Proud to Introduce Nikhita Nandakumar: A Radiant Young Intellectual and a Creative Blog Writer

Introduction:-

I am excited to feature this first blog post from Nikhita, my talented niece, fresh and sizzling like a hot chappathi off the stove! She shared this gem with me for review, but it's so captivating that I'm thrilled to present it in my blog openmind.ganeshs.net just as she penned it. With a flair for intermingling personal anecdotes, her creativity makes this piece exceptionally relatable, especially to her peers. Dive into her world. Her first blog as she wrote it. I'm honored to offer you the first taste, and I hope you will savor it as much as I did. Please show your support with shares and comments, as we cheer on her delightful journey into the world of writing. Happy reading!

Her writing elegantly unveils the exciting maze of finding the perfect start, breathing life into mundane objects like an Ariel fan, and drawing wisdom from ancient texts like Chanakya's teachings. With her unique blend of humor, warmth, and insight, she weaves an engaging narrative that sets her work apart. This delightful concoction of introspection and laughter not only leaves a mark but ignites a craving for more. I can't wait to see where her creativity leads her next. Her narrative has left a charming imprint, and I'm sure you'll feel it too. Let's keep encouraging this fantastic talent and explore more ways to share her one-of-a-kind voice with the world!

A Chappathi Conundrum: How Do You Start?

My Tangled Thoughts on Life, Friends, and the Wisdom of Starting

by Nikhita Nandakumar

(with blessings from my parents Manjubhashini and Nandakumar)

The Struggle to Begin

I've always had a desire to write about my experiences, as I believe they form a diverse collection worth sharing. However, every time I sit down to begin, my mind is filled with a jumble of thoughts and overlapping voices, making it difficult to find a starting point. It's as if my mind is a clouded mess, demanding my effort to untangle the threads, one step at a time. Unfortunately, I find myself surrounded by a chaotic crowd of instances, each vying for the opportunity to be the opening of my story.

The Kickstart Conversation

"I have a starting trouble," I declared to my friend during a discussion. She pursed her lips disapprovingly and tilted her head. Seeking understanding, I continued, "From a young age, I always relied on my mother's scolding to focus on my studies. It was like I was an engine in need of a kickstart, propelling me forward until the next boost became necessary." Meeting her gaze, I was determined to convey my predicament but she cut me short. “Its not like that” she said and looked at my white flower-patterned frock. “Things that have fascinated you, didn’t require a kickstart. You stood for the elections on your own, without a kickstart. You prepared for the campaigning and you won the votes. All without a kickstart.”

The Ariel Fan and Endearing Friendship

I settled back on her bed and glanced up at the ceiling, I noticed an Ariel fan (yes, the Disney princess Ariel). This sight amused me, and I couldn't help but giggle. Looking at my friend, I realized she wasn't amused at my distraction. "What?" she protested, turning her gaze away. "I got that fan when I was in 6th grade, and I've regretted it ever since 8th grade." Her defense of such trivial matters always brought a smile to my face. Among our friends, she was known as one of the most mature and introverted individuals and I decided I was going to tell everyone about this Ariel fan.

Listening and Branching Conversations

How did I never notice this fan before?" I mumbled. With a dismissive tone, she replied, "Maybe because you were always too busy running around and hiding whenever you came to my house. We've never had a proper conversation in my room until now." Just as she finished speaking, her mother walked into the room, carrying hot snacks for both of us. Gratefully, I got up from my spot to collect them, thanking her mother. The thought of writing a poetic line like "we ate them in silence" crossed my mind, which could deeply resonate with readers. However, with me around, achieving such tranquillity is nearly impossible. I started talking and talking about various topics, from colleges to friends. She listened attentively to each and every story, a quality I truly admired about her. She was an exceptional listener, if there was a listening competition somewhere, I would register her on the first day itself because she would undoubtedly secure the first place. Furthermore, her remarkable patience was another talent I held in high regard. When I start discussing something, the conversation rarely follows a linear path. It branches out, sprouting sub-branches, and by the time it reaches the tiniest twig, I often backtrack and create a new branch altogether. Reaching the main bark usually takes considerable time, sometimes even hours.

Chappathi Wisdom and Universal Reasoning

“You know, there's this ancient wisdom from the Chanakya book” I continued as I fiddled with the hem of my frock. “Where he's talking to Chandra Gupta Maurya about conquering kingdoms. He says, "Don't go straight for the capital, my friend. Start from the edges, just like devouring a hot chappathi. We always take a bite from the ends, not the middle." And I can't help but relate to that. I feel like I'm making the same mistake—struggling to find that perfect starting point, that elusive beginning.”

She extended her hands and adjusted her glasses, peering at me attentively before responding, "You don't have to follow that approach. Not every logic or reasoning you come across applies universally. What if the chappathi isn't hot? What if it's cold? In that case, you can very well start eating it from the middle. The sky isn’t going to fall because a 17 yr old decided to eat her chappathi from the middle.