Life is Not an Equation, and That’s Why It’s Beautiful (and Confusing)

We all know, Pythagoras, the philosopher famous for triangles and that one math formula we all had to memorize in school. He once said, “God built the universe on numbers.” Sure, numbers are everywhere: in nature, in music, even in how your coffee machine brews the perfect cup (hopefully). 

Numbers are constant, precise, and logical. But let's be real life is anything but constant, precise, or logical. Life is a hot mess of decisions, emotions, and “Wait, what am I doing again?” The funny thing is, as much as Pythagoras loved his numbers, life doesn’t come with a neat formula like (Hypotenuse)^2 = (base)^2 + (perpendicular)^2. Imagine how easy that would be! You could plug your choices into some life-equation and—boom! —out pops the right decision every time. 

But no, life has to throw in a bit of chaos, and suddenly you're standing in the grocery store wondering, “Should I get the organic tomato or save a few bucks on the regular one?” The truth is life is full of variability. One moment you think you’ve got everything figured out, and the next, you're spiraling into existential doubt over whether to watch another episode of that show or finally start that project. (Spoiler: I’m definitely watching the show.) 

 Unlike numbers, we humans are all about choices, and those choices. They’re messy. There’s no definitive answer for most of them, and that’s where the confusion kicks in. Should I take this job? Should I move to a new city? Should I try that weird flavor of ice cream that’s staring me down from the freezer aisle?

 Every day, we’re faced with choices big and small, and let’s be honest, sometimes the small ones are the hardest. Like when you’re standing in front of a menu with 50 options and somehow, none of them seem quite right. And you know what? That’s okay. Because, unlike numbers, we’re allowed to be inconsistent, confused, and indecisive. Numbers are constant, but people? We’re gloriously variable. One day you wake up craving adventure, and the next, all you want is to curl up in bed with a warm blanket and zero obligations. 

 And the best part? Even when we make the “wrong” choice, we learn something from it. Numbers don’t do that. 2 + 2 will always equal 4, but if you choose the wrong job, or city, or tomato, you’ll come out the other side with a story, an experience, or at the very least, an appreciation for next time. So, let’s embrace the chaos, the confusion, the indecision. Pythagoras might have loved his numbers, but even he couldn’t have predicted how beautifully unpredictable life would turn out to be.

A Heart Full of Memories: Missing the real Magician of my life

(A tribute to My Grandpa)

When I think of family, what immediately comes to mind are feelings of love, support, and comfort. Growing up in a joint family until middle school, I was lucky enough to experience all of this and more. My family included my parents, two siblings, my uncle, aunt, cousins, grandma, and most importantly, my beloved grandpa—who was, without a doubt, my favorite.

Grandpa was more than just a guardian; he was my teacher, guide, and partner in many adventures. He taught me how to make paper boats and planes, introduced me to the world of numbers and tables, and shared stories about Hindu mythology and Mughal history. But the most special thing about him was the way he filled our home with sweets and snacks. Every day after school, we would run to him—screaming with excitement—and he would laugh and say, “Oh ho, shant bhi raha kro tum log!” That memory still makes me smile.

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I’ll never forget the time I got an assignment to draw a wild animal and a domestic animal. Drawing wasn’t my strong suit back then, so I ended up drawing a cat with two legs and a tail so long it resembled a raccoon. As for the giraffe… let’s just say it looked more like a malnourished cat. But Grandpa, with his artistic skills, came to my rescue.  He took that moment to teach me the basics of drawing, introducing me to the magical world of art and craft, something that has stayed with me ever since.

Grandpa was also a movie buff—he never missed a Mithun Chakraborty action flick. He’d sit with us and enjoy all the TV serials of the time, from Ramayana to evryone's favorite CID. And His love for food was just as passionate; he could devour a bowl of Maggi or rajma chawal with the same enthusiasm. But if paneer was on the menu, it was a true celebration for him.

Despite his indulgent side, Grandpa was incredibly disciplined. He woke up early every morning for yoga, followed by a walk to the temple. His lifestyle reflected balance and mindfulness, something I admire now more than ever.

Now that he’s no longer here, these memories flood my heart with both warmth and an overwhelming sense of longing. I miss him terribly—his wisdom, his laughter, his gentle corrections, and his love that surrounded us like a blanket. He wasn’t just my grandpa; he was the artist who painted my childhood with joy, sweets, and endless love.

It’s in these small, sweet moments that I find myself missing him most, holding onto every story, every lesson, and every moment he shared with me.

A Delightful River Journey: Laughter and Life Lessons in 'Three Men in a Boat'

(BOOK REVIEW)

When I first opened Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome, I expected a simple travelogue, maybe a few humorous anecdotes about a river trip. What I got was a masterclass in humor, a celebration of friendship, and a surprisingly deep exploration of life’s little absurdities.

A Novel by Jerome K. Jerome

Setting Off: The Plan for Adventure

The story begins with three friends—J., George, and Harris—along with Montmorency, the feisty little fox terrier, deciding to escape the stress of city life by taking a leisurely boat trip up the River Thames. They’re in desperate need of a break, convinced that they’re suffering from various (imaginary) ailments brought on by overwork. Their solution? A two-week boating holiday that’s meant to be relaxing and restorative.

Right from the start, Jerome’s humor shines through. The trio’s planning is an exercise in overthinking and under-preparing, a comedic exaggeration of the everyday tendency to make simple things unnecessarily complicated. Their discussions about what to pack—whether they’ll need a banjo or a frying pan—are hilarious in their mundanity and highlight the eccentricities we all have.

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On the River: Chaos and Comedy

As the friends set sail (or rather, row), the journey quickly becomes a series of misadventures. From the struggles of setting up a tent in the rain to the perils of navigating locks, every day on the river is an opportunity for something to go hilariously wrong. Jerome’s writing is full of dry wit and irony, turning even the most mundane tasks into laugh-out-loud moments.

The beauty of Three Men in a Boat lies in how relatable the characters are. J.’s narrations, full of exaggeration and self-deprecating humor, feel like listening to old friend recounting tales of a trip gone awry. Whether it’s Harris’s ill-fated attempts at cooking, George’s constant battle with his laziness, or Montmorency’s mischievous antics, there’s a bit of all of us in these characters.

But beneath the humor, Jerome also captures the peacefulness of life on the river. There are moments of quiet beauty as the boat drifts through the countryside, where time seems to slow down and the worries of life fade into the background. It’s in these passages that the book takes on a more reflective tone, reminding us of the simple pleasures of nature and the joy of taking time to just be.

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Memories and Musings: Life Beyond the Boat

Interspersed with the boating mishaps are J.’s digressions into history, folklore, and random musings. These tangents, far from being distracting, add depth to the narrative. Jerome uses them to gently poke fun at the absurdity of human nature, whether it’s through a retelling of historical events or a reflection on the quirks of society.

One of the most charming aspects of the book is how timeless its humor feels. Despite being published in 1889, the situations the characters find themselves in—like trying to open a tin of pineapple without a can opener or getting lost in a maze—are still relatable today. The humor doesn’t rely on elaborate setups; it’s drawn from the everyday, the ordinary, the little moments of life that make us smile and shake our heads.

The Journey Ends: Reflections on Friendship

As the journey draws to a close, and the trio returns to the hustle and bustle of London, there’s a sense of reluctant return to reality. The river trip, with all its chaos and comedy, has been a break from the everyday grind, a reminder of the importance of friendship and the joy of simply laughing at life’s absurdities.

Three Men in a Boat is more than just a humorous travel story. It’s a celebration of the enduring bonds of friendship, the beauty of the English countryside, and the importance of finding humor in life’s everyday challenges. Jerome K. Jerome’s witty observations and the lighthearted tone make this book a delightful read, perfect for when you need a break from the seriousness of life.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh out loud and leave you with a warm, contented feeling, Three Men in a Boat is must-read. It’s a gentle reminder that, even when things don’t go according to plan (or especially when they don’t), there’s always something to smile about. After all, life is one big, unpredictable journey—and it’s best enjoyed with good friends, a little bit of adventure, and a healthy dose of humor.

10 Spine-Chilling K-Dramas on Netflix

(LISTICLE FEATURE)

If you're in the mood for something spine-chilling that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, Netflix's collection of horror-thriller K-dramas is a goldmine. From eerie ghost stories to psychological thrillers, these shows will have you double-checking the locks on your doors and sleeping with the lights on. Here are ten you shouldn't miss:

 

1. Kingdom (A)

Imagine a zombie apocalypse meets the Joseon dynasty. Kingdom combines historical drama with horror in a way that’s both thrilling and terrifying. The story follows a crown prince who tries to save his people from a mysterious plague that turns them into flesh-eating monsters. The cinematography is stunning but be prepared—this show is not for the faint-hearted!

2. Sweet Home (A)

Sweet Home is one of those shows that makes you question what humanity would do in a crisis. After a teenager moves into a rundown apartment complex, the world is suddenly thrown into chaos as people start turning into monsters. It’s grotesque, emotional, and will make you reconsider every little noise you hear in your house at night.

                     

3. Gyeongseong Creature (U/A 16+)

In the spring of 1945 in Gyeongseong, during the Japanese occupation of Korea, Jang Tae-sang, the master of the city's most lucrative pawnshop, and Yoon Chae-ok, a tracker searching for her missing mother, confront a strange creature born from biological experiments conducted in secret within Ongseong Hospital.

 

4. Parasyte: The Grey (A)

When unidentified parasites violently take over human hosts and gain power, humanity must rise to combat the growing threat. A group of humans wage war against the rising evil of unidentified parasitic life-forms that live off of human hosts and strive to grow their power.

5. Hellbound (A)

In Hellbound, random people receive a decree of death from a mysterious entity and are soon after dragged to hell by monstrous beings. It’s not just a horror story but also a sharp critique of society, exploring themes of sin, judgment, and religious fanaticism. The show’s unique premise and shocking twists will keep you hooked from start to finish.

6. Happiness (U/A 16+)

This thriller drama sees an apocalyptic world where virus has created a havoc, and residents of an apartment are surviving for their life.

7. The Uncanny Counter (U/A 16+)

Noodle shop employees by day and demon hunters by night, the Counters use special abilities to chase down malevolent spirits that prey on humans.

8. Hotel del Luna (U/A 16+)

Nestled deep in the heart of Seoul’s thriving downtown sits a curious hotel, the like of which no one has ever seen before. Old beyond measure, the building has stood for millennia, an ever-present testament to the fact that things are not always what they seem. Running this hotel is Jang Man Wol (IU), a greedy, suspicious soul who has spent the past thousand years acting as the establishment’s CEO.

9. All of Us Are Dead (A)

High school can be tough, but All of Us Are Dead takes it to another level. When a zombie virus breaks out at a high school, the students are left to fight for their lives. This show is intense, gory, and filled with emotional moments as the students face impossible choices in their struggle to survive.

10. The School Nurse Files (U/A 13+)

On the lighter side of horror, The School Nurse Files mixes fantasy and horror in a quirky, whimsical way. The story follows a school nurse who can see and fight off jelly-like monsters that threaten her students. It’s a unique show that blends humor with horror, making it a fun, yet eerie, watch.

There you have it—ten horror-thriller K-dramas on Netflix that are perfect for a spine-chilling binge-watch session. Just make sure you have a blanket to hide under when the scares get too real!

A Plate with a Dish of Many Dreams: An Interview with Maheshbhai Jaggubhai Kumar

(INTERVIEW FEATURE)

As the sun rises over the Riverfront Market in Raikhad, Ahmedabad, the vibrant Gujari Bazaar comes to life. Known as a bustling weekend market, this lively hub is where one can find anything from fresh eatables to antique treasures.

Among the many vendors setting up their stalls, we met Maheshbhai Jaggubhai Kumar, dedicated crockery seller, who shared his journey with us.

                           

Question) How long have you been selling crockery at Gujari Bazaar?

Maheshbhai: I've been in this trade since I was very young. I started by helping my father arrange and collect crockery for our stall. It’s been a family business for years, and I’ve continued it, just as my father did before me.

Question) Where do you source your crockery from?

Maheshbhai: All our dinner sets and crockery sets come from Delhi. Each set costs us around ₹2000 to ₹2500. We offer a variety of products, from steel to glass and ceramic crockery. We also stock casseroles and food containers that are non-stick and perfect for safely storing food items.

Question) Gujari Bazaar is known for its weekend hustle. What’s it like selling here?

Maheshbhai: Gujari Bazaar is indeed special. It’s a weekend market, so we only open on Sundays. On Sundays, you can find almost anything here—eatables, clothes, antiques, and modern furniture, all neatly arranged. We usually get around 10-15 customers visiting our stall each Sunday. Since the market is closed on weekdays, I have to find other work to support my family.

Question) We hear that your family is involved in more than just crockery. Can you tell us about that?

Maheshbhai: Yes, besides crockery, we’ve started a small business selling bedsheets and blankets. Our cotton bedsheets, which are bought in bulk from the wholesale market in Panchkua, Ahmedabad, are quite popular. They cost around ₹350 each and are made from pure cotton, offering great comfort to our customers at a reasonable price.

Question) How do you manage your time between the stall and other responsibilities?

Maheshbhai: We work at our stall from 8 in the morning until 6 in the evening. After that, we head back to our homes. My brother also helps with the stall and manages his studies alongside. It’s a busy life, but we make it work.

Question) Thank you for sharing your story with us. It’s clear that your work is more than just a job—it’s a legacy.

Maheshbhai: Thank you for your interest. This work has been our livelihood for years, and we’re proud of what we do. We’re happy to share our story with you.

As we wrapped up our conversation, it was clear that Maheshbhai’s stall is more than just a place to buy crockery; it’s a testament to the hard work and dreams of a family dedicated to their craft. The Riverfront Market, with its vibrant energy and unique vendors like Maheshbhai, remains a true gem in Ahmedabad.