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2922 Coffee Dates

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Life Love & Relationships June 19, 2024

Here I manifest the walk down the aisle,

There he stands on the ground of his ifs and buts.

Eight long secrets my veiled heart does pile,

While he dreams of the glory of fifty stars clutched.

Here I breathe in his aura, a captivating guise,

There he lives for a distant future, a programmer’s vow.

My white dress a canvas for unspoken cries,

His code a shield, masking doubts somehow.

Will his fear of commitment splinter this love’s hold?

Will his distant future leave only my name?

Can love bridge the chasm, mend the unspoken fear?

Or these 2922 coffee dates will end in a silent tear?

Books You Need to Pick Up in 2024

Books & Reading January 15, 2024 2 Comments

I’m a little late on my top picks, book recommendations if you will, from last year but hey what else is new. I told myself in 2024, I go back to writing for myself but that was also what I told myself at the end of 2022. But here I am, making another attempt to steer away from the endless corporate and creative writing I do 6 days a week at my job.

Up first, a few stats to get those juices flowing.

✦ I read a total of 72 books in 2023

✦ Out of which 40 were eBooks on my beloved, Kindle aka Mr. K

✦ 17 were hardcovers

✦ And 15 were paperbacks

Not bad for someone who claims to prefer reading on her Kindle but could definitely do better. I did go on a ‘Book Buying Ban’ after my Birthday Book Haul this year but more on that later.

✦ Only 15 were nonfiction — which is definitely concerning but on the flip side, I did read quite a bunch of Children’s Literature which was surely an unspoken, reading goal of mine for the year.

My Favorite Reads from 2023

So, out of all the books I read last year, not necessarily published in 2023, here’s what should be on top of your TBR pile:

𖦹 Every damn book by Claire Keegan — I read 3 of her titles last year and I’m a fan. She offers you a blend of evocative prose and poignant storytelling. Such nuanced characters, and human relationships that leave you breathless. I often find myself in awe and disgust (at the same time) with humans after reading her short but immersive worlds. If you fancy human emotions and the complexities of human relationships, then do yourself a favor and pick any (preferably all) of these: Small Things Like These, Foster and So Late in the Day.

𖦹 Lucy by the Sea by Elizabeth Strout — She is such a celebrated author, I doubt anything I say will add to her glory but I can tell you this, after reading this book, I was emotionally charged. She writes with such simplicity but manages to shake you to your very core. If you are not a fan of Pandemic Books, then steer clear of this one but any other title of hers promises to fill you with empathy, which to be honest, we can all use, especially in the world today. Pick this one up, if you are interested in an in-depth understanding of the human condition.

𖦹 Detective Kosuke Kindaichi #8: The Devil’s Flute Murders by Seishi Yokomizo, Jim Rion (Translator) — Are you guys actually surprised to see this here? In 2022, Death on Gokumon Island (Detective Kosuke Kindaichi, #4) was a let down but Pushkin Press knew which one to pick up next, and the latest left me wanting more, all over again. The scruffy detective is back this time in a post-war Tokyo navigating multiple murders, ghostly visitations and a haunting melody. My Top Tip to reading the Kindaichi books: take a photograph of the dramatis-personae (list of characters) from the start of the novel because you will go back multiple of times owing to a huge cast of characters.

𖦹 Cormoran Strike #7: The Running Grave by Robert Galbraith — Just like my last pick, the last installment of this series too left me feeling underwhelmed. But boy did Rowling redeem herself or what. The Running Grave is now officially one of my top 3 from the series, this one kept me on the edge, and I found myself screaming at the page often. I inhaled this massive tome rather than sleep for a few nights, not to mention the last chapter made me gasp out loud. For fans of Strike and Robin, this book wasn’t long enough and the mystery was CHEF’S KISS!

Honorary Mentions

Time now for a few special shoutouts that did not give me a book-hangover but are great recommendations for a diverse reading experience.

✿ The Complete Maus by Art Spiegelman
✿ The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji, Ho-Ling Wong (Translator)
✿ Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing by Matthew Perry
✿ A Dire Isle by R.V. Raman
✿ Nine Liars by Maureen Johnson
✿ Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa, Eric Ozawa (Translator)
✿ The Murder of Twelve by Jessica Fletcher and Jon Land
✿ Welcome to Paradise by Twinkle Khanna
✿ Highlands Christmas by Amy Quick Parrish

And now for an opinion that is synonymous with the entire Book Community on the Internet, books by Freida McFadden are creepy but easy thrillers. You’ll more or less know what went downhill but you will still be glued to the pages. Her books are easy one-sitting reads and supremely delicious for a cold, cold night. I read 3 of hers this last year: The Housemaid (The Housemaid, #1), Never Lie and The Gift.

I genuinely believe these titles will challenge your perspective on nuances of the human experience, and grip you in the best way possible.

I wish you moments of pure escape, and a world filled with peace, health and joy.

Happy New Year and Happy Reading!

Flames of Love

Adventure Inklings - Poetry & Prose Life Love & Relationships Travel Travel & Tourism October 5, 2023

In a land where flames kiss the sky so high

And ancient beauty stirs one’s soul

Where nocturnal streets illuminated

And the symphony of those paving stones,

Cocoon your senses.

Hand-in-hand

We meandered through the labyrinthine alleys

Where tapestry of history seamlessly wove itself

With threads of modernity

And tales of the Caspian Sea gently,

Soothe you into nirvana.

From the lush hills of Gabala

To the slopes of Shahdagh

This bond continues to grow evermore profound

Much like the eternal fire of Yanar Dagh,

Our love remained an unwavering, radiant light

The vivid hues amongst the bustling bazaar

Culture, cuisine, and affection converged

Nizami now imprinted in my memory

With every step, our hearts took flight.

In the warmth of your smile,

I found my true north

My compass in the South Caucasus.

In Azerbaijan’s tender embrace,

We discovered a love that would stand the test of time.

Under the canopy of a starry night

And the maiden tower

With you by my side,

We shall reunite — soon enough.

My Favorite Books of the Year » 2022 Edition

Books & Reading December 31, 2022 4 Comments

My favorite, the best of the best, my top picks from my reading year. I read a total of 56 books in 2022, which is not bad given my erratic work schedule but how I miss the days of more books, more pages in a year. And today, am unveiling the ones you need to get a hold of — and pronto. As always, I’m not focusing on the plot (or any spoilers), which a blurb can also communicate, but rather on why I would recommend picking it up.

My Top Picks from 2022

PARANORMAL PICK: The Shining by Stephen King

Totally worth the legacy; not horror per say but definitely psychological horror and one of the best atmospheric reads ever. And yes Joey was right! Indulge in some extreme cabin fever this winter and experience the gripping writing style of the King.

Goodreads | Amazon

MYSTERY PICK: Detective Kosuke Kindaichi Series by Seishi Yokomizo, Yumiko Yamakazi (Translator)

I read the 2nd, 4th and 6th installment in the Detective Kosuke Kindaichi series, newly-translated/printed by Pushkin Press. Apt for fans of Agatha Christie, and Golden Age Crime Fiction, especially if you are looking into reading more translated fiction. If for nothing else, pick-up this for the scruffy Detective from the 40s, who just might be as brilliant as Poirot (don’t quote me on that).

Goodreads | Amazon

THRILLER PICK: The Master Key by Masako Togawa

Another stellar by Pushkin Press, this one is short but punchy, and boy was a I glued or what! Impressive construction, clever plot and questionable characters. A thriller ideal for a cold, cold weekend night, come for the eerie vibes, stay for a moving end.

Goodreads | Amazon

NONFICTION PICK: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

Everyone on the planet read this book in 2022, and everyone who did, raved about it, and rightly so! I do not have a new way to saying how amazing this memoir is but I can tell you this, are you a daughter? Yes? Then do yourself a favor and pick this one up, and I hope you do not find a single moment you can relate to.

Goodreads | Amazon

HISTORICAL FICTION PICK: The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sherriff

Probably the most comforting book on Earth, it’s like a hug in a book! The entirety of the novel is set in a fortnight, and you will come across many poignant moments that are equally entertaining. A lot of it reminded me of my family vacations, and at times, I found myself with a lump in my throat because I could see Pa and Anas throughout the book. Do not expect a lot to happen but please, please pick this one up for its simplicity and quaintness.

Goodreads | Amazon

SCIENCE FICTION PICK: You Have Arrived at Your Destination by Amor Towles

Towles’ writing continues to knock the socks off of me and this taste of Dystopia by him was just WOW. This is short, intriguing and thought-provoking — get ready to question everything we do in the name of Science and Progress!

Goodreads | Amazon

ROMANCE PICK: Booked for Christmas by Lily Menon

Get ready to swoon under a 100 pages, good balance between sweet and smut, an enemies to lovers trope — need I say more?

Goodreads | Amazon

I’ve a bonus entry for you guys, Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth, the reason this sits between my favorites and honorable mentions is that I’m a little conflicted about some of the scenes in the book. Don’t get me wrong, I truly enjoyed it, definitely for fans of Elle Woods, but I just couldn’t digest the male lead. Who doesn’t love a good boy who is utterly dirty in bed but the 360 degree change this guy goes between the sheets and the lounge was just not believable enough for me. Nonetheless, perfect for this time of the year.

Honorable Mentions

Family of Liars by E. Lockhart

This is a prequel to one of my all-time favorite Young Adult (YA) books, ‘We Were Liars’, and I loved every but of it. It is surely a thriller, and will keep you hooked but has a melancholy undertone running through and through. A specific sibling relationship subplot kept tugging onto my heart strings. I miss you Anas, and I’m just going to leave it here.

Goodreads | Amazon

A Will to Kill by R.V. Raman

A murder mystery set in the misty, northwestern Tamil Nadu and perfect for fans of ‘locked room mysteries’, and you will find yourself hooked from the very first chapter. It is a clean, knotty mystery, a nod to British crime fiction but set close to home — if you know what I mean.

Goodreads | Amazon

Hello, Hello Everybody! Remember Me?

Business, Tech & Workplace Family & Personal June 13, 2022

I’ve been MIA for nearly a year, and it is all because of this major shift in my professional life. Before you all get too excited, the shift is merely a change of time zone but to me it was more like the ground shifted beneath my feet. Between balancing work and family time, personal projects, additional learning, and even my blog got pushed to the side. And I’ve no one to blame but myself.

I’d like to believe, it was a struggle adapting to a new sleep-cycle (which it was) but it was more of me being the lazy cow that my brother (aptly) calls me. I genuinely wanted to fight the urge to leave the couch but add a Kindle to the mix, and what you’ve is 1 Ifrah, and a dozen alibis against everything I stand for — productivity, productivity & productivity. And I promise you, FRIENDS or THE IT CROWD in the background aren’t accountable for my 6 months of ‘Moo-ing Weekends’.

It hasn’t been a complete loss, I completed quite a few home projects; discovered my first gray hair; freaked about my age for the first time in my life; said goodbye to a couple of toxic relationships; overcame 3 very suspicious viral infections; purchased a new phone (Thank God before the recent economy crisis); got rejected by a suitor who was planning to leave Facebook and move back to Pakistan because hired help is cheaper here); and purchased my-very-own Netflix. So, technically, I’ve not been a couch-potato – entirely. At the risk of over-using the term ‘Burnout’, which at the same time, I think isn’t said enough, I think I also reached a saturation point after 11 years in the workforce. Ideally, I would’ve wanted to take a break, take a family vacation but who has that kind of passive income?!

Having said that, there is but one domain that I feel terrible about ignoring this past year. And that is ‘Learning’. My personal growth with respect to my field has always been extremely important to me. I feel my skills in 2022 are just about the same as they were in 2021. Work thankfully has been good, well at least that’s what I’m assuming, given they added a whole new department to my unit. But what about learning a new language? Or learning a new Stack? Or simply indulge in a Feature, I’ve never shipped before. I’ve been too occupied in delivering what I know best that I’ve managed to overlook what I don’t. And that has been bothering me lately. But fret not folks, I’m here to overhaul this situation, and of course the first, logical step is to revamp my website (for no particular reason). What do you guys think? It still needs a couple of bug fixes, and every website design I pick looks about the same but I love it. Furthermore, I’m going to enroll in a certification course to get myself out of this rut (for crying out loud, stupid SEO, stop with the red emoji, I don’t need sub-heading distribution in a personal rant, and I’ve no intentions of improving my SEO score).

Where was I. Ahhh, yes, getting out of a rut, and spending less time on my Kindle. Wait strike that. Getting out of a rut, and focusing on personal + professional development. So, here’s to a mid-year adjustment, saying yes to experiences, no to cold drinks and expanding my portfoilo. On that note, need a web solution, a mobile application or digital content? Hit me up. Maybe your project can motivate me to leave my reading couch — often.

Hope to see you on the other side of these terrible times and failing economy. Ciao!

I Don’t Speak 01010

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships People & More October 27, 2021

You came with the changing season…

And I misread the signs.

I thought you’d come along to offer comfort…

Instead you came knocking from deep within.

It was early August with Autumn around the corner…

How was I to not fall for you.

You kept it fairly simple…

And yet I fell pray to the pattern.

You had some nerve…

Teaching me the difference between the good and bad.

Trespassing where you do not belong…

Evoking feelings you could not embrace.

Making me question this blurred line between us…

And holding me back with your obnoxious 01010 theory.

1675 days later you continue to rule my kingdom…

And yet refuse to let me claim the throne.

This year, I intent to turn the tables…

Or perhaps just have you on the that desk in the corner.

I don’t speak your language…

And yet you expect me to differentiate between zero and one.

I’ve kept this hidden for far too long…

Time to reveal and devourer everything in sight.

Including your rules and that piece of manhood you wear as a Crown.

Everything I Do, I Do For You…

Love & Relationships October 15, 2021

Everything I do;

Everything I’ve done.

I do for you.

And although you may never acknowledge it out loud

A part of me is convinced all too well otherwise.

For the sun sets to let you breathe easy;

And the stars travel across the sky to light your way.

For each bloom turn to bean to quench your thirst;

And the spaces between my fingers exist to hold you tight.

For my skin was laced to etch your pathway;

And my senses surfaced to satiate your hunger.

Everything I do;

Everything I am.

I know it is for you.

You. Just You. Only You.

Wasted & Wounded

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships July 26, 2021

He was my first

In all the ways you could possibly imagine

My first cup of longing

And my first flight to the heavens above.

He made me feel like I’m the only woman here

The center of his universe

The code to his heart

And the answer to life’s logic.

They say he did all this on purpose

To leave me wasted and wounded

To ensure I’d never love another

And to cast away his greatest deception.

As I attempt to deliver a soliloquy

Of my nascent love and his mastery

I find no words to express the sting trapped inside

Or the rapture of skin and flesh

Near the Indian Ocean.

Blood Orange Moon

Inklings - Poetry & Prose Love & Relationships Travel & Tourism March 4, 2021 2 Comments

It felt right, it felt wrong,
Or just somewhere in between
When chastity met shame,
Where senses engage,
And hands explore
Where inhibitions dissipate,
And souls entwine
Where honor is questioned,
And love is dallied
Where unison is coquetted,
And moans coveted
Where language is free-flowing,
And words muddled
Where a Blood Orange Moon controls desires,
And waves throb with ache
Where Coffee and Coconuts descend,
And insatiable consumptions ascend
Where the Burj stands tall, and proud and Hearts devour the Indian Ocean.