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A crispy dosa and freshly roasted filter coffee story by Priya Srivastava

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  We recently organized a short story writing competition in which Priya Srivastava gave her best and offered us a tasty story on our plate, which brought water in our mouths, so let's share this story with you as well, so that you can satisfy the virtual hunger.  It was 1:30 a.m., that quiet hour when dreams feel heavier than reality and even worries loosen their grip. Priya was fast asleep, wrapped tightly in her blanket, when a whisper brushed her ear.  "Let's go to Shimla tomorrow."  She frowned without opening her eyes. "Nilanshu, let me sleep. Stop joking."  Shimla sounded impossible at that hour, too far, too sudden, too dreamy. Within seconds, she slipped back to sleep.  But Nilanshu stayed awake.  While Priya dreamed, he booked the bus tickets, checked routes, packed snacks, and quietly planned everything. He loved surprises, the kind that didn't ask permission, only created memories.  Morning sunlight crept through the curtains when Priy...
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Winning Entries of Visual Poetry Writing Challenge

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 Thought Lantern organized a 5-day Visual Poetry Challenge, and our winners won the challenge, so here are some of the creative pieces we present to you.  Day 1 - Visual Image  Winners are -  1. Priyanka Bhandarkar  Poem Day 1 -  Title - Butterflies  Butterflies have beautiful features,  Yellow, orange, blue, and sometimes black,  Boasting their beauty now and then in while,  Perched on a flower, they make magic!  Even though small, they are the prettiest of all,  In this beauty, I feel humble, like bowing to a God.  It seems to be a woman ready,  And I feel an immediate connection with this lady!  Prints and drapes we dare to dream,  Fluttering away, it disappears into the thin air,  So if you want to watch a butterfly,  Never go near, just look and admire!  2. Trupti Tapasi  Poem Day 1 -  "The gold sun in open sky,  The morning's radiant bloom,  Jewelled wings drift gentl...
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Author Interview with Priya Srivastava

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  Today, we present to you our guest author, Priya Srivastava, and our Founder, Palak Chauhan ma'am, got a chance to interview her about her book, The Feminine Mirror. Let's get a sneak peek at the interview.  Q1. What inspired you to center The Feminine Mirror around the age of thirty? What significance does the milestone hold in a woman's life?  Ans 1 - I centered The Feminine Mirror: Stories of 30 Women at 30 around the age of thirty because the age feels like a quiet turning point in many women's lives. By thirty, society expects you to "have it all figured out."  Career, marriage, motherhood, stability, yet internally, many women are still discovering who they truly are.  Thirty is not an ending; it is a mirror moment. It is the age when a woman pauses, looks back at who she has been, and asks who she still wants to become.  Q2. How did you conceptualize the emotional and thematic diversity among the 30 women portrayed in the book?  Ans 2 - I imag...
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Winning Entries for Poetry Writing Competition

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  Thought Lantern organized a Poetry Writing Competition based on the theme Books and Coffee we received wonderful entries in both English and Hindi. We present to you the smell of books wrapped in the aroma of coffee.  Our winners are -  1. Dr. Romila Chitturi  Winner - English Category  Poem 1 -  Title - Whispers of Pages & Brew  In the cafe's warm embrace, books await,  Soft steam rises from a porcelain cup.  Pages turn like whispers in the light,  Coffee's rich scent weaves through every line.  A novel's hero sips espresso dreams,  While poetry brews in the corner nook.  Books and cafe, timeless lovers' dance,  Ink stain fingers, foam kisses the lip.  Chapters unfold amid clinking spoons,  Stories simmer like a perfect pour.  Here, in the haven of leaf and bean,  Worlds collide in aromatic peace.  One book, one cafe, endless escape,  Hearts caffeinated, minds forever fed.  Si...
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