Patmaj

Two Weeks

Kabir sat at the edge of the bridge, staring into the quiet river below. It wasn’t the roaring kind that would drown your thoughts; it was the gentle, murmuring kind that made you feel like you were floating, suspended between two worlds. His feet dangled over the edge, as if one step away from vanishing,Continue reading “Two Weeks”

Dashami

The fragrance of incense filled the air, and the rhythmic beats of the dhaak reverberated through the bustling pandal. It was Shasti, the first day of Durga Puja, and the city of Kolkata was draped in lights, laughter, and celebration. Abir stood at the edge of the crowd, watching the colourful festivities unfold. He loved theContinue reading “Dashami”

The Bag of Cookies

She always reached the airport much before her flight. She loved waiting there and reading her paperback and munching on something. Maybe crisps maybe cookies. Today she had a pack of cookies with her. She sat in the waiting lounge, the faint hum of announcements and the soft rustle of travellers around her blending intoContinue reading “The Bag of Cookies”

Idle Cinema Musings #6 Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Jurmana – 45 years of quiet excellence

Jurmana (1979), directed by Hrishikesh Mukherjee, is a film that explores themes of redemption, guilt, and the consequences of moral recklessness. The film is notable for its emotionally resonant storytelling, supported by strong performances from its ensemble cast. While the film aligns with Mukherjee’s signature style of simple, yet profound human dramas, Jurmana carries a more intense emotionalContinue reading “Idle Cinema Musings #6 Hrishikesh Mukherjee’s Jurmana – 45 years of quiet excellence”

The Meeting

The evening sun was gradually dissolving into the horizon, casting a golden hue over the quaint little cafe that had been their spot. It was tucked away from the hustle of the main street, a place of warmth, intimate corners, and memories that lingered like the faint aroma of coffee beans in the air. HeContinue reading “The Meeting”

Two Worlds

Ananya hadn’t planned on falling in love with the mountains. She had simply needed a break—a pause from the rush of her daily life. Her marriage to Veer was comfortable, steady, and safe. They had built a good life together, full of routine and stability. But lately, something had been missing. The quiet yearning sheContinue reading “Two Worlds”

Idle Cinema Musings #5 Hrishikesh Mukherjee – My Personal Favourite Top 5 films

Hrishikesh Mukherjee, one of the finest filmmakers in Indian cinema, holds a special place in the hearts of many for his ability to depict simple, human stories with warmth, humoUr, and moral integrity. On his birth anniversary, it is a fitting tribute to explore his cinematic genius through the lens of five of his timelessContinue reading “Idle Cinema Musings #5 Hrishikesh Mukherjee – My Personal Favourite Top 5 films”

Moonlight Cabin

Abhishek sat behind the counter of the dilapidated bookstore on College Street, surrounded by dusty piles of forgotten literature. The narrow lanes outside hummed with the chaotic symphony of honking rickshaws, hawkers, and the distant clang of tram bells. The air in North Kolkata was thick with humidity and history, an undercurrent of unspoken tensionContinue reading “Moonlight Cabin”

Love, Kolkata

Kolkata, with its vintage trams, yellow taxis, and the eternal scent of chai brewing at every street corner, was a city that thrived on contradictions. It was where old world charm met a vibrant, modern pulse—a reflection of life itself. And amidst the city’s bustling heart, where honking cars clashed with the sacred chime ofContinue reading “Love, Kolkata”

The Night Train

The train rattled through the quiet countryside, its steady rhythm blending with the hushed murmur of passengers. She sat by the window, watching the golden fields stretch endlessly, the setting sun casting a soft glow over the horizon. Her thoughts wandered ahead to her husband, waiting for her at the destination. It was her father-in-law’sContinue reading “The Night Train”