Ankesh pednekar

WHEN TIME WAITED AT THE COFFEE SHOP The coffee shop at the corner of Maple Street was easy to miss. It had no bright signboard, no loud music, and no crowd spilling out the door—only warm yellow lights glowing through foggy windows and the quiet aroma of roasted coffee drifting into the evening air. Aarohi found it on a day she desperately needed somewhere to sit without thinking. The bell above the door rang softly when she entered, and inside, the world felt slower. A wooden clock ticked gently on the wall, yet its hands did not move. She chose a table by the window where rain soon began to fall outside. A silver-haired man behind the counter served her a warm cup after she asked for something that would help her breathe again. As she held the cup, a strange calm settled within her. She noticed the rain sliding down the glass too slowly and people outside appearing frozen mid-step. When she asked why everything felt paused, the man explained that the place app...

                        BIRLA TEMPLE Being a Goan, I have always been surrounded by the vibrant culture, beaches, and lively atmosphere that define our state. However, my visit to the Birla Temple in Zuarinagar allowed me to experience a quieter and more spiritual side of Goa that often goes unnoticed. Located away from crowded tourist areas, the temple stands beautifully in white marble, surrounded by greenery that creates a calm and refreshing environment. Even though I have seen many places in Goa, the peacefulness of this temple felt unique and deeply comforting. As I walked along the pathway leading to the temple, I noticed how clean and well-maintained the surroundings were. The silence of the place was striking, especially compared to the busy roads and markets nearby. The temple’s architecture is simple yet elegant, with detailed carvings that reflect devotion and traditional craftsmanship. Insid...