Fourteen Floors Up

 

The Window That Opened Our World

Though the move happened nearly seven years ago, the memory of shifting from their old first-floor flat to the 14th floor still sits gently in the author’s heart, like a chapter bookmarked for life.

The old home had sheltered them well, but its limitations were woven into daily living. The bedroom window opened straight into the neighbour’s bedroom, so close that even casual conversations drifted in. Sunlight rarely visited, ventilation was a constant struggle, and the narrow distance between the two buildings wrapped the flat in a quiet claustrophobia they had simply learned to endure.

Yet leaving it brought a strange tug of nostalgia - after all, it had witnessed their early joys, struggles, and small rituals of everyday life.

But the moment they stepped into the new apartment on the 14th floor, the contrast was almost breathtaking. Sunshine streamed in as though greeting them personally. No walls loomed nearby, no windows stared back. Instead, a vast, five-kilometre stretch of open view welcomed them, rooftops scattered far below, vehicles gliding like quiet toys, and a horizon that felt almost endless. For a family accustomed to tight spaces and borrowed privacy, it felt like stepping into air that finally had room for their hopes.

Preparing for the move had been its own journey - sorting old letters, forgotten souvenirs, worn-out clothes, and deciding what deserved a place in their new life. Boxes were labelled carefully; fragile items were wrapped like little memories being protected. And when the movers finally left, the apartment felt both empty and full at the same time, empty of things, but full of possibility.

Some of the most cherished memories unfolded in the months that followed. During the monsoon, the family would gather by the large windows to watch sheets of rain sweep across the main road, turning the world below into a shimmering painting. Lightning danced far away, clouds drifted at eye level, and the city glowed softly under the storm. Everyone would squeal when they spotted tiny umbrellas moving like colourful ants below.

Festivals brought their own magic. From the 14th floor, the lights of Ganesh Chaturthi pandals sparkled like jewels scattered across the neighbourhood. During Navratri, the sound of distant garba floated up gently, and the colourful decorations stitched together a tapestry of celebration visible from far above. The city buzzed with energy, yet from their balcony, it all felt serene festive beauty without the crowds.

Guests who visited were always captivated. They would pause mid-sentence, drawn helplessly to the windows, whispering, “What a view…”

As if the openness itself was not enough, the drawing room offered yet another quiet delight. The large windows overlooked the monorail tracks, and every now and then, a sleek, gleaming monorail would glide past - silent, suspended, almost unreal. From the 14th floor, it looked less like public transport and more like a toy train powered by invisible batteries, moving gently through the air. For visiting guests, this became an unexpected bonus, drawing them instinctively to the windows, waiting for the next passing carriage with childlike curiosity.

For the family, it wasn’t just a view - it was a reminder of how far they had come, from cramped corners to sky-kissed openness, carrying old memories while making new ones under a wider, kinder sky.

About the Author

The Afternoon That Ensured Peace for a Family

 

How Mr. Dholakia Chose Clarity Over Chaos

Mr. Dholakia: Srini, I’d like to prepare a Will, and so would my wife, but we want separate Wills, not a joint one. Each Will should clearly state that if one of us passes away first, everything goes to the surviving spouse. After both of us are gone, only then should the children inherit.

CA Srini: That is a very clear and sensible structure, sir. Separate Wills will give each of you full independence while still reflecting your common intention. I’ll make sure the bequest to the surviving spouse is expressed in unambiguous terms.

Mr. Dholakia: Good. I want the wording to leave no room for misunderstandings later.

CA Srini: Absolutely. Now, before drafting, let me briefly mention the types of Wills. There are privileged Wills, meant only for defence and maritime personnel,  they can even be oral or unsigned to suit emergency circumstances.

Mr. Dholakia: That’s not relevant in our case.

CA Srini: Correct. For both of you, we will prepare unprivileged Wills. These are the normal Wills used by civilians - written, signed, and properly attested by witnesses. That is the most secure and widely followed approach.

Mr. Dholakia: Excellent. One more thing, I don’t want to go through the registration process. I’m comfortable simply notarising the Wills once they’re signed.

CA Srini: Notarisation is perfectly acceptable, sir. Registration is optional. A properly drafted and correctly executed Will remains completely valid even without registration. Notarisation adds documentation and helps maintain a formal record, which many clients choose.

Mr. Dholakia: Exactly. I’m looking for something clean and simple, without too much running around.

CA Srini: Understood. In addition, I strongly recommend obtaining a doctor’s certificate confirming that the testator is of sound mind at the time of signing. It’s not mandatory, but it is extremely helpful in preventing allegations of mental incapacity after someone has passed.

Mr. Dholakia: I think that is a smart safeguard. I’ll get the certificate before we arrange the signing.

CA Srini: Perfect. We’ll organise the execution in the presence of two witnesses and then immediately get both Wills notarised. I’ll prepare the drafts based on your instructions and once you and your wife review and approve them, we’ll schedule the signing.

Mr. Dholakia: Thank you, Srini. I feel relieved already. This is something I’ve wanted to settle for a long time.

CA Srini: It’s my pleasure, sir. Planning now ensures your intentions are honoured and your family is protected without complications.

About the Author

When Travel, Memories & Words United the Family

 

Evening at home - the family is gathered after dinner.

Rohan: Appa - you’ve been busy typing again. Another travel blog?

Author: (smiling) Yes. Writing has become a part of my routine now. It didn’t start that way though. Years ago, I had sent a half-finished article to a friend who’s a journalist. I thought he would just edit it and send it back. Instead, he told me something that changed things, he encouraged me to take up writing seriously, as a hobby.

Priya: Really? Just like that? You actually followed it?

Author: I did, though not immediately. I was unsure at first. But every time I called him for guidance, he patiently supported me, gave tips, and told me not to stop. And when he later appreciated my blogs, it boosted my confidence in a big way.

Sanjiv: So that’s how it began - a small push from someone who believed in you?

Author: Exactly. And after that, I discovered how enjoyable writing can be. I began writing about many topics, but personal finance and travel became my favourites. Finance because it’s part of my profession… and travel because writing helped me relive every place I visited.

Rohan: But Dad, doesn’t it take too much time? I mean, remembering everything later must be difficult.

Author: It is, unless you take notes. That’s something writing taught me. When I travel now, I jot down small details - places, food, funny moments, names of people I meet. Without those notes, it becomes hard to describe the experience later. And that habit has improved my observation skills too.

Priya: So writing improves the way you look at the world?

Author: Absolutely. It also makes you read more. Without reading, there is no writing. It helps you think, remember, and express better. And slowly, you develop your own style without even realising it.

Sanjiv: It sounds like writing gives back more than it takes.

Author: Very well said. And you don’t have to be perfect. You just need to start. Over time, the words begin to flow on their own.

Rohan: Maybe we should give it a try?

Author: I would be very happy if you do. And remember, writing runs in the family too. Your Malli chita is a complete natural! His standalone blogs and LinkedIn posts are extremely popular. He’s a consummate storyteller, people wait for his posts. So the potential definitely exists in all of you.

Priya: Then maybe it’s time we continue the tradition.

Author: (warmly) Yes. Start with anything, a journal, a short note, a memory, an observation. Once you begin writing, you’ll discover parts of yourself that you didn’t know existed.

Sanjiv: We promise, we’ll write something this week.

Author: That’s all I wanted. Start writing… and let the journey take you where it wants.

About the Author

What You Truly Want Shows Up in How You Prepare

 

The Silent Preparation Behind Every Action

Have you ever noticed that when someone really wants something, they start preparing for it almost automatically? It doesn’t matter whether they announce it to the world or quietly keep it to themselves, you can see it in their actions.

Think about a musician getting ready for a big concert. If the performance genuinely matters to them, practice becomes a priority. Even if the schedule is packed, they somehow manage to squeeze in rehearsals. They work on the tricky parts repeatedly because deep down they know that the only way to shine on stage is to prepare well beforehand.

Students who are serious about exams behave similarly. They wake up early or sleep late, revise again and again, and cut down distractions, not because someone is forcing them, but because they care about the result. On the other hand, students who only say they want good marks but continue with Netflix, outings, and last-minute studies? Their intentions and actions don’t match.

This pattern repeats everywhere.

A businessperson who really wants to grow doesn’t just hope for success. They learn, network, observe the market, improve their offering, and stay persistent even when things get difficult. Their consistent effort becomes proof of how much the goal matters to them.

At home too, you can spot this principle. A person who genuinely wants to build a happy atmosphere for their family puts thought and energy into it - planning, staying organised, being emotionally supportive, and reducing stress for others. It’s not about sacrifice, but about caring enough to act.

Now, here’s an interesting corollary - just like genuine desire pushes people towards preparation, lack of real interest silently pushes them away from it. When someone doesn’t actually want something, even if they say they do, they subconsciously engage in behaviours that ensure it doesn’t happen. They postpone, avoid, overthink, make excuses, or surround themselves with distractions. And eventually, the failure they face quietly matches the intention they truly carried, not the one they spoke aloud.

So the simple truth is: effort reveals intention. If we truly want something, we automatically start adjusting our routine and priorities. We don’t wait for perfect timing. We find a way. And if we keep delaying, avoiding, or making excuses, maybe we don’t want it as much as we claim, and that’s a useful realisation, not a negative one.

The next time we dream of something big, whether it’s fitness, career growth, financial progress, a new skill, or a better personal life, it may help to ask just one honest question:

“Are my everyday actions helping this happen, or helping this not happen?”

Because success or failure rarely surprises us, both are built quietly by the small choices we make every day.

 About the Author

Who Is Writing, you or the AI

 

Is It Okay to Use AI to “Write”?

The rapid rise of AI-driven language tools and Large Language Models (LLMs) has reshaped the way we create content. Blogs, newsletters, speeches, and even books are now increasingly produced with the help of artificial intelligence. Many authors openly use AI, while others avoid mentioning it altogether. This naturally raises a crucial question: Is it acceptable to use AI to write?

The short answer: there is nothing inherently wrong with using AI, but there is something fundamentally missing if the author depends on AI to do the writing entirely.

Writing isn’t just about putting words together. It is a deeply human exercise of thinking, understanding, analysing, and expressing one’s perspective. When a writer chooses a topic, they carry with them their experience, emotions, memories, beliefs, research, and intent. These become the skeleton of the article, its structure, context, background, flow, and message. 

AI can be extremely helpful, but it remains a tool. It can refine language, clarify sentences, simplify jargon, elevate sophistication in tone, and help with editing. It can save time by expanding bullet points into sentences or summarising long paragraphs. But when the thinking is outsourced to AI, the outcome lacks depth. There is no personal voice, no lived experience, and no intellectual journey inside the writing, merely well-arranged text.

The real danger lies in replacing original thought with generated content. If the machine decides the angle, emotion, logic, and messaging, then the author isn’t truly writing, they’re simply publishing. The article may sound articulate, but it rarely carries the authenticity of human reasoning and conviction. And, yes, readers can sense this.

A balance is however possible. The author must first define the subject, purpose, point of view, structure, supporting ideas, examples, and conclusions. Once the thought framework is in place, AI can assist in polishing the final draft. In this approach, the writing still reflects the author’s originality; AI only enhances communication; it doesn’t replace it.

In conclusion, AI is excellent for grammar checks, language refinement, and strengthening readability. However, depending on AI to write the entire article is unlikely to produce meaningful, genuine work. The thinking must always come from the author; AI can help with the delivery.

About the Author

When the Will & the Imagination Are Antagonistic, Imagination Always Wins

 

A Casual Conversation

The living room was buzzing with laughter as plates of snacks circled around. It was supposed to be a casual get-together of youngsters, when the topic suddenly took a philosophical turn.

“You know,” Priya said, settling into the couch, “we’ve always been told that where there’s a will, there’s a way. But lately I feel imagination plays a bigger role than willpower.”

Sanjiv raised an eyebrow. “Imagination? Bigger than will? That sounds debatable.”

Rohan jumped in immediately. “No, I’m with Priya. Look at the Wright brothers! If they’d just relied on will, they would’ve kept fixing bicycles. Imagination made them believe humans could fly. That’s what truly drove them.”

Aditya leaned forward, excited. “Exactly! Once they imagined it clearly, willpower automatically followed. They crashed so many times, people mocked them, but imagination pulled them through.”

Ria nodded. “We’ve seen that even in India. Remember Abdul Kalam? His will helped him study under a kerosene lamp, but imagination took him further. He didn’t just want a job, he wanted rockets, satellites and a great future for the country.”

“True,” Rashmi agreed. “Lots of people study hard. But not everyone imagines a future big enough to stretch their life beyond ordinary.”

Vignesh snapped his fingers. “That reminds me of Narayan Murthy. Will was keeping him working as a hardworking engineer. But imagination made him visualise India as a global tech leader. That picture kept Infosys alive when they had no money and no recognition.”

“Imagination pulled the team forward,” Aditya added.

Sanjiv’s brother Sandip chuckled. “You all are making it sound like a movie script.”

“But real life works that way!” Rohan replied. “Look at Walt Disney. Will made him chase cartooning, but every rejection could’ve broken him. Imagination - talking animals and  magical castles kept him going.”

Priya glanced around the room. “Even for students it’s the same. Will makes them sit and study. But imagination is what keeps them awake at night. Picturing success, the pride in parents’ eyes, their dream careers.”

Sanjiv leaned back, thoughtful now instead of sceptical. “So you’re saying will says, ‘I must,’ but imagination says, ‘I want.’ And ‘I want’ has more power.”

Ria smiled. “Because imagination moves the heart. Will moves the mind. When both move together, that’s when things really happen.”

There was a moment of silence as everyone took that in.

“Well,” Aditya finally said, laughing, “next time I’m lazy at the gym, maybe I’ll try imagining six-pack abs instead of forcing myself to lift weights.”

Everyone burst into laughter, and the discussion ended on that warm note, not with a conclusion, but with a shared feeling that dreams begin not with discipline, but with a picture that makes effort worthwhile.

About the Author

The Hidden Psychology of How We Keep Things

There are moments when a familiar memory suddenly brings a new perspective. Recently I was reminded of an old blog of mine - How My FIL’sPortfolio Discipline Became His Legacy - where I had written about my father-in-law’s meticulous approach to managing his financial investments. The more I reflected on it, the more I realised that his portfolio discipline was only one part of a much larger picture. His entire life was organised, not just his finances.

Every physical item he owned had a designated place. Whether it was a book, a tool, a pen, or an old document, he knew exactly where to find it. He never searched, he simply retrieved. And this wasn’t limited to the material world. His memory mirrored that same clarity. He could effortlessly recall the smallest details - dates, names, conversations from decades ago - with surprising accuracy.

This made me wonder: Is there a connection between how someone arranges their thoughts and how they arrange their physical belongings?

The more I observe people around me, including myself, the more I feel there is a connection. Individuals who think in a structured, systematic manner tend to carry that approach into their surroundings. They don’t like clutter, whether on their table or in their mind. They prefer closure, clarity, and order. If something is kept outside its usual place, they instinctively correct it, not because of compulsion, but because it aligns with how their mind operates. And this very habit makes recall almost automatic; when everything has a home, retrieval becomes effortless.

On the other hand, people who often find their thoughts scattered, unfinished tasks, pending decisions, unresolved emotions, tend to surround themselves with physical disorder as well. The room mirrors the mind. Drawers become a reflection of unresolved plans. A desk becomes a metaphor for priorities jumbled together.

Imagine if one consciously began organising the external environment, the workspace, the cupboard, the digital files. Would the mind slowly learn to follow? Or perhaps the change must happen the other way, begin by organising internal thoughts and discipline will naturally express itself in the physical world. Either way, the two appear deeply interconnected.

The encouraging part is that this is not an inherited trait reserved for a chosen few. It is a practice, one that anyone can build. A small, consistent “change of mind” can dramatically transform not only how one thinks, but also how one lives. It is, therefore, entirely reasonable to conclude that the way we keep things around us is a strong indicator of how our mind works, and with deliberate effort, both can improve together.

About the Author

From Storybooks to Stories of Our Own

 

From Reading to Writing – A Journey of Words

As a family, we have always loved books. This love began in our childhood. Our mother and mama kindled that spark early. They made sure we had the right reading material for our age - storybooks, comics, and magazines that fed both curiosity and imagination. But they were not alone in shaping this habit. Our English teachers in school encouraged us to read widely and express ourselves freely. They introduced us to classics, poems, and essays that opened new worlds. Librarians too played a quiet but important role, guiding us to the right shelves and saving new arrivals for us. And of course, our friends - many from similar backgrounds - shared and swapped books, discussed stories, and helped keep that reading spirit alive.

Over time, reading became more than just a pastime; it became part of who we were. It shaped our thoughts, our conversations, and even our dreams. Gradually, though this could have happened much earlier, this love for reading gave birth to writing. When you spend years soaking in words, you naturally begin to form your own. That’s how writing entered our lives - slowly, quietly, but with lasting joy.

Writing, like reading, is deeply rewarding. It helps you understand yourself better. When you put your thoughts on paper, you begin to see what you truly feel and believe. Writing becomes a mirror to your mind. It brings clarity and calm. Many times, it helps release worries that otherwise stay buried.

Writing also improves how you communicate. The habit of forming clear, simple sentences trains you to think and speak more effectively. You learn to express your ideas in a way that others can understand easily.

It is also a great stress reliever. When you write about your day, your challenges, or even your small joys, you feel lighter. Writing becomes therapy - a way to talk to yourself with honesty.

And of course, it makes you more creative. Words spark imagination. A simple observation can turn into a paragraph, a memory into a story. Each piece of writing makes you notice life more keenly.

Writing keeps the mind young too. You research, explore, and learn constantly. Every new topic opens another door of knowledge.

Looking back, we feel grateful - to our mother and mama, to our teachers and librarians, and to our friends who shared this journey. They gave us the greatest gift: the love of words. 

Today, that love lives on in our next generation. What started with reading turned into writing over time - and though the next generation hasn’t taken to writing yet, their love for books remains unshaken.

About the Author

Old Ritual, New Meaning

Every Diwali morning, long before sunrise, my mother would heat sesame oil on the gas stove. The smell filled the house as she called out, “Come, time for the oil bath!” She would rub warm oil on our heads and then apply nalang manjal - turmeric - over our legs. “It cleanses the body and mind,” she would say. The bath that followed felt like washing away not just dirt, but the weight of the year.

After she passed away, my wife took over this ritual. The same oil, the same fragrance, the same peace. It feels like a bridge - between generations, between memory and life.

That’s the power of tradition.

Tradition is more than an old custom. It’s the living thread that connects us to who we are. It carries the beliefs, values, and lessons passed down through families and communities. It tells us where we come from and why certain things matter.

Traditions appear in many forms - festivals, food, songs, prayers, ceremonies. They give color to our culture and rhythm to our lives. Whether ancient or newly formed, they remind us that we belong to something larger than ourselves.

Why do traditions matter?

Because they give us identity. They teach us values like respect, gratitude, and compassion. They bring joy during celebrations and comfort during change. They offer stability when the world feels uncertain.

Traditions also keep culture alive. Every festival we celebrate, every family custom we follow, keeps history breathing. They remind us that our lives are part of a longer story, one that began before us and will continue after.

They build community too. When people follow the same customs, they share experiences that bind them together. The simple act of lighting lamps or sharing sweets can unite people across time, distance, and differences.

Traditions nurture the soul. Rituals encourage reflection and gratitude. They remind us to pause, to connect, and to give. In a world rushing forward, traditions tell us to slow down and remember what truly matters.

But when traditions fade, something inside us weakens. Without them, we risk losing our roots, our values, our sense of belonging. We may move faster, but we drift further.

Traditions are not just habits of the past, they are anchors for the future.
They teach us who we are, remind us what we stand for, and guide us toward a meaningful life.

And every Diwali morning, as I pour that warm oil on my head, I know, tradition isn’t old. It’s alive.

About the Author

Do Celebrities Believe in what they Sell?

 

Do Celebrities Really Use the Products They Endorse?

In today’s advertising-driven world, celebrity endorsements remain one of the most powerful marketing tools. A film star’s face plastered inside a bus urging commuters to use public transport, a cricketer smiling next to a second-hand car, or a model holding a tube of lipstick - these images instantly influence millions of consumers.

But the obvious question is: do celebrities themselves actually use the products they endorse?

For some categories, the answer seems highly unlikely. A leading Bollywood star appearing in an ad campaign encouraging people to use public transport. The message may have been noble, but can we really imagine that star ditching their chauffeur-driven luxury sedans and personal security entourage to travel on a city bus or suburban train? Similarly, a top cricketer has fronted advertisements urging people to buy and sell used cars on digital platforms. Yet, in reality, one doubts whether he has ever personally negotiated the price of a second-hand hatchback when his garage is filled with luxury sports cars and SUVs.

The disconnect becomes sharper with mass-market FMCG products. A glamorous actor might promote a ₹100 fairness cream or a carbonated soft drink, but chances are their personal beauty and wellness regimen involves high-end brands and nutritionists’ recommendations. Expecting them to actually consume the same sugary sodas or snack foods as the average consumer is unrealistic.

This gap raises a critical ethical question: is it right for celebrities to imply personal use when they do not?

Advertising often blurs the line between performance and authenticity. If an actor plays a villain on screen, we know it’s fiction. But when the same actor looks into the camera and says, “I use this every day,” the claim is meant to be taken as fact, not performance. That’s where misrepresentation creeps in.

The matter is even more troubling with products known to be harmful - alcohol surrogates, or sugar-heavy aerated drinks. Even if celebrities privately consumed such items, should they encourage millions of impressionable fans to follow suit? Regulations in India have tried to clamp down on misleading endorsements, but brands often find loopholes, and celebrities rarely turn down a lucrative deal.

To be fair, there are positive examples too. Many sportspersons endorse fitness gear, health drinks, or equipment they genuinely use. Certain actors associate themselves with luxury labels, gadgets, or cosmetics that align with their lifestyle, making the endorsement more authentic.

Ultimately, the responsibility cuts both ways. Brands seek visibility, celebrities chase income. But when trust is placed in them by millions, the ethical obligation is heavier.

So the next time a smiling star urges you to buy something, pause and ask yourself: are they truly selling what they use - or just using their face or figure to sell?

About the Author