfer between different public transportation services. Additionally, taxis are less likely to get stuck in traffic than buses and metros.

Of course, the cost of taxis will be higher than public transportation during this time. However, the convenience and flexibility that taxis offer may be worth the extra cost.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when traveling to Delhi during this time:

Book your taxi in advance, especially if you are traveling on a peak day.

Be prepared for traffic delays.

Allow extra time for your journey.

Be aware of the security restrictions in place.

Here are some reasons why a taxi might be a suitable choice:

Less Traffic: With schools and government offices closed, there might be less traffic on the roads compared to regular weekdays. This can make your taxi ride smoother and more time-efficient.

Convenience: Taxis offer door-to-door service, which means you won't have to worry about parking or navigating through unfamiliar areas. This convenience can be especially valuable if you're visiting popular tourist spots or places with limited parking.

Comfort: Taxis generally offer a comfortable and air-conditioned environment, which can be particularly beneficial if you're traveling during Delhi's warmer months.

Local Drivers: Taxi drivers in Delhi are usually familiar with the city's roads and routes, so they can help you reach your destination efficiently. They might also provide you with some local insights and recommendations.

Flexibility: Taxis offer the flexibility to travel at your own pace and schedule. You won't be dependent on public transportation schedules, and you can make multiple stops if needed.

Avoiding Public Transportation: If you're concerned about using public transportation due to COVID-19 or other reasons, a taxi provides a more private mode of travel.

However, keep in mind a few things:

Availability: While there might be less traffic, there could still be demand for taxis, especially during peak travel times. It's a good idea to book your taxi in advance if possible.

Fares: Make sure to clarify the fare structure with the taxi driver before starting your journey. Some taxis might operate on meters, while others might have fixed rates for specific routes.

Ride-Sharing Apps: Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Ola are popular in Delhi and can provide a convenient way to book and pay for taxis.

Traffic Updates: While there might be less traffic overall, unexpected road closures, events, or accidents can still cause delays. Stay updated with traffic information to adjust your plans if needed.

COVID-19 Precautions: If COVID-19 precautions are still in place, consider wearing a mask, sanitizing your hands, and maintaining physical distance while traveling in the taxi.

In summary, using a taxi during the school and government office closure dates can be a convenient and comfortable option for getting around Delhi. Just ensure you plan ahead, communicate clearly with the driver, and stay informed about any local developments that might impact your travel plans.

[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Annniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard : historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 02

I am not very good at writing ffs. I even read ffs very selectively. But it was an attempt of me to participate in the 13th-anniversary arshi fiesta. I might be wrong about certain aspects of that age and era, but it's a fantasy, so why not?

I don't own Arnav and Khushi and the story is purely fictional and has no relation to any living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter 2

After 10 years

Arnav was threading the busy traffic of the Bazar with his ambassador mark 1 to reach the St.Stephen all-women college of Delhi to pick up certain someone who he hadn't talked to, for almost 2 years. Though it was the cheapest car of that generation, it was his most prized possession at that moment, brought by the profit he got from his first export shipments of the textile factory he bought 1 year ago. But his mind was on that girl who lived in his mind rent-free till that fateful day 2 years ago and hadn't left ever since. Even at that moment, he could still feel her, if he closed his eyes.

Shaking himself off to get rid of that feeling, he concentrated on the road. Arnav's focus cleared to zoom in on that girl of question, no no, a young woman, in a simple white saree with a blue border, a mandatory college ware. The way she drapped the saree over her was very modest, but modesty seemed to allude Arnav today. His heart gave a thud realizing he could vividly feel how that petite body felt pressed to his. 'control yourself, Arnav. you've done so much damage already', Arnav chastised himself, willing his heart to a normal rhythm. Her jet-black hair was pleated into a single braid and a simple black bindi in the middle of her eyebrows that brought out her hazel-coloured doe eyes even more highlighted by a thin line of kajal. That was what Arnav was so scared of. Her little bindi had the power over him that the whole Oxford female fraternity didn't. He might have not talked to her but he saw her secretly every time he came to Dehli and watched her spread her wings like a butterfly to be the beautiful woman she ended up being. Roma Chachi had given her an apt name 'titliya'. All those times watching her from a distance Arnav tried his best to control his heart and mind, but ended up failing every single time. There was a reason why he avoided her for 2 years.

Khushi was standing at the gate of the college with her classmate, Sarita Chauhan, waiting for Akash Vai to pick her up. Khushi was irritated, she insisted on taking the rickshaw back home but due to the overprotective nature of Bhai and Babuji, she couldn't do that. But she didn't expect to see Him that day and somehow she knew he had come to pick her up. The last two years did a kind of magic to him or was it London or the girls of London to be exact, she didn't know. The Arnav sitting in front of her in that car donning the black glasses and clad in a rolled-up white shirt and black suspenders was a far cry from the man she last saw. But he was still Arnav among all of these, Her Arnav. That's why it didn't surprise her when her heart went overboard 'dhak-dhak,dhak-dhak,dhak-dhak'. Her friend beside her produced a small sound of appreciation,

"oh Khushi, you've never introduced me to your brothers. now I understand why." giving her a little nudge with her shoulder.

Khushi scoffed at her comment " he is not my brother. "

It's been 10 years since she lost her parents. And in the middle of all of these when Mahindar Chachu became her Babuji and Manoroma Chachi became Amma, she couldn't exactly pinpoint. And as a result, she got two brothers who loved her fiercely as their own. Abba had arranged a home tutor for her when she was 10 years old, because she couldn't bear the stress of public schooling. As soon as she started to form complete sentences her tutor advised her to write letters to her brothers, studying in Darjeeling. She wrote letters to Akash bhai and Aman bhai and then she wrote another letter to Arnav addressing him as 'Dear Arnav'. Her tutor chastised her for not adding a 'bhai' or a 'ji' at the end of his name. But Arnav was never her 'bhai', was he? He never felt like a 'bhai'. He was so much more. But above all, he was Her 'Arnav'.Just 'Arnav.' she used to call her 'Arnav' since she was 8. Nobody corrected her till she was 16. Then she started to call him 'Arnavji'. Now she didn't know what to call him anymore.

Arnav parked the car in front of her. when she made no move to sit inside, he took off the glasses unleashing his dark brown eyes on her. he opened the car door from inside and addressed her -

" what are you waiting for Khushi Kumari Gupta? Pandit bulake mahurat nikal na parega kya?" giving her the crooked half-smile that she adored. His familiar husky voice sent a wave of wistfulness through her. A thousand memories spun in her head, tangling together. God, she missed him so much. "Akash bhai and Aman are busy in the printing press. Cachu asked me to drop you home."

Khushi stared at him for another moment then with a huff she entered the car, which was a bad decision she understood not long after. Being in a closed space with him was torture. His enchanting woody scent engulfed her and transported her to a particular day that was in the centre of conflict between them. Both of them stared at anything but at each other, but soon Khushi couldn't resist the temptation to steal a look at him, which was a far worse decision than the previous one. Her eyes found his hands on the steering wheel, clutching it and as soon as a flashback of those hands flooded her mind - those hands clutching her smaller ones when they used to take a walk, those hands closing the hook of a payal around her ankles, those hands teaching her smaller ones to hold the chalk to write on the black slate, those hands helping her to plant rose plants on the garden. Her mind shifted to her smaller hands giving prasad to his larger ones, his hands cracking open the peanut shell for her whenever they went to the mela, his hands pulling her braids.'Have those hands become larger till the last time she saw them?' Khushi mused silently. Then a switch flipped in her mind, more flashbacks, she started to feel his hands on her cheek, on her waist, on the back of her head. Khushi closed her eyes tightly and clutched the books in her hands and to drive away those visions from her mind, blurted out what came to her mind at that moment " Anjali di said, you could not come to Delhi for another 3 months"

Arnav, looking at Khushi from the corner of his eyes, said "I didn't plan to. But My best friend is marrying my little sister. I wouldn't miss that wedding for the world and Roma Chachi said no more auspicious 'mohurat' after this month until the end of this year. And it's not like I have not been travelling to and fro between Delhi and London in the last couple of years."

Khushi nodding and trying to swallow down the hurt, said solemnly "I know."

Arnav had been studying law at Oxford University for the last couple of years. He had passed his bar exam and had been doing an apprenticeship under a Barrister in London for the last year. She knew all of this from Aman bhai. On the other hand, Arnav sold the land that his grandfather gave him and bought a run-down textile factory in old Delhi. She knew he had been very busy and she also knew he had been to Dehli multiple times in the last 2 years. He didn't stay in Rajput haveli nowadays when he came to Delhi. He had rented a two-storied bungalow on the outskirts of the town. But what hurt her more was he went to Rajput haveli to meet Amma and Babuji every time he came to Delhi, only when she was in school. So, it was not so difficult to figure out, who he was avoiding. Why, why she have to ruin the most important friendship she had in her life??? If only she wouldn't have done what she did 2 years ago.

It didn't escape Arnav's eyes the pain that flashed through her face. He still could read her like an open book, could decode the emotions that transpired through her pretty eyes. He regretted hurting her so much, but it was for the greater good. Sometimes he thought he preferred to remember her as still eight years old because she'd adored him then. She would gladly follow him anywhere. In fact, whenever she saw him leave, heading toward the garden where he liked to walk and think, she would come running after him. Even though she frequently fell, her little legs no match for his long, strong ones, she never cried and never complained. She was strong even back then.

Little Khushi used to fill their conversation with a million inquisitive questions though, looking at him with trusting big eyes. Her questions made him laugh and stumbled over answers.

When she was eight, he was her Hero.

As soon as the car reached Rajput Haveli, she all but sprinted away from him. Arnav sighed grabbing the package from the backseat he also entered the house. As soon as he reached the living room, he was met with Madhumati ji scolding Khushi for running around carelessly, even at the age of eighteen and her praying to God to give her 'sanka devi' same 'satbuddhi'. Then there was Roma Chachi, who came rushing towards him to give him a hug. Roma Chachi never failed to make him feel loved. Arnav admired this woman for her enormous capacity to love those who weren't hers.

"London suits you, Arnav Bitwa, look at you, how handsome you've turned out to be!!!! "

Arnav's tall figure folded itself to return her hug, teasing her he proceeded "And you didn't change at all Roma chachi. Still as gorgeous as ever. I missed you so much."

Manoroma smiled at him fondly. A child she once wished was hers so that she could have protected him from the heartbreak he endured at such a tender age " I missed you too, Bitwa. Don't be a stranger now like you have been for past years, ab toh hum ristedaar bhi banne wale hain."

Arnav smilled at her " I'll try."

Manoroma continued, "I hope you are staying with us this time, aren't you?" seeing Arnav nodding his head, she continued "Good, now I am going to the temple, we'll talk after I come back. chaliye, madhumati ji."

Arnav watched them leave and then silently proceeded toward the first floor crossing the stairs. At the very least, he could try to save whatever was left of the friendship he once shared with Khushi.

Khushi sat cross-legged on her bed, looking at the payal that broke as soon as she entered her room hurriedly a few minutes ago. It had been her room since her parents had died. It had seen so many of her tears and held so many of her secrets. Bua ji nowadays, began to get on her nerves, reminding everyone of her spinster status, but Khushi was adamant not to get married before she enrolled for college, now that she finally did it, she didn't have any excuses left.

Looking at the payal, Khushi thought of how it's been almost 10 years since she was wearing that particular payal. One morning 10 years ago, in the garden, looking at her rag doll, she confessed to Arnav that she used to have a similar payal like her doll once, that the bad guys had stolen from her too. And she missed wearing the payals. It was one of the first things she had admitted to Arnav during their long walks.

He'd asked her why she didn't just ask Mahindar Chachu and Chachi for payals and Khushi had tearfully confessed her fear that if she wanted too much, her new guardians would give her away. And the sound of payals must disturbed them as well.

That very weekend, he'd bought her this payal and its pair. She'd loved it. It was the first time since her parents died that she'd bounced in places with joy like she was really eight and not eighty. She giggled with her delighted-little-girl pleasure.

Khushi stared at the payal with a sad smile on her face. The clasp had been given away. Just like their relationship now. She still remembered how the payals were too big for her small ankles, he had to make a loop at the end to adjust them to her size.

Arnav had adored her once.

But she'd messed that up good and proper a long time ago. But did she really mess it up beyond repair?

A knock on the door drew her thoughts out of the past. To her surprise, it was Arnav standing in the doorway, his expression as passive as ever. "Can I come in?"

She nodded, automatically scooting backwards to lean back against her headboard. He came to sit in front of her, and Khushi smirked, remembering playing Ludo with him at that same position, at that same spot when she was 10, 11, 12.

"What are you laughing at?" he asked, curious. A smile played at his lips that made her heart feel like a thunder about to strike.

"I was just remembering beating you in ludo," she said quietly. In her room, it was harder to be aloof as she tried to be with him. How long had she been trying to show him she was grown up, grown past the foolish girl she'd been when they...

His smile broadened but only slightly. Still, it was enough to make her blood feel warmer. "So you found a game you can actually beat me at, Phati sari. Don't get arrogant." He pointed a finger in her face.

Laughing lightly, she remembered the origin of her nickname at the kanya puja day, when she was 10, Amma had made her wear a red saree made for little girls. it was so beautiful. She ran to the garden to show it to Arnav where he was helping Babuji to sow the vegetable seeds and ended up tearing the pretty saree in that process. She cried the whole day so much that Babuji ended up buying two more similar sarees just like that. But she couldn't get away from the torment of Arnav's teasing. She gained that nickname a day later. she stared down at her lap, tracing the broken payal with the pad of her finger. He sounded like his old self just then addressing her with the name he gave her, the one who wasn't so uncomfortable and cold around her. 'O Devi maiya, what do she need to sacrifice to have that again.' she sighed and asked "So what did you want to talk about?"

"This is awkward," he said after a moment of silence. "It seems almost pompous for me to say I'm proud of you."

"Why do you think it's pompous?" she asked, curiously. "I mean, everyone else has said it... unless you don't mean it."

"Of course I mean it," he said, his tone sincere. "A graduate degree in English literature" He looked down, then back at her again"You always wanted to be a writer. I am sorry I wasn't there when you enrolled on college, I should have been there." he said with a decisive, displeased tone. "I know I haven't been as supportive as I could have been these last few years."

Khushi shook her head. Arnav had always been something of an enigma to her. Well, not always. There was a time when their relationship had been simple. At some point, something had changed. What that was, Khushi was still at a loss as to explain. She knew when the switchover had happened, though.

"Arnav," she said with a sigh. "If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have even tried to get into a college. You have always encouraged me to write and kept me interested in the world of literature with the books you used to send me."He even sent her books when he was avoiding her those last few years.

Looking up at him, she smiled. "you were the only one who never doubted my capabilities. You just seemed so certain I could do it - even if it would be hard."

"Most things worth doing are difficult," he said quietly. "It never occurred to me to doubt you. If that was what you wanted, I knew you were capable."

And because he knew, she believed, she thought but didn't say. "It was difficult. Still, I did it, and I think I made the right choice. You had everything to do with that."

Their silence then was not so awkward, but more comfortable. Then Arnav reminded the package in his hand and extended it to her. As soon as she saw the package, her face brightened with a brilliant smile and she all but tore the packaging of the book. 'A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens ' It's her favourite book, but it was special.

"you brought me the first edition" She looked in awe both at the book and at the man. When the awe subsided awkwardness seeped in. Arnav was about to leave.

"Arnav," she began hurriedly, blowing out a breath in a huff, she was ready to right wrongs in her life, and start fresh. "I know you've been... wary about seeing me since... since then. And I don't blame you. I know things have been strange for a long time. But I was a stupid girl then. A lot has changed - I've changed. I'm not going to... do that again. So if that's what you're worried about-"

"Khushi," he said quickly, reaching across the space that separated them, putting his index finger over her lips.

For the space of a few breaths, Khushi's heartbeat began to stutter. Time stood still, their breaths caught. She didn't know how long it had been since she was watching his hooded eyes, looking at his dilated pupil.

And then a moment later, a curtain seemed to fall over his expressive eyes, hiding all the secrets she so desperately wanted to reveal, his eyes holding hers. He let his hand drop slowly before he broke eye contact, staring out the window. For long moments, he was silent. "It's not you. It's never been you."

She waited, but he didn't seem inclined to explain further. "Is it so unthinkable ?" she asked finally. She cringed because she'd feared the answer to this question for years. He was her best friend, her confidant - the most important person in her life since almost before she could remember. That had never changed. And she didn't want to lose him. She would take him in whatever capabilities he would like to share with her.

"Is what so unthinkable?" he asked, dreading the answer himself.

"Can't we try to be friends again?" Her voice was quiet, and she struggled to make it not waiver. It felt strangely like her world would crumble if he put the final nail in the coffin of their relationship, as melodramatic as that sounded.

To her surprise, his eyes were wide, almost horrified. He shook his head, chuckling nervously. He thought she would ask about something else. "I never imagined you would interpret my attitude that way." He rubbed a hand over his chin, tracing the line of stubble - it had been some days since he'd shaved. She'd noticed that almost instantly when he walked in the door. She still remembered the way that little bit of stubble felt, brushing against her cheek.

"To answer your question, of course, we can be friends. I've never not been your friend," he said finally.

This cheered her considerably, and Khushi sat up straight, smiling. "Good."

@arshifiesta @featheredclover @phuljari @msbhagirathi

<previous> | <next>

[beautitudes]

if you have, like me, lost your mind over the armandaniel interaction in episode 5 and you want it imprinted over the backs of your eyelids, here. for me and you both.

Curious…

[Armand stands over you. He’s commandeered your body.]

Rise. Armand. From Polynesian Mary’s, I was with Louis.

I can’t move…

Move your body?

Yeah… Yeah. I don’t want…

To die? On that item, I think I know something you don’t. I’m told you’ve lived a fascinating life.

I never said that.

No, Louis did.

[Leave him alone, Armand. Armand!]

You held Louis’ attention. He confessed his innermost secrets to you.

I wanted drugs… We didn’t even have sex, man.

A hundred and twenty-eight boys he’s brought here…

He said five.

… and you’re the first he didn’t consummate and drain.

[This is so bad!]

That makes you special.

Please, man. I’m just a shitty little kid from Modesto.

That warrants investigation.

I could be on my knees in a second.

Bartering with desire. Is that what makes you fascinating?

He didn’t even want me in the end. I mean, look at my neck! I’m fucking bleeding down to my ankles!

Vera?

She’s a single mother. Works in a titty bar on Market Street.

Kevin?

Some Vietnam vet who lives in the Castro with his Vietnamese refugee boyfriend with no legs.

You think in all these spools you’ve arrived at some ineffable truth?

Nah, it’s all bullshit.

An instinct to self-efface, is that what makes you fascinating?

Okay, yes. I’m good at getting angles, getting people to open up. I can’t feel my body, it’s freaking me out…

Oh, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no. Shh…

Armand!

You’re going to teach me how to be fascinating.

[Leave him be, Armand! Stop!]

In middle school, you stole your dad’s Playboy magazines, sold them at recess. A little dirty, a little deceitful, but it’s enterprising. Is that what makes you fascinating?

How are you..?

In high school, you told a girl you’d only do her if she had a paper bag over her head. She agreed and you did it even as she cried. A splinter of coldness in you, is that what makes you fascinating?

My legs are starting to cramp…

Even his transgressions are ordinary, Louis, the pinhole’s closing back up!

Okay, it’s you who’s fascinating! You can red minds, right?

Louis thinks I’m boring.

I have Charlie horse, left leg…

Do you find me boring?

No…

Do you want to hear my story?

Yes. Yes! Yes.

My first memory. I’m being run down by slavers in Delhi. My second… Hmm. An eager black hole.

Oh my God.

I’ll keep digging. But I’m not hopeful there’s much more to you, Daniel, other than a hole.

[blackswaneuroparedux]

Anonymous asked: Of all the many languages you speak which is your weakest one? Do you use those languages?

It’s privilege to learn any language that isn’t your mother tongue. As Ludwig Wittgenstein correctly observed, “The limits of my language means the limits of my world”. If English is our native tongue we put ourselves at a disadvantage because we expect every other nationality to take the trouble to speak it. There seems no incentive to learn a foreign language. We become lazy not just in language but also in other ways including our cultural enrichment, our imagination, and a misplaced sense of our self-importance in the world.

Of the European languages I know, I probably think German would be my weakest. When I was in school in Switzerland you’re brought up in three languages: French, Italian, and German (even if the Swiss speak Swiss German). When I say weakest I mean I can converse fluently, but I don’t have time to read German literature in the same immersive way I would say with French literature or take any special interest in German affairs.

I would say I’m fairly fluent in French now but still prone to silly mistakes. I’ve been told that I can speak without an accent and that is heart warming to know, because that was always the goal once I moved here to France. I don’t really use French in my work as it’s a multi-national entity and so English is the default language of corporate world, but I’m speaking French pretty much the rest of the time outside of work.

I was extremely fortunate to be born into a multi-lingual family where Norwegian and English were spoken from birth. All my siblings were being versed in Latin (not Greek which came years later after doing Classics at university) by the time I was 8 or 9 years old because my father was a classicist and he felt Latin was the building blocks to mastering other languages.

All this occurring whilst we moved lived and moved around a lot in the world such as China, Japan, India, and the Middle East. When I was initially sent to one of the first of my English girls boarding schools I was horrified that most of the girls only spoke English. I thought I was the stupid one for only knowing 6. Boarding school, if nothing else, gave me a great privilege to hone in on the languages I did know and start to learn others.

My parents didn’t take the easy way out and put us children in international schools like all the other expat children. That would have been too easy given how tight knit the British expatriate community was out there. Instead we were left to sink or swim in local schools in places like Tokyo and Kyoto in Japan or Shanghai in China or in Delhi, India. It was a struggle but you soon find your feet and you stumble towards some basic level of fluency.

I’m fortunate that before Covid my corporate work took me often to the Far East and it was a great opportunity to hone what I already knew. The result is I can converse and take business meetings in Chinese and Japanese (though English gets thrown into the mix too).

I would say Chinese is more of a struggle for me these days because I’ve not been back since before the Covid lockdown in 2020. Chinese is one of those languages that can easily melt away if you don’t get the chance to converse in it on a regular basis. Japanese less so, probably because the culture had more profound impact on me than Chinese culture.

Hindi is less of an issue because I have close Indian friends and also I watch Bollywood movies as well as converse with Indian immigrants here in Paris who have local stores. Urdu I learned through the backdoor because Urdu has a spoken affinity with Hindi (if you know Hindi then you know spoken Urdu, more or less, especially in Northern India and cities like Delhi where Urdu was born in the burnt ashes of Mughal India). Reading is another matter because they each use different scripts - Sanskrit for Hindi and Arabic and Persian script for Urdu.

Strangely enough when I was doing my tour in Afghanistan years ago with the British army, I would speak Urdu with local Afghans who served as official translators or were selling goods on the base. These Afghans knew Urdu because an entire generation of Afghan boys and girls grew up in refugee camps on the Pakistani border during the different phases of the Afghan war. I have very fond memories of their friendship and hospitality, but less so of the war itself. 

With Arabic, it had lapsed woefully until I did a posting in Dubai in the past year (as catalogued in my blog) and I found myself suddenly remembering a lot and asking Arab friends. Soon I was able to hold my own amongst my colleagues and corporate clients. In these cultures it’s really hard to stay focused because so many of them speak very good English. So it’s hard to get them to stick with their own language because you want to learn from them - but they want to show off their English proficiency - and so you have to be polite but persistent to stick with Arabic.  

If you’re learning a new language then I hope you stick with it. There’s almost nothing more rewarding in your life than the disocovery a rich culture through language. The key is to find a way to make it fun rather than a trip to the dentist chair for a root canal operation.

Thanks for your question.

[lonelylesbian2]

I remember when I was younger people would ALWAYS make fun of me when I talked about my family because of what I called them. My family is Indian (punjabi to be exact) so I was subject to LOADS of mockery anyway. But when we did family trees in primary school I got laughed at so badly and so many people told me I had the 'wrong' names because my maternal uncle wasn't called 'mama', that was what my mother was called. When I tried to explain that that's what I called them in my culture I got told I was wrong. 8 year old me thought that my family tree was supposed to be filled with my family. What they were called to me. 8 year old me got told I was wrong. My teachers gave me sheets to fill out with 'uncle' and 'aunt' and 'grandma'. I grew up like that and when I was 10 years old we went to go and visit my mums family in Delhi. I called my mothers mum grandma. Now, when I visit I'm older, now I call my mother sister 'mausi', I call people who aren't related to me closely but are still very close 'mausi'. Because that's my culture. I am an only child but I have people I call 'didi', I have people who call me 'didi'. My older relatives call me 'beta'. I am not their daughter, but that is our culture. Now, I don't let anyone tell me what I can and can't call my family. Because they are mine. Now when people ask who's visiting, i tell them my 'chacha'.

I hate that I ever let anyone tell me my culture was wrong, that I had to leave my blood and roots behind in favour of what other people knew. But I was young and that was the reality of it. Everyday, my heart goes out to the little 8 year old girl sitting at the dining table, wishing she could change the colour of her skin and the blood in her veins.

[lover-also-fighter-also]

MEET MY MC

HARSHITH SHARMA

Birthday: 20th March, 1994

Meaning of Name: Joyous, Cheerful, Happy .

Nicknames: Harsh (By friends, parents) , Dork (By Tanya)

Pronouns: He/Him (cis guy)

Sexuality: Biromantic and Bisexual. However, he is still closeted to his family. Only Tanya knows about it.

Personality: Leans towards the 'lawful neutral' image. Ambivert who enjoys his alone time as much as social time. hard-working, charismatic and caring. He is willing to go to any lengths to protect the people he loves (and his patients as well), and an extremely trustworthy person.

Parents: Both his parents are from New Delhi, India and were the first doctors in their respective families. His dad is a neurosurgeon while his mother is a gynecologist. Their inspiration and how they help people is what inspired Harshith to become a doctor.

Siblings: He has a younger sister Tanya (my VoS MC), who works as a reporter in New York. Harshith's time in med school strains their relationship for a period of time, but both share a really good relationship.

Home: He was born in New Delhi, but his family migrated to Chicago when he was 13. He goes to The University of Columbia for his med school, and eventually settles in Boston after his residency in Edenbrook.

Religion: His family are orthodox Hindus, but Harshith does not insist on following the practices on a daily basis, except on special occasions like festivals and before exams.

Hobbies: Harshith is an AMAZING guitar player, but unfortunately he never joined any of the music clubs in school out of fear, and he is an excellent chef, signature dish being aloo parathas. Additionally, he enjoys having video game nights with Elijah, as it feels like it keeps him close to home.

Love life: He used to have a girlfriend in high school and they maintained long distance relationship when he was in Columbia, but eventually he found out that she was cheating on him when he returned to Chicago to surprise her. Since then, Harshith swore off on dating until he got close to Aurora (idc about canon). In my HC, Harshith proposes to Aurora at the last day of their residency.

Other facts:

Once, as a kid, Harshith tried faking an injury with red markers and tons of band-aids.

He enjoyed taking care of Tanya when they were kids, like helping her with homework, making sure she took her vitamins on time, as his parents used to be busy most of the time.

He is a complete nerd for sports cars and F1 racing.

At a point of time in high school, his classmates used to pay him for doing their assignments.

His favorite possession is a play doctor coat he had as a kid, and the Rolex watch his dad gifted him after he got his residency in Edenbrook.

Tagging @choicesficwriterscreations for my MC

[eco-lite]

Volume 5 thoughts! I can’t believe I have to wait until November for volume 6. 😩

“Citrine Undaunted”

* Bye bye, Shimomura. 👋🏼 Good luck following your passions. I hope Seigi will take inspiration from this.

* This is truly such a bizarre story. Why does it feel like Ms. Darling is some supernatural creature trying to influence Seigi’s path in life? And her compliments about Seigi’s hands are very uncomfortable.

* “It was a lot easier when you let your brain process what you were going to say before you opened your mouth, rather than blurting out something stupid in a panic” (36). Seigi… are you just learning this now?

* I can’t wait for Seigi to do some actual self-reflection and realize that he doesn’t give a shit about being a civil servant.

* Richard loves showing Seigi bi-colored stones, huh…?

* Richard sending emojis makes me so happy.

“A Visage in Sardonyx”

* Poor Homura. Let’s hope third time’s the charm for him. He does seem a bit to quick to marry though.

* Wait, so agate is quartz too? I never new so many stones were varieties of quartz!

* I never know how cameos were made either—that’s so cool!

* “‘Say, for example, you love someone in a romantic sense, but that person doesn’t even consider you a romantic possibility. You’re just someone they “care about deeply”’” (81). Please don’t say this to Richard. That’s gonna hit way to close to home. 🥲

* I’ve considered before that Richard may have wanted to just stop living, but it doesn’t hurt any less for him to confirm it. I’m glad he has support now. It gives new mean to when he says that Saul saved his life, though.

* SEIGI! How are you going to say that your relationship with Richard hasn’t changed at all, and that you’re just boss and employee?! After everything you went through together in the last volume??? Now that you regularly go out to dinner together and talk in the phone until 1:30am?????? What is your problem, man?

* I know the circumstances are weird, but I think Richard and Tanimoto would get along really well and have a lot to talk about. I’m excited for them to meet!

* Although I feel weird about the whole “in love with my stepmother” thing, this case was an interesting exploration of different kinds of love—and how defining your love for someone sometimes isn’t the most important thing. What matters is that the love is there. I suppose I agree with that. It definitely matters how you define the relationship that the love occurs in, though. Seigi needs to start thinking about that.

“The Majesty of Zircon”

* I agree that strict government work probably is t right for Seigi, but damn, his classmates are brutal!

* “And that was how the first step of my self-assessment started—with the fact that I apparently didn’t know the first thing about myself being shoved in my face” (110). Yeah, there are several things you don’t know about yourself, Seigi. Once again, I am begging you to do some self-reflection!

* Woah, a flashback and a POV switch?!

* “‘… I have a interest in waterside ecosystems’” (124). Wow me too!

* Not Jeffrey suggesting they burn the Claremont estate down 😅

* Lol the catharsis of punching Jeffrey in a dream. Wish I could do that. If Richard’s dream is accurate… wtf, Jeffrey?

* “‘…I don’t know how many people you must’ve hurt by being such an impossibly insensitive jerk. A guy like you would never be popular with the high school girls in Delhi, no matter how handsome you are. I could call a dozen of my old friends, and they’d all be like “No thanks”’” (172). You tell him! I love Monica so much.

* Lol Richard giving himself a pep talk in order to make a salad.

* This puts a new perspective on the scene in “White Sapphire” when Richard tells Seigi that he should value himself more than to just throw himself into dangerous situations to save others. Richard learned that lesson himself. He also cares about people deeply enough to take crazy desperate actions. Saul was the one who taught Richard to have more care for himself, and now Richard is passing on that advice to Seigi.

“The Grace of Peridot”

* Not Richard making Seigi read Les Misérables lol

* No Seigi, your past is not “better left unsaid!” Please tell us!

* I really don’t understand why Richard’s parents ever thought they could make their relationship work. Like, how do a conservation-focused entomologist and a self-obsessed actress even fall in love with each other??

* I can’t believe I’m past the point where Seigi saying he would jump into a fire if Richard begged him to doesn’t phase me at all. Yeah, that’s normal Seigi behavior. 🤦🏽‍♀️ For real though, the image of Richard crying and begging is truly very distressing. I hope he never feels so much pain.

* I don’t think we’ve seen Seigi call Richard cute before. And not only cute, but “like a matcha frappé with whipped cream and chocolate chips and muscovado sugar” (256). Wowie.

* This reunion with Chieko is so sweet. Richard is actually being adorable.

* “At any rate, I knew that Richard was not fit to stand around and chat, so I decided to wrap things up there” (258). It’s really hitting me just how attentive Seigi is to Richard’s emotional needs. It’s not just carrying candy around to pacify him when he’s in a bad mood. In this situation, Seigi understands that reuniting with Chieko is a very happy, but also emotionally exhausting experience for Richard. Seigi knows just when to remove them from the situation and come back another time. It’s very sweet.

* HOMURA PLEASE WHY ARE YOU HERE? Well, at least it seems like this relationship will succeed. Third time’s the charm.

* I’m so happy that Richard had such a caring mother figure, and that they’re reunited now. I hope they can see each other often.

* Ew not Margaret Thatcher 😑

* Classic marriage mixup once again.

* Wtf is Richard going to say to him?! You can’t just not let us in on this, Tsujimura!

“Andalusite on Christmas Eve”

* Tanimoto: misunderstands Seigi as always. Seigi: “There really are no gods in this world, huh?” 🥲

* “‘Now, I’m just speaking for myself, but special days can be a bit like storms. And in stormy weather, what you need isn’t a compass or sails but a calm harbor where you can set anchor.’ And then Richard said softly that he prayed that I would find such a place” (291). Holy shit. 🥲🥲

“Tiger’s Eye Look Back”

* A cute little story from the first few months of Seigi working at Étranger. I’m trying to figure out why this little scene was included, though. Maybe to show us just how far both Seigi and Richard have come since the beginning of the story.

* I find it really interesting that Seigi never questions why he finds Richard so beautiful. I feel like a typical “straight” man would not be so casual about thinking another man is beautiful, or having any of the other extremely romantically coded thoughts Seigi has about Richard. But I do appreciate that this series normalizes all different types of people finding beauty and happiness in all sorts of things.

Unrelated to a specific case, but now that Tsujimura has established multiple perspectives besides Seigi’s, I really want to read from Richard’s perspective. I know that would diminish the mystery around him and take away from learning about him as Seigi does, but I really want to know his thoughts in the moment he met Seigi. I’d love a re-telling of that first case from Richard’s POV.

[wounds-seen-and-unseen]

Vagdhandaja-Prologue

The actual fic scenes will be under the cut. This is world building of a sorts before the cut.

Arjun’s character here is very, very removed from canon (obviously, seeing that canon is an epic that is more than a 1000 years old) so I am only going to explain whatever is relevant to this story.

The milieu I am going for is an alternate universe of Delhi (India’s capital, in case anyone does not know) where the Kauraveya family are quite influential politicians for the most part. Arjun is the cherished youngest son of the family, very close to his mother, having lost his father as a child. He is a decorated war hero, known for both his battle prowess and his gallantry. He is an old school gentleman, so to speak. He values all human life, he prefers to avoid loss of life as much as possible. He married his wife, Subhadra, for love. Her brother, Krishn is his best friend. At the beginning of this story, he is escaping from a place he barely remembers.

Satyaka, the PoV for the prologue, is distantly related to Krishn, and by extension, Arjun’s mother Pritha, (Krishn is canonically Arjun’s first cousin, in this story, their blood relationship may be a little more removed). His son, Yuyudhana, not mentioned in this chapter by name, is Subhadra and Krishn’s friend here. I think that’s all the background needed for this story for now, but if something is unclear, please feel free to DM or ask me!

Trigger warnings: Panic attacks, discussion of intravenous drug use, disoriented character, brief emeto mention, distressed character.

Tagging @blue-lotus333 and @whither-wander-whump

Please ask or message if you want to be added to or removed from the tag list!

There are a few Sanskrit terms used here, meanings given below:

1. Pitr-shraadh: Shraadh is a Hindu ritual, in which one honours the dead. Pitr-shraadh specifically, as far as I know, is a ritual in which one honours their ancestors.

2. Pooja: Prayer ritual

3. Mata: Mother (respectful)

Prologue

Satyaka Varshney, on the way to the capital

I click the ignition off, glancing cursorily by my side at my son, fast asleep. I suppose a small break wouldn’t hurt.

Cracking my aching knuckles, I open the car door, sliding out and stretching. The wind is rustling through crowded forest greenery, fresh and clean. An unfamiliar thump directs my gaze to my son once more, still peacefully sleeping in the car. Keeping him in the line of my sight, I edge forward.

That doesn’t turn out to be a very wise thing to do in the pitch black of the depth of night, as I knock into something. Blindly reaching out, my hand hits solid flesh.

I can feel the flinch beneath my fingers, hear the faintly clicking, chattering teeth.

���S-so-sorry. Plea-please don’t-don’t-they-I’- I blink. In front of me is a young man, hardly visible in the dark.

Whatever little I can see of him, he is obviously scared, shaking, streaks of mud on his torn shirt, what once used to probably be military camouflage. ‘I’m sorry, s-sir.’ He says, cringing away from me. ‘Hey there, young man,’ I whisper, the boy putting in my mind a spooked horse. ‘It’s alright. I’m not going to turn you in. You on the run from those outlaws down there?’ ‘Out-outlaws? Sir?’ The frank confusion in his voice has me backtrack. What the hell has happened to this young man?

‘Never mind that. Where are you coming from? Do you have anywhere to go to?’

He blinks. Looks pensive for a moment, then, face tight and eyes on the floor, he whispers, voice hoarse, ‘I…I am not sure, sir. I don’t-I don’t know what this place is. Where are we?’ I sigh. ‘Are you alright?’ The boy seems disoriented enough to warrant that insipid question. He looks down at himself, then musters a smile as he looks back up, still not meeting my eyes. ‘I think so, sir? I will be.’

‘You sure don’t look it,’ I mutter, shucking off my coat, looking critically at him, the ceaseless shivering, the remnants of bloodstains on his face. I hand the coat over to him. ‘Here. You look like you need it. And this place isn’t safe. Would you like to come with me?’ His gaze skitters away from me. ‘I-thank you sir, but I’m dirty. I wouldn’t want to be a burden.’ He’s clearly making effort to pronounce his words right. ‘And you aren’t. I have a son your age. I’d want him to be safe, just like I’m sure your family wants you safe and sound.’ I wrap the coat around his shaking shoulders. ‘There.’ He flinches away from my touch. ‘Easy. It’s alright. Can you walk?’ He nods. ‘Yes. I will. Where’- ‘I’ll tell you. Follow me.’ He does that obediently enough, although he looks over his shoulder for every step he takes. From what I can understand of his situation, I don’t blame him for the same.

Once we are leaning against the hood of my car, I probe gently. ‘Look, kid, I want to help you. Honestly. But I can’t do that if you don’t tell me anything.’ Frustration echoes in his voice as he replies ‘I am grateful, sir, but I really don’t-I remember, I had been on duty. I had asked leave from my senior so that I could do the pitr shraadh. I finished the pooja. I drank some water that was in my canteen, and then…then my head spun. Some people were trying to-to drag me off. I don’t know why, I’d never seen them before. I fought as best as I could. But I lost. That’s all I know. Then I woke up shaking on some unknown floor. I escaped as soon as I could. Honestly, sir, I’m not-I don’t lie. I don’t. You’ve done so much…I wouldn’t.’ His shivering increases as he finishes his speech, and he stumbles. ‘Whoa!’ ‘I…sorry, sir. I’m dizzy.’ ‘I can see that, kid. How long has it been since you ate?’ I ask, keeping a firm hold of his hand. He shakes his head. ‘Okay. Okay. I think these outlaws did you in. We’re at the edge of their outpost. You seem to be real lucky that they haven’t caught you yet. Tell me where you want to go, ‘kay? I’ll see if I can help you there.’ ‘To the capital. The Kauraveya Mansion.’ ‘You’re one of ‘em, huh? Some distant coz of mine married into that family. The younger son, the legitimate one, that is. I remember attending her wedding, barely married myself, too besotted by my own wife, with eyes for nought but the food. I hear the lady is mighty beautiful, though.’ He smiles, I can see the flash of teeth in the dark, feel the tense pull of his shoulder relax slightly under my hand.

‘The most beautiful in the world,’ he says, softly. ‘She is my mother. I’ll tell her that I heard the food in her wedding was really nice.’ I laugh. ‘You’re one of the Vrishni clan, then, sir? Krishn said that his clan is huge.’ ‘Aye. So you’re one of us, too, in a way.’ He shrugs. ‘I suppose so?’ ‘Of course you are. However distant, ain’t a matter. Once a connection is established, it’s there forever. You know Krishn?’ I shake my head. ‘Course you do. Never mind that, come in,’ I open the door of my car. ‘Get a bit warm, have somethin’ to drink. Wouldn’t want you to collapse like that again. Should coz find out her kiddo fainted on my watch, I’m sure she’d have my head.’ He laughs, soft and sincere. ‘Her name is Pritha. I’m Arjun. And you’re probably right, mata is very…protective.’ ‘As she very well should be, a handsome young lad like you.’ He looks down. ‘Is that a blush? I see you aren’t used to teasing yet.’

He peeks into the car. ‘Careful there. My young bison is snoring in here.’ ‘Dad. ‘M not a bison of any sort! And who’s this?’ ‘Cousin o’ yours. Arjun Kauraveya, I take it?’ He nods. My son starts upright. ‘Krishn’s brother-in-law? His best friend? Whoa. I met their family a few days ago. Both the ladies were…pretty distraught.’

The boy at my side closes his eyes, obviously affected. ‘My fault,’ he whispers. I cuff my idiot of a kid. ‘Motor mouth, can’t you think of what you speak?’ I hiss at him, jerking my chin at the distraught younger man.

‘And you.’ I turn to Arjun. ‘None of that, kid. You didn’t ask to be captured like that.’ ‘No, but’- ‘Hey, you’re gonna go home, alright? They’re yours to take care of.’ ‘Yeah.’ ‘I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking,’ my son murmurs. Arjun shakes his head. ‘It’s alright…you were honest, thank you for that.’ My son shakes his head in return. ‘No. It’s not like you ran off on your own. You were on duty, right?’ Neither I nor Arjun correct him, leaving him to his ignorance. ‘You’re doing your best, that’s all you can do.’ The other man doesn’t look very convinced but nods his head.

I hand him a bottle of water. ‘There you go. Drink up.’ His hand shakes as he takes the bottle. I drank the water in my canteen, I remember him saying. And then my head spun. Small wonder he is scared. I take it back, drinking a gulp myself. ‘There. It’s safe, son.’ His gaze flies to mine, finding the floor again in a flash. ‘I’m’- I cut him off. ‘Nothin’ to say sorry for. Given what you’re comin’ from, it’s perfectly understandable.’

Once he’s had the water, I gesture to a sandwich. ‘Get some food inside ya, ‘kay? I can drive you to the capital, sure, we gotta go there, too. Not your house, of course not, but Lutyen’s street should work? He’s wide-eyed, staring at me as if afraid to believe. ‘Sir..I can’t ask that’- ‘Nah, you ain’t askin’. Don’t worry about it. Go on, eat the thing.’

He tries. A bite later, he stops. ‘I don’t think I can,’ he says, sounding guilty. ‘What’s the matter, kiddo?’ ‘I might be si’- he’s cut off as he gags, shoving his head out of the window. ‘Whoa. Okay. Want me to stop the car?’ He shakes his head jerkily. ‘N-no. It’s ‘kay.’

‘Wait.’ My son’s voice is cool. ‘Yeah?’ Arjun asks. ‘Those marks on your arm…did you do that? Are you an IV user? Is that why you’re confused?’ ‘W-what?’ ‘Hey!’ I interject, the kid clearly struggling to understand the pointed question. ‘He was kidnapped, bud, he didn’t’- ‘No!’ It’s the loudest I’ve heard his voice. ‘No, I wouldn’t. Mata hates that kinda stuff, I don’t even drink.’ He shakes his head. ‘I didn’t do this, please believe me.’

I glare at my son. ‘Apologize. Seriously, is this the kind of question you ask?’ Arjun blanches. ‘I-I didn’t, but…they held me down, I’m-I’m remembering.’ His voice is blank. His eyes are flaring wide as they turn to me. ‘Could they have drugged…’ he trails off. ‘They might have,’ he answers himself. ‘Maybe that’s why I feel sick. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to, I fought, I did, I did, I’-

‘Hey.’ My son intercedes as the younger man’s breathing quickens. ‘I’m sorry, alright? I didn’t know. If what you say is true, and I believe it is, you are not to blame. Take a breath, okay?’ He does. ‘Good. Now, just get it out, what you remember. Maybe we can help you piece it together.’ ‘Yeah…’ he murmurs, shaky. ‘Okay. I…oh. Oh, no. No, no, no. No…’ His voice falters and breaks as he repeats a frantic denial. ‘What happened?’ I ask, trying to break him out. ‘I-I broke my vow, I broke it!’ He’s vitriolic, sheer loathing in his voice. ‘God, I broke it…How could I have done it?’ ‘You did what you had to survive, kid, it’s-you can make it better, okay?’ ‘No,’ he says, his voice a knell of grief. ‘What I did…it’s unforgivable.’

[fangirlshrewt97]

Dhruya - Manali Memories

A gift on the anniversary of the birth of a most spectacular individual, @burningsheepcrown. My dearest friend, may the coming year be filled with new adventures, more stories, and so much joy. 

This is for you, I hope you like it:

*For context, Manali is a beautiful township nestled in the picturesque Beas River valley. It is a rustic enclave known for its cool climate and snow-capped mountains, offering respite to tourists escaping scorching heat of the plains. The tourism industry in Manali started booming only in the early 20th century, mainly because of its natural bounties and salubrious climate.

(to read more, go here)

///

“I can hear your teeth chattering from inside the room.” Dhruva said as he slid the balcony door closed behind him to keep the warmth in. He was suitably dressed in thick pants and a soft sweater.

“That’s cause it’s f-f-freezing out h-here!” Daya replied. He was standing with his back to Dhruva, too enraptured by the view to look at his boyfriend. He had his arms wrapped around himself in a hug, rubbing up his arms to try and warm himself. He was notably not dressed for the weather in his beach shorts and sleeveless undershirt.

“I’m sure your clothing choices don’t help either.” Dhruva remarked dryly, letting the blanket in his arms tumble open before draping them around Daya’s shoulders, and closing them down his front his his arms in a hug.

Daya sighed in relief as he sank his weight back onto Dhruva, confident the other man would catch him. A serene smile had settled on his face, and when he opened his eyes to look at Dhruva from where he was resting on his shoulder, they were filled with joy. Dhruva’s own heart flipped in his chest, quickening its pace as his arms squeezed his partner tighter. He leaned forward to nip at the tip of Daya’s nose, chuckling when the man scrunched his face adorably. Dhruva sighed, resting his cheek on top of Daya’s head to take in the view.

It truly was spectacular. They had gotten a room at the back of the hotel, so instead of facing over the city of Manali, they had an uninterrupted view of the forests and mountains. With a temperature approximately 20 degrees below their usual, the chill rose up even though their wool socks.

The trip had been spontaneous, for all that the idea had been rattling around in his head since that one night in the beach. They had been on their nightly walk, just enjoying the sound of the waves against the shore as they let the tensions of the day ebb away. Dhruva couldn’t remember how they had ended up on that topic, but he had spoken about how his training and schooling had given him opportunities to see many different parts of the country. Daya had smiled sadly, kicking at the sand as he said with forced casualness that he had barely ventured outside the city, much less the state.

And suddenly, the questions in his head of what special thing he could do for Daya had been resolved. Of course, their luck being what it was, no sooner had Dhruva looked up ticket prices, did they get slammed with a huge case that had taken a couple months to fully wrap up. Between the undercover work, the coordinating with the different districts, and the spooked crew splitting in all four directions, they had barely had a chance to catch their breath, much less spend time with each other outside of the office. What time they did get mostly involved them coming home, and face planting on the bed until the alarm went off the next morning.

But the case was resolved, and they weren’t due to testify for another couple weeks. Dhruva had coordinated everything with Murthi-ji, and only once he was sure that nothing would pop up to interrupt their get away, he had booked the tickets the very next day. Keeping Daya in suspense was a task of itself, but worth it for the look on the older man’s face as they’d approached their destination. The flight from Vizag to Delhi had been uneventful outside of Daya being restless, and earning quite a few glares from their fellow passengers.

Daya had protested when Dhruva had hauled him away from the city taxis to the car rental stand, saying they weren’t staying in Delhi, and badgered him the whole trip, until the scenery started to change.

Once the winter landscapes of Manali came into view, he had fallen into a stunned bewitchment, mouth open as he swiveled his head from left to right to capture the whole view. As they exited the highway to start going up the mountainous roads, Dhruva also felt the enchantment starting to affect him. As they drove through the curving roads, each turn revealed more and more mountains, the tallest ones disappearing above the clouds, and capped in white. The trees were coniferous, and rose a hundred feet tall, towering over the canyons and valleys, seeming to compete with the rocks to touch to the sky as well. The road itself was mostly free, the occasional car passing them, or coming from the opposite direction.

Dhruva’s smile had been more demure, but his chest was filled with warmth. Reaching a hand out, Dhruva had squeezed Daya’s thigh, and left his free hand there for the rest of the drive to the hotel. It was a long drive despite setting out from Delhi in the early hours of the morning, taking them the better part of the day, and they switched driving every so often to avoid getting leg cramps.

By the time they’d reached the lodge, night had fallen The entire town was light up in the most picturesque fashion. Daya had inhaled his dinner in record speed before racing back up to their room’s balcony to enjoy the view.

It had taken longer than Dhruva had anticipated to drag his partner back in, assuring him that the view would be better when it wasn’t pitch black. Daya had been more obliging when he realized Dhruva had conveniently forgotten to pack night clothes.

“What do you think?” Dhruva asked as they gazed out at the luscious greenery and the great mountains that rose up beyond the clouds in the distance. The skies were the perfect blue, with great white clouds that begged to be touched.

“While I could never give up the sea, I understand why people stay near the mountains.” Daya said, surprising Dhruva.

“They are pretty incredible.”

“Never seen anything like this before.”

Dhruva ducked down to nip at Daya’s ear, “Well, now you have.”

He unwrapped his arms from Daya, letting the other man catch the ends of the blanket as he went back to the room to retrieve the coffee tray. Daya shifted to one of the balcony chairs, leaning against the back, pulling the blanket to drape over his legs and abdomen. Dhruva handed him his cup of coffee before settling in the other chair, tucking one foot beneath his opposite thigh. Dhruva hummed as the hot coffee trickled down his throat, leaning his head back with his eyes closed.

A sudden inhale from Daya had his opening his eyes as he surveyed their surroundings. Before he could speak though, Daya kicked him lightly, pointing with his neck at the far corner of the balcony. On the top railing, a small bird sat, shaking out its feathers before it started to preen itself. Dhruva went as quiet and as slow as possible to avoid startling the bird, pulling out his phone from his pocket to open his camera and snap a photo. The phone’s volume was on though, and at the sound of the shutter going off, the bird cawed and jumped away, spreading its wings to head straight for the mountains.

“Did you get it?” Daya asked, as Dhruva cursed the phone.

“Yeah.” Dhruva admitted grumpily. Luckily the picture had turned out well. He extended his phone to Daya, who grabbed it. Daya finished the last of his coffee, placing the cup back on the tray. He weaved his hands together and stretched, cracking his back. “So how long as we staying?”

“Murthi-ji assured me he can hold down the fort till Wednesday.”

Daya’s eyebrows rose. “5 days?”

Dhruva grinned. “If we were going to take a holiday, I wanted to enjoy it, not rush it over a weekend.”

Daya ducked his head, but Dhruva could make out the pleased smile anyways.

“What’s on the agenda then?”

“We are just going to take it easy. Look around the down, and a couple nearby attractions. I’ve booked us an all day hike tomorrow-”

Daya groaned. “Bangaram, you just said we are on holiday.”

Dhruva stared him down. “In Manali. This is my first time here too, and I’ve never hiked the Himalayas before. It’ll be fun.”

Daya squinted at him. “Do you remember that conversation where I explained to you how our ideas of fun differ…”

Dhruva rolled his eyes. “Let’s see if you still think this after the hike.”

Daya sighed. “And the rest of the time?”

“There’s a lot of activities. We can choose after the hike. There are some really famous hot springs that sound really good too.”

That perked Daya up. “Hot springs? Like from the movies? Those exist in India?”

Dhruva laughed. “Everything is there in India, you just have to know where to go.”

Daya hummed. “I’m surprised. We are here for 5 days, and you only have a proper plan for 2 of them.”

Dhruva shrugged, hoping his blush wasn’t obvious. “I didn’t want to overload our trip.”

Daya smirked, rising from his chair to cross over to Dhruva’s, looming over him. Dhruva swallowed, breath hitching as one of Daya’s hands came to rest at the top of his thigh. “Was that the only reason?”

Dhruva was saved from responding when Daya sealed them mouths in a kiss that stole the breath from his lungs.

They ended up barely making it in time for breakfast.

///

The city was beautiful, a different bustle and rhythm to Vizag that the two men enjoyed thoroughly. The trip into town was lovely, and their visits to the nearby Hadimba Devi temple and Tibetan monasteries were a very new experience for the pair.

The hike did result in Daya complaining about being dragged out of bed so early. The actual hike shut him up though, as they slowly but steadily made their way up the mountain in a walk that stole their breath away both literally and metaphorically. It was night by the time they returned to the hotel after a traditional dinner in town, and both had just enough energy to strip down to their underwear before crashing into bed.

Next day’s activity was primarily focused on a trip to the Vashist hot springs that had them wishing they never had to leave those incredible waters. It was easy to understand why the waters were said to have healing abilities, it seemed to have washed away not just all the muscle aches from the day before, but muscle tension from years on the job.

Their fourth day had involved river rafting, an experience Dhruva would treasure just for the way Daya had alternated from shouting with joy to freaking out and nearly overturning their boat. After a nice lunch, the pair had driven up to the Solang valley where Daya had lit up like a child at his first proper encounter with snow as they rode up the cable car. They had devolved to a snow fight quickly, ending up with the pain nearly collapsed on top of each other, laughing with tears streaming down their faces. The colorful paragliders that dotted the sky had captured Daya’s attention, and they had raced to the location, just barely getting squeezed into the last trips for the day. Viewing the sun set behind the mountains from up high had been a sight neither would forget for a long time.

///

Dhruva yawned as he woke up, blinking blearily as he focused on the alarm clock. 6:00 AM.

They didn’t have any solid plans for the day, just enjoying their last few hours before they set out for Delhi. Dhruva turned his head to see Daya snoring softly, one arm tucked under his face. When Dhruva tried to get out of bed, Daya made a protesting noise, tightening the leg he had thrown over Dhruva’s. Moving slowly, Dhruva had eased away to use the restroom. As he made his way back, his gaze got caught in the sliver of space where they’d not pulled the curtain, and his eyes widened.

He hurried back to Daya, shaking him until the man woke up, glaring at him. “What?”

Dhruva’s excited face had Daya blinking and repeating his question in a more curious tone. Dhruva urged him to get dressed in his winter clothes, and went to the balcony, dragging Daya with him. Daya’s sharp inhale was very loud.

Snow was fluttering lightly to the ground, seeming to coat the entire world in a layer of white.

“It’s beautiful.”

Dhruva reached out to grab Daya’s hand blindly, squeezing it tightly. The early morning chill was making itself felt, but neither felt the slightest inclination to move. Until Daya tugged on their entwined hands to drag Dhruva against his side, grabbing the back of his neck and kissing him in a clash of teeth. Dhruva clutched at Daya’s waist, molding himself against the man. When the kiss ended, they separated but an inch, leaning their foreheads together.

“Thank you.” Daya whispered, for once no jest or or hesitation in his voice. Just a sincerity and a confession wrapped in one.

Dhruva’s heart skipped a beat. “Happy anniversary, Bangaram.”

“That was a couple weeks ago.” Daya huffed.

Dhruva smiled sheepishly. “Couldn’t exactly wish you when I was in the middle of a drug bust.”

Daya’s hands squeezed him, pulling him back in for a kiss.

It was hard to say how long they stayed out there, but when their feet lost feeling, the pair was forced back to their bedroom.

The drive back to Delhi, and the subsequent flight back to Vizag were filled with a sense of wonder, both feeling like they had not only discovered a new layer to themselves, but also reveled in the beauty of sharing it with their lover.

Whatever happened next, this would be a trip they would remember till their dying day.

///

(I do feel like it is a bit rough, and spent way more time on the first half and cheated with the actual trip description but I was on a deadline. Hope you can understand... 😅

Also I have never been to Manali, but hey, I’m a writer and that job description is all about making stuff up about stuff you’ve never experienced so...)

@rambheem-is-real @budugu @bromance-minus-the-b @hissterical-nyaan @obsessedtoafault @hufhkbgg @yehsahihai @rorapostsbl @fangirl-from-discord @fadedscarlets @alikokinav @chaotic-moonlight @rambheemisgoated @rambheemlove @jaganmaya @burningsheepcrown @lovingperfectionwonderland @rosayounan @iam-siriuslysher-lokid @thewinchestergirl1208 @dumdaradumdaradum @ronaldofandom @jjwolfesworld @jrntrtitties @kashpaymentsonly @jeonmahi1864  @stanleykubricks @m3gs1mps4a @tulodiscord @teddybat24 @sally-for-sally @ssabriel @jadebomani @stuckyandlarrystuff @veteran-fanperson @ohfuckoffpls @bheemaxrama @chaidrivenwhore @gifseafins @keyhunter04 @umbrulla

[beguines]

In the days leading to August 5, 2019 and in the weeks and months to come, Kashmir became a site of unfathomable cruelty. Thousands of Kashmiris were detained; pro-India politicians were placed under house arrest, pro-freedom leaders as well as minors were rounded up and thrown in jail. Young boys were shipped off to Indian prisons 1,500km away in Agra and Varanasi. Foreign journalists and international human rights groups were banned from access to Kashmir. The region was placed under a complete communication blackout. Cellular phones, Internet, landline services, and even the postal services were dismantled. News traveled by word of mouth. Journalists compressed photos and video onto memory cards and smuggled them out with passengers en route to Delhi. Schools, offices, banks, and businesses were closed for months. Life came to a standstill.

On August 5, 2019, the Modi government revoked both Articles 370 and 35A, split the region into two union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh, and placed them under the direct control of Delhi. Kashmir had been effectively annexed. It was a stunning rebuke to the myth of Indian democracy as well as the veneer of Kashmiri autonomy. Observers warned that this move represented an intensification of India's settler-colonial project in Indian-occupied Kashmir. Under the new status of the state, India would now have the legal justification to allow non-Kashmiris to access residency rights in Kashmir as well as purchase land that had previously been restricted to Kashmiri permanent residents, or state subjects. The end goal was now within sight: Kashmir's Muslim-majority demography would be changed in favor of Indian Hindus. In time, elections would be held, and democracy would cover for the ethnocratic, colonial rule that had been imposed on the region.

Revoking Article 370 and Article 35A were long-held goals of Hindu nationalists and supremacists in India. They had resented the autonomy PM Nehru had "granted" Kashmir in 1947 and wished to see Kashmir fully integrated into India. For Hindu-supremacists, these two articles were an obstruction to the region's full integration into the Indian state and had contributed to the rise of "separatism" or "terrorism" in the region—which is how India refers to Kashmiris' decades long resistance to Indian rule. To the Hindu right, the problems in Kashmir were borne out of India's coddling of Kashmiri Muslims. The question of Kashmiri self-determination had never been on the agenda. The removal of the two Articles was therefore portrayed as ushering in a "New Kashmir" in which peace and prosperity would arrive through Indian investment and development. This had been a central plank of Narendra Modi's second election campaign, too.

Azad Essa, Hostile Homelands: The New Alliance Between India and Israel

[rishikul-123]

Why Rishikul Vidyapeeth is the Best Boys Boarding School Near Delhi

Introduction: Finding the right boarding school for your child is a crucial decision that impacts their academic and personal development. If you're searching for a boys boarding school near Delhi, look no further than Rishikul Vidyapeeth. Known for its excellent academic standards, state-of-the-art facilities, and holistic approach to education, Rishikul Vidyapeeth stands out as a premier choice for parents. In this blog, we'll explore what makes Rishikul Vidyapeeth the ideal boys boarding school near Delhi. Academic Excellence Rigorous Curriculum Rishikul Vidyapeeth offers a rigorous curriculum designed to challenge and inspire students. The school follows a blend of traditional and modern teaching methodologies, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded education. From science and mathematics to humanities and arts, the curriculum covers all essential subjects, preparing students for future academic endeavors. Experienced Faculty The faculty at Rishikul Vidyapeeth comprises experienced and dedicated educators who are passionate about teaching. They provide personalized attention to each student, fostering a supportive and nurturing learning environment. With their guidance, students are encouraged to excel academically and develop a love for lifelong learning. Holistic Development Extracurricular Activities At Rishikul Vidyapeeth, education goes beyond the classroom. The school offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, music, and drama. These activities help in the overall development of students, promoting physical fitness, creativity, and teamwork. By participating in various clubs and societies, students can explore their interests and talents. Leadership and Character Building Rishikul Vidyapeeth emphasizes character building and leadership development. The school organizes workshops, seminars, and leadership camps to instill values such as integrity, responsibility, and empathy. Through these programs, students learn to become confident and compassionate leaders, ready to take on challenges and contribute positively to society. State-of-the-Art Facilities Modern Infrastructure Rishikul Vidyapeeth boasts a modern and well-maintained campus with state-of-the-art facilities. The school provides spacious and well-equipped classrooms, science and computer labs, a well-stocked library, and advanced sports facilities. The comfortable and secure boarding houses ensure that students feel at home while being away from home. Safe and Nurturing Environment Safety is a top priority at Rishikul Vidyapeeth. The school has stringent security measures in place, including CCTV surveillance and round-the-clock security personnel. The caring and attentive staff ensures that students are well looked after, providing a nurturing environment where they can thrive academically and personally. Strategic Location Proximity to Delhi Located near Delhi, Rishikul Vidyapeeth offers the perfect blend of accessibility and tranquility. The school's proximity to the capital city makes it convenient for parents to visit their children while providing students with a peaceful and focused environment away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Cultural and Educational Opportunities Being close to Delhi also provides students with numerous cultural and educational opportunities. The school organizes regular educational trips and excursions to museums, historical sites, and cultural events, enriching the students' learning experience and broadening their horizons. Testimonials and Success Stories Alumni Achievements Rishikul Vidyapeeth takes pride in its accomplished alumni who have excelled in various fields. From successful entrepreneurs and professionals to renowned artists and sportsmen, the school's alumni network is a testament to the quality education and holistic development provided by the institution.

[vedantxarora]

INTRODUCING . . . VED ARORA

full name: vedant gagan arora

nicknames: ved, raja (by his family)

age: thirty-seven

date of birth: june 15, 1986

gender: cis male

occupation: bouncer/bartender at soundwave

neighborhood: midtown

IN A NUTSHELL . . .

parental death tw, cancer tw, hostages tw vedant was the second of two sons, born on a rainy day in delhi. his life was marked by loss within hours of his birth when his mother passed away due to complications in the delivery. his father, while unwilling, was compelled to remarry by his family. they moved to the united states shortly after, and his step-mother showered both him and his older brother, santosh with love and care. while they saw the relationship between his father and mother was nonexistent, the children never felt the strain of her marital relationship impact her maternal love. when his brother was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of leukemia, vedant was the presumed donor for a bone marrow transplant. the fact that he was not a match and therefore could not help his brother haunts him to this day. within a few years of her birth they said goodbye to santosh as well. grappling with their grief, ved threw himself into school. after graduation, he attended georgetown and then received an mba from stanford. he began to work with the fbi in hostage negotiations. within a few years he had excelled at work and was handling international negotiations. one such mission took him to syria where he disobeyed instructions in saving mahira zahara garcia. upon returning to the us, he was put on probation and after a few more episodes of poor performance since returning, he was asked to take a break. he returned to wilmington to be with family and work through the demons that caused him to buckle under pressure for the first time.

IN THE WEEDS . . .

Born during the monsoon season in Delhi, Vedant’s very first moments in the world brought tragedy with them. He was only minutes old when his mother passed during child birth, leaving with him little more than her name as his middle name. And thus began Vedant Gagan Arora's series of loss and trauma. His father tried to raise his two sons on his own but family pressure and lack of much needed support led him to marry once more. Where Gagan had been the woman he loved, his new wife was the one who could love his children. And he did not need more than the memories of his late wife and the maternal instinct of his new life partner. Soon after the marriage, they moved to the United States to their first home in Iowa. Vedant grew up knowing only his step-mother as his own. And she absolutely doted on both him and his older brother, Santosh. But it was no secret that she showered her oldest son with the most love given his vivacious personality.

Yet his childhood too was marked by struggle. With a rare and aggressive form of cancer that required a bone marrow transplant, the obvious choice was Vedant. After all, they shared the same blood, who could be a more perfect match? Unfortunately, it was discovered that Vedant was not a match and once again he was faced with the possibility of losing a family member. And it would once again be attributable to him. The thought alone haunted him as he grew even more withdrawn despite the family never voicing such sentiments to him. A part of him felt as though he were a bad omen, bringing destruction and loss wherever he went. They had a few years of absolute happiness when they found a donor. Then once again, Santosh relapsed and this time, there was no treatment that could succeed in prolonging his life. The Dasaris said goodbye to one more family member and plunged into misery immediately. The light and happiness of their house vanishing with their oldest.

It took years to heal, and even then the emptiness could be felt throughout the family. Vedant, having always been introspective and closed off excelled in his academics. It was the only thing he could do to keep himself sane. He ended up attending Georgetown University soon after leaving Wilmington, studying psychology. Thinking it were better for his family if he were away from them, things improved slightly in his absence. Or at least, he was not privy to the ways in which his sister carried the burden of ensuring the family stayed intact and afloat. He continued his education, pursuing an MBA at Stanford University a while later. Vedant was hardly made for business, and it was perhaps for that reason that his career path took a far more dangerous turn. Feeling as though it was hardly fulfilling to work as a consultant or banker like many of his classmates, Vedant instead ended up working at the FBI as a hostage negotiator. Driven by a desire to actually be the source of happiness in the lives of strangers, he quickly rose the ranks as his negotiation skills were unparalleled.

His career soon took him from D.C. to international conflicts. With a few years of training under his belt, he whisked off to negotiate higher stakes situations. His entire career was marked by success. Unlike his childhood, in which he lost two family members, Vedant this time around managed to reunite a number of families with their loved ones. He was all primed to work his way up the ladder. But it all changed when he disobeyed orders in Syria. They were two journalists. A woman and a cameraman, caught in the middle of a hostage situation. Vedant was stationed nearby with orders to wait for further instruction. The tensions were high, as were the demands. Ones that the United States government would have to comply with if they were to rescue their own. The crushing guilt of his childhood came crashing back when after nearly 18 days of hostile negotiations, they were no closer to success. It was then that the thought was floated. Perhaps they had never intended to release the hostage at all. With negotiations at a standstill, it seemed that the government was growing less and less inclined to give into the demands and bring the two journalists back to their family. The thought was unconceivable to Vedant and, for the first time, he went against the orders he was given and sought to save the two himself. He could not watch yet another person lose their life because of his failings.

It was only when he entered the compound that he realized that they had already lost one. He had already failed one family. Throwing his life on the line, he made sure to bring Mahira Zahara Garcia out with him. And while the rescue was a success, it also cost him his promotion. It cost him the work that he was doing and that had gained him such accolade. When he returned, he began to work on smaller cases. They were all local, nothing nearly as high stakes. Added to that was the trauma that returned. The years of wickedness and desperation that he had seen in his life. The worst of human kind and the worst emotions one could feel. They came crashing down and the agency appointed therapist suggested that he take some time off. Reorient himself. He returned to his hometown of Wilmington, wondering if surrounding himself with his family, the people with whom he had first experienced loss, would allow him to heal from within.

[nando161mando]

"Tens of millions of India’s 1.4 billion people lack running water. New Delhi authorities have also warned of the risk of water shortages as the capital swelters in headache-inducing heat – cutting supplies to some areas."

[ritika2204]

High Rise Luxury Apartment In Sobha Aranya Phase 1 Sector 80 Gurugram

Are you looking for an investment in a high-rise luxury apartment in Sector 80 Gurugram? Then this project is for you. Sobha Developer is the famous real estate in Delhi NCR. Sobha Aranya Phase 1 is the best project for the family. This project provides all types of modern amenities and facilities to their residents.

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Moreover, Sobha Aranya Phase 1 provides 3 BHK apartments with high-rise luxury apartments. In this project, every material used is of good quality. This project provides Italian marble on the floors high-standard designs and jaguar fittings all over the apartment.

More about Sobha Aryana Phase 1 Gurugram

Further, Sobha Aranya Phase 1 Gurugram has an eye-catching style and modern facilities making it more engaging to buyers. We used beautiful lighting to make look more beautiful in the apartment. That is why it is the choicest project in Gurugram Sector 80.

Therefore, Sobha Aranya Phase 1 provides all modern amenities such as 24-hour CCTV, 24-hour water supply, Car parking area, garden, GYM, playground for kids, security ETC. At the same time, they also provide a big space for the swimming pool. These luxuries things make this project more famous in Gurugram city. Sobha Aranya Phase 1 offers a green and refreshing space to connect with nature. This facility makes it an ideal choice for those who looking for a modern and enriching lifestyle in Gurgaon.

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Sobha Aryana Phase 1 is present beside the national highways 48 that connect Jaipur to Delhi.

This project takes only 50-minute drive to reach IGI airport.

This project is very closely to IMT Manesar

Sobha Aranya Phase 1 is in proximity to famous schools. Such as Jai Bharti High School, Blooming Buds Pre School and many more.

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Investing in Sobha Aryana Phase 1 is a profitable deal and they also provide you with high returns on value.

Sobha Aranya Phase 1