Swathi Writes Back!

Before I begin, let me ask you this: How often do we pause and see the soul behind a simple object? How often do we value not the cost of a gift, but the heart that wrapped it? I n a world where materialism is louder than meaning, it's easy to miss the quiet magic hidden in tiny gestures. But sometimes, those little things carry the biggest stories, and leave behind the deepest wounds. Have you ever looked at something tossed away, maybe a wrinkled letter, a fading photograph, or a torn handmade gift, and wondered, “How did it end up here?” We often throw things away, thinking they’ve lost their value. But the truth is, value doesn’t always lie in price tags or packaging. Sometimes, it’s hidden in time, effort, emotion, and the quiet love stitched into the smallest of gestures. This is not just a story about a star made of paper. This is about a girl named Janaa,  a sweet, selfless soul who had nothing for herself, yet everything to give. There was a girl named Janaa,...

To the Soul Who Turned My World into a Canvas of Colors....Happy Birthday, My Dearest Bestie Benita Once upon a chaotic 2019 , the universe looked down at me and thought, “Poor thing, let’s send her someone weird, wonderful, and wildly loyal.” And boom,  you happened. In the year 2019, life decided to write a plot twist in the most unexpected way. I had just completed my UG at Holy Cross College, a place bursting with freedom, festivity, and intellectual fire. When my parents suggested I pursue my postgraduation at Thiagarajar College , Madurai, my heart sank faster than a lecture at 3 p.m. The first time I stepped into that campus, I looked around and whispered to myself, “Am I entering a college or a courtroom?” The grey walls, stern gazes, and ID card obsession gave me courtroom drama vibes, and not the K-drama kind. Still, parents know better, right? They had heard that this was a temple of knowledge. So with half a heart, dragging dreams, and a heavy backpack, I stepped in...

     "Not all heroes wear capes—some bring snacks"      In the bustling halls of Madurai Kamaraj University, among the many faces that pass by every day, there is one figure whose presence leaves a lasting impression, my beloved professor and guide. Medium in height, he carries himself with an effortless elegance that’s impossible to miss. Often dressed in his signature white shirt or the occasional colorful shirt with a distinct Chinese collar, he embodies professionalism with a subtle touch of personal style.      What strikes you first are his eyes, plumpy and kind, always sparkling with a quiet warmth. His oval-shaped face is usually lit up by a smile so genuine, it feels like a personal invitation to trust, to learn, and to grow. And the way he complements his attire with a perfectly matched watch reveals a man who values detail and discipline, yet never at the expense of approachability.      But beyond the surface, it’...

  Maturity hit me like a tonne of bricks  the instant I realised what it meant to be okay.   Maturity slammed into me like a tonne of bricks. The moment I learned that forever is a lie-filled utopia.   Maturity slammed into me like a tonne of bricks. I chose silence over argument at that point.   Maturity slammed into me like a tonne of bricks. I sensed the difference between lonely and alone at the time.   Maturity has hit me like a tonne of bricks. People can only forgive, but they can't forget, I realised.   Maturity crashed into me like a tonne of bricks. I realised the difference between comprehending and realising at that point.   Maturity slammed into me like a bag of bricks. I understood that smiling and being joyful are not the same thing. Maturity slammed into me like a sack of rocks. When I first realised I was pregnant, I was ecstatic. -SWATHI MADHAVAN

We learn from our failures, our incorrect turns, the fake friends we make,  and the times we come close to breaking. Our mistakes help us grow, but we didn't realise it at the time. We didn't want our frailty to be exposed. We couldn't tell them at the time. Our phoney pals were present, but they were unconcerned about our secrets, and now they merely gaze as we pass. You're strong if you don't break. As if you hadn't waited so long to explain yourself, you'd know where you went wrong, but keep strong. So here's to the liars and traitors, all the want tobes and haters,  as well as learning from our mistakes and recognising the fakes. To being a teen, here's to you. Live it up, since we're in the midst of a dream. -SWATHI MADHAVAN

A ffection addiction would reach new heights. B askets of blessings would be spoken aloud. C ompassionate outpourings would obscure the effects of climate change. The    D umbsized depression would vanish. The E phemeral thrill would last forever. The thrill of turning the pages of a book would be F ascinating. Individuality's G lamour would be welcome. A brilliant  H arbinger would be the happiest homosexuals. The stigma of  I lliteracy would find a safe haven. Good times would be sequenced by J ury from the heavens. K ARMA's key would be guarded with extreme caution. The Gender L abel would be gone. M oral principles would be muttered with melody. N urturing nature would be a top priority. The weeds of corruption would be removed by O rchid of orb. P overty would be pissed off, and pollution would be pissed off. It would not be necessary to Q ueue for basic sanitation. R ipples of Rape would undoubtedly vanish. S luscious souls would be bizarre in ever...

I'm in love with you, I'm in love with you. And it's true that I adore you. I'll pass any test you throw at me. It's been a long time coming, several years in fact. With a few sighs and some concerns. But, Oh dear, I've never seen such a beauty! You're a sweetie. It was love at first sight, for sure. Please sympathise with my plight. I believe you will be mine one day. You are my sunshine, my beloved. You are such a lovely sight to behold; you are definitely a treat. Let us travel to a planet or a rainbow. Where would we sow love seeds? On the surface of the moon, There's a small cabin nearby. Some hot dogs with sausage, which I've prepared. My feelings for you, I hope you enjoy it. This is a poem written especially for you, you, you. This is the last, but not the least, paragraph. On the B'day banquet, with vows to join. I only care about you, my darling, because I adore you, you, you, and you. -SWATHI MADHAVAN

  Just like everyday I noticed a message informing me how she should be treated, like I do every day... Another person says to me, What she is deserving of... Aren't these meant to be for guys as well? a list of people who should be notified, What can you do to make your males glow? Is there any tip you can give to make your men smile? Isn't there supposed to be a list?   On what males are entitled to, On what they might or might not like? Treat your girl well, but don't forget about your man. Everyone requires love. Everyone is entitled to be respected. Why did we include a gender bias? On all things that are supposed to be fair -SWATHI MADHAVAN

  She lowers her head. As she walks down the street,  she tries to keep her distance from all the nonsense. She revealed a hidden face every time.   Her heart is breaking. And her throat dry as  she listens to the chit-chat against her. All of the blaming whispers may be heard.   "Look at the person who was involved in the crime;  even if it was done with her permission, she ruined her uncle's life."   As she enters the market, The roadside boys point at her, their lusty eyes locked on her,  and they laugh together in derision.   She rushes inside the car,  her palms on her chest,  to once again defend herself  from demons and to rest happily.   Because she has been raped by individuals,  the biassed society believes it is appropriate  to treat her as if she were draping a nude little skirt.   She believes that everything has come to an end,  and that she will no longer be happy;  she is constantly...