Heart Full of Stories by Gowri

Among the many little treasures I’ve kept close over the years, this Sambrani ceramic pot holds a special place in my heart. It was gifted to me by my Kumar bro, sometime around 2021. A simple gift, yet so meaningful. When I got transferred to Johor Bahru , this pot was one of the few things I packed with care and brought along. Not because it’s expensive or grand, but because it carries love. I have this habit—maybe a sentimental one—of keeping every gift from my friends. To me, gifts are not just objects. They are symbols of love, tokens of moments, and reminders of the bonds we share. Kumar bro is someone truly special in my life. More than a friend, he has always treated me like a sister—with kindness, guidance, and a heart full of care. This little pot reminds me of that bond every time I light the Sambrani. Thank you, bro, for this beautiful connection we share. Your gift is not just sitting on a shelf—it’s part of my memories, my warmth, and my story. - GowriArumugam -

  Kalaan Kari: A Taste of Home and Heaven Last night, just before drifting off to sleep, I turned to my husband and asked the golden question: "What to cook for lunch tomorrow?" I had no clue. I just knew I didn’t want the usual—no chicken, no sambar, and definitely not rasam. I craved something different… something comforting. Then, like a little spark from the past, it came to me—"Kalaan kari" (mushroom curry). When I mentioned it to my husband, his eyes lit up. “Okey,” he said with a smile that told me he too had been missing that familiar taste. It wasn’t just any dish. This was a childhood favourite—cooked lovingly by both our mothers. Today, I brought that memory to life. I made kalaan kari with potatoes and a handful of anchovies—just the way our mothers used to. When lunchtime came, baby Kirtigah was asleep. So it was just the two of us, sharing not just a meal, but a quiet moment filled with memories. We spoke about our childhood, our homes, and especially ...