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Chasing the C-Word

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FWD Life Chasing the C-Word

Everything was going to be okay, but just okay was to mean that one could no longer love it

Words by Ronnie Kuriakose    Photograph from Noah Silliman

Before the faint tinges of discomfort would settle in, before the first words of reassurance, that everything is going to be okay, would ring true, most people, with a point to prove, are often seen packing their bags, if not already reaching for the door. Not walking away, only leaving. The road offers to those who seek it, an adventure in all its dreamy poise. It always has. For one of conservative habits, it offers the freeing of self from labor and through it, a sense of control, and often the prospects of finding a partner of comparable modern tastes. For the inspired, the dilemma of choice and vestiges of power, only to bask in solitude.

While the journey makes a man of the boy, it is the destination that gets to decide if he wears a suit. I took to the road shortly after I realized that where I was, was the edge of the world. Lugging a suitcase twice my weight and pretending to be more threatening than the few Marathi cohorts that shared my train compartment, I travelled north. The journey was anything but unordinary. Soon, I had a job I loved, a sense of control, some vestiges of power, occasional skirmishes with feminists, and most importantly, a sense of belonging I found myself strangely unaccustomed to. It could have been enough; it should have been. Everything was going to be okay, but just okay was to mean that I could no longer love it. To love it still came at the expense of feeling less. The road now forked away from under a growth and emerged into clear light. It lured me and for reasons I am only beginning to understand, I was back on the road again. Considering my then position and what had been designed for me, some would call me ungrateful, some others, delusional for having left. I thought myself to be both, and profoundly spoiled for wanting more. I knew I was not entitled to much or anything at all, but I did feel like I deserved to be in a state of perennial empowerment.

The tumult of emotions in me had neither the audience it dreamed for nor the critic it dreaded. It lived on and I dwelled in it – swaying bellicosely between a desire to stay and a lust to leave. I searched frantically for things to fill my hours in hope that being busy would in time equal being happy – to that extent, I volunteered for obscure causes, took courses online, improved my math and logic skills, built a card game, participated in coffee-brewing lessons and wine-appreciation classes, worked on a film project, started coding digital platforms, reviewed punk-rock music, and walked eight kms every day for a year. I was ferocious, driven by an insatiable thirst hinging madness, howling for progress, for change. Then, there were other days, where, if I made it out of the bed and to work and back, I would call it a victory. They left me in despair and with each passing day, became unable to bear.

The road, the journey, the destination – none of it offered what I really wanted and I was unsure if I was allowed to have what it was that I wanted. I was chasing the ever elusive c-word:Contentment. There is no need for grief. Nobody needs to know. There is no air of crisis. If anything, only furtive glances at strangers – future partners of comparable modern tastes, futile attempts at claiming some more vestiges of power, inward sighs and long walks to nowhere. The crisis, though, is real – you will find hints of it in the trenches of modern civility, in suicide statistics and drug-abuse cases, in social obsolescence, and in the not-giving-a-fucks. My road forked back. I returned home for the same reasons I left it: I have found some things to be true here, but nowhere else. I sit now at the edge of the world, sipping weak tea, under a leaden sky, contemplating surging waves and retreating certainties. I am far from content, but knowing that it won’t rain today will suffice for now. I got my light blue suit on.

Ronnie Kuriakose is a freelance publicist and brand strategist. He can be reached at [email protected]

Digital version : https://goo.gl/HGTOLN

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Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot

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Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.

In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.

Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.

 

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Architecture

Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style

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Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:

Choose the Right Furniture

Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.

Layer Your Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.

Add Textures with Throws and Pillows

Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.

Incorporate Warm Colors

Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.

Use Rugs to Define Spaces

Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.

 Incorporate Natural Elements

Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.

Personalize with Artwork and Décor

Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.

Create a Focal Point

A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.

Invest in Quality Window Treatments

Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.

Add Personal Touches

Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.

By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.

 

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People

JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash

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There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.

JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either. 

In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.

Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.

Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.

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