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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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Ahaana Krishna’s Dreamy Bridal Look

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Without a question, Ahaana Krishna is the queen of aesthetics. She has returned with yet another stunning and captivating bridal portrait. The image was uploaded the day before on her Instagram and was immediately loved by the public. Let’s look into the details of this stunning photo shoot.

 Ahaana wore a stunning saree from Indra Designs’ “Enchanting collections” to complete the enchanted appearance. The saree was exquisitely woven in opulent English garden designs, including three-dimensional embellishments created by House of Indra artisans. The saree was draped perfectly by saree stylist Daira. 

Devi Sreenath, the creative director of Indra Designs, styled the entire ensemble. The exquisite bouquet by Droplet Bouquets complimented the entire bridal ensemble.

Ahaana opted for a classic appearance with her accessories. DC Jewellers provided the exquisitely crafted gems. Various pearls and gemstones set in intricate designs make up the ornaments. It complements the outfit’s hues beautifully.

Amrin Khan, her makeup artist, opted for a delicate and dreamy appearance, keeping the makeup simple. The photographs were taken by Twelvef Moments

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Cover Story

Insta – Glam : Best Fashion from Aparna Thomas

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Instagram has developed into a busy runway in the fast-paced world of fashion, where influencers like Aparna Thomas showcase their own looks, creating trends and motivating millions of others. Aparna Thomas has enthralled audiences with her varied and imaginative ensembles thanks to her outstanding taste and passion for fashion. Let’s delve into some of her best fashion looks that have left a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts around the globe.

Effortless Glamour

Aparna Thomas looks sophisticated and alluring in this beautiful rainbow saree by Fitting Room Couture, styled by talented Sabarinath. Her look as completed by jewels from Pure Allure

Shimmer Glam

How to add a touch of glamour to any occasion without sacrificing comfort or style, just add some Shimmer. Aparna looks gorgeous  in the stunning golden sequined flared dress by D’Roz for Christmas theme shoot.

Chic Style

Aparna looks casual chic with urban sophistication with her street style look in this green dress by Urbanic

Regal Beauty

Aparna is a natural at stealing the show; she looks magnificent in her exquisite blue saree that Sabarinath styled. The saree comes from Luxurion World. 

Mythical Magic

Aparna looks stunning in an embellished saree by T & M Signature thanks to her excellent sense of style. The blouse features soft and elegant hues with delicate foliate motifs and elaborate crisscross patterns. The MOD Signature jewels completed the entire look. 

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Architecture

5 Sustainable Interior Design Trends to Embrace in 2024

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As the world becomes increasingly aware of the importance of sustainability, it’s no surprise that eco-friendly practices are making their way into the realm of interior design. In 2024, we can expect to see a surge in sustainable interior design trends that not only enhance the beauty of our living spaces but also minimise our environmental footprint. From repurposed materials to energy-efficient solutions, here are five sustainable interior design trends to embrace this year.

Upcycled Furniture:

One of the most prominent sustainable interior design trends of 2024 is the use of upcycled furniture. Instead of buying new pieces, consider giving old furniture a new lease on life by refurbishing or repurposing them. From reclaimed wood tables to refurbished chairs, upcycled furniture adds character and charm to your space while reducing waste and conserving resources.

Biophilic Design:

Biophilic design, which emphasizes a connection to nature, continues to gain popularity in 2024. Integrating natural elements such as plants, natural light, and organic materials into your interior design not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes well-being and sustainability. Consider incorporating living walls, indoor gardens, and sustainable wood finishes to bring the outdoors inside and create a healthier living environment.

Energy-Efficient Lighting:

With a growing focus on energy conservation, energy-efficient lighting solutions are becoming a staple in sustainable interior design. LED lights, in particular, consume significantly less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer, reducing both energy consumption and maintenance costs. Additionally, consider incorporating natural light sources such as skylights and large windows to maximize daylight and minimize the need for artificial lighting during the day.

Sustainable Textiles:

When it comes to upholstery and soft furnishings, opting for sustainable textiles is key to reducing environmental impact. Look for fabrics made from organic or recycled materials, such as organic cotton, hemp, bamboo, or recycled polyester. These materials not only reduce the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides but also minimize waste and support eco-friendly production practices. Additionally, consider investing in durable, high-quality textiles that stand the test of time, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

Smart Home Technology:

In 2024, smart home technology continues to evolve, offering innovative solutions for sustainable living. From smart thermostats that optimize energy usage to home automation systems that control lighting and appliances, these technologies can help reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency in your home. Additionally, smart home devices such as occupancy sensors and smart meters provide valuable insights into your energy usage, empowering you to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation.

As we strive to create more sustainable living environments, embracing these five interior design trends can help reduce our environmental impact while creating beautiful and functional spaces. Whether you’re upcycling old furniture, incorporating natural elements, or investing in energy-efficient technologies, every sustainable choice contributes to a greener future for generations to come. So let’s embrace these trends and make sustainability a cornerstone of our interior design practices in 2024 and beyond.

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