Mahboob's Journal

Wedding anniversaries of the past usually consisted of travelling somewhere, fine dining, or even ordering in favourite dishes, usually Biryani. There was this one year where we relished a movie followed by a romantic dinner. This time, we didn’t plan anything. However, the day before, I saw a Facebook post by Sarita Agarwal showcasing different menu items at her Gachibowli outlet. Sarita was one of the Sunrisers Hyderabad fandom cohorts with whom who I shared cricketing emotions. Up when SRH did well, down when they did not. Sharing views and exchanging notes after every game was like a decadent dessert after dinner. More on the IPL experience in a separate post. In jest, I asked Sarita whether Facebook friends are entitled to discounts? She replied, yes, why not. The allure of a discounted offer is truly irresistible. When you get something at a price lesser than standard retail, the feeling of accomplishment is heavenly. So, the decision was made. House of Truly, it would be on Sa...

Chekhov's Swan Song Betrothed is still a whole mood. Anton Chekhov's final short story, Betrothed , w ritten in 1903, just a year before his death,   is a poignant exploration of self-discovery and societal pressures. Set against the backdrop of pre-revolutionary Russia, the story follows Nadya, a young woman grappling with her impending marriage. Chekhov weaves themes of personal growth, generational conflict, and the search for meaning into this deceptively simple tale. Nadya emerges as a realist, raised in the claustrophobic atmosphere of a household dominated by her mother and grandmother. Her fiancé, Andrey Andreitch, is presented as a one-dimensional character , somewhat idle and unmotivated . He prefers playing the fiddle   rather than taking on more traditional responsibilities.  He does not hold any definite post or have regular work, indicating that his artistic pursuits are more of a hobby than a passionate career. Nadya feels a sense of discontent and frustra...