Nandhitha’s story revolves around how two people become family in the event of a tragedy: a young boy who eats a lot of lemon candies and the boy’s caretaker who is very new to being with children.
What makes a family? Are blood ties everything? Bhumika’s essay examines the dynamics of the family one is born into and the family one finally adopts to survive in this world, especially as an only child.
An ageing father recalls fondly recalls the times with his daughter when she was a little girl. A poem by M. Mohankumar.
Why do you travel? Is it to find happiness outside the box? Is it to create meaningful memories? Or is it to provide answers to life’s issues? Anusha Singh reflects how globe-trotting this year helped her realise the value of the warm balmy feeling that comes from being much closer home.
A young girl, excited about the possibilities of the new Icmic cooker, wishes to chase away the gloom from her father’s lonesome heart as her mother is in the hospital.
Varsha’s story captures the conversation between a mother and her teenage son.
Srinivas’s poem suggests that the concept of ‘family’ is embodied in good stories, colourful tapestries, well-orchestrated musical pieces, lovingly prepared food and even, ironically, in one’s sense of identity, which is cobbled together from different sources. The essence of these ‘works’, in turn, is embodied in a human family.
When a short trip home comes to an end and the narrator’s brother begins to pack his bag for the return journey, he realises how much his family still means to him, despite the differences and distance. When the man notices his brother’s sorrow, he gently reminds him how deep bonds of blood run. Anupam pens a poem.