Dugo_Writings

I always wished to be simple in many ways. I have always been the daughter who empathizes more than anyone else in the family and tries to bind both ends of the family together without getting cut. I have always envisioned family as my happy place… as mine . The kind of happiness I dream of is far greater than any other wish I have ever had in my life. I want my family to be as cheerful as a bird’s nest, as warm as the first ray of sunshine, as bright as the midday sun, and as colorful as spring. It is always a special feeling when it comes to family. I lose all my ego, I lose all my temper — I only want to release the happy hormones and spread joy. But sometimes, when you realize it is one-sided, it hurts. It really, really does . I never wished for a glorious or luxurious family life. I only yearned for dinners filled with chit-chats about everything we went through during the day, childish gossip sessions with my siblings, and scary but honest confessions about my mistakes with my m...

Today was one such day where everything I had been thinking of for over a period of time came true. Yes, the universe has heard me and gave me signs of listening. Let me unveil it one by one. More than six months had passed after I had applied for a post in some company. It was well related to my field of education and experience (because you know how difficult it is to see an advertisement which fits you in). So instantly, I had applied. But I didn't hear from them for a month. So I decided to approach them and get myself updated. The person in charge responded after three days that they had to scrutinize the applications they had received. It's a fair one. I said fine and let another month pass by. Again, I texted them and got the same response. I thought maybe they might have received a lot many applications and were taking their time to verify each and every one. After a few days, I saw them advertising for the same post. This time, I thought, “Now I think I should move on....

Sometimes, what our heart desires might not be accepted by our brain. There is always a clash between our desires and our duties. I have made many such decisions where my mind and heart ended up in a tug-of-war. If my heart wins, I am happy for a while. If my mind emerges victorious, I may not feel immediate joy, but I am at peace in the future. Both wish for my well-being, yet I treat one of them as the villain depending on the situation. And somehow, I always end up cursing my brain for being right — always. I once came across such a situation where my serotonin still hits its peak just by brushing against those memories, even today. They haven’t faded; they are simply shielded by maturity and responsibility. Sometimes, being mature sucks. It snatches away the little joys. At times, I wish to be that innocent child again — clueless about what tomorrow holds, carefree, focused only on scoring good marks so I could enjoy all kinds of extracurricular activities. Those days taught me how...

“HOPE.” It is not a big word at all, yet it holds the greatest importance among all the words in the dictionary. Everyone in this world is hoping for something good and living with that hope—whether it is a job promotion, financial stability, family matters, health, or education. Hope is the very foundation on which we are all dealing with this world right now. We hope to wake up tomorrow and complete our tasks, without ever pausing to think that life itself is temporary and uncertain. Even the finest ray of hope can bring a dead man back to life—that is the power of hope within every individual. But what if that hope dies? What if the last drop of hope dries up right in front of our eyes? Then what reason is left to fight? Do we have any other reason to survive? Sometimes, hope makes us both strong and weak. When we are hopeful, we feel unstoppable and unmatched. But when we are hopeless, surviving even a single second feels like being killed inch by inch. It suffocates us. It tortur...

Sometimes, very minute incidents can shake your thoughts. They question the very existence of each and every value you have always believed in—and one such day was mine. Today, as I travelled from my home to my workplace, I encountered many things that I had missed every other time I travelled this route. But today, those very things woke me up from a deep sleep. I was riding my bike, and when I reached Hunsur—my childhood treasure box—I was shocked and disheartened by the mere sight of a place I once walked with joy. Yes, in the name of development, that place has lost its entire row of trees, which was the highlight of that road. It was once lush green, and the air was filled with a pinch of eucalyptus aroma. The road was beautifully lined with giant nilgiri trees, rain trees, and teak. Now, it is all gone. The road and the so-called developing structures stand alone, crying out loud under the scorching heat, stripped of shade and companionship. Yes, I do agree with the notion of...

I recently came across a trend on Instagram about the evolution of individuals from 2016 to 2026, or posts highlighting moments from 2016 that made people proud. It truly is an excellent way to introspect and reflect on ourselves. We get so busy with our lives and work that we hardly find time to pause and review our journey. We just keep moving forward. For me too, this trend made me look back at my memories from 2016 — and it felt surreal. Let me share a piece of my story. 2016. The first half of the year was all about my pre-board and board examinations for my 1st PU, along with intensive preparation for my +2 classes, which were supposed to begin in the second half. Luckily, I didn’t join any coaching institute; I prepared at home. That phase was a banger for me! It was also our last year in my second most favourite home on this planet — JNV Mysuru . A place where I lived life without worries or tension. I can talk endlessly about this heaven, but today, it’s all about 2016 — so I...

How does it feel when a small truth ruins the longest-lasting friendship you ever had? How do you adapt to new conditions all of a sudden? How do you react when you accidentally face each other in the future at some random events? How can you be so okay with being a total stranger after having such a genuine bond? Is that easy? Is it really not hurtful? These questions are constantly exhausting me with overthinking for answers! Actually, I am not that kind of girl who would be so overwhelmed with someone’s exit from my life. But this is haunting me because there were no fights, quarrels, disappointments, or any kind of arguments. It was just a single fact I shared that created this gap. I just can’t stop thinking about that. I unknowingly became so close to one person, not with any kind of intention. We conversed a lot and understood each other well—to the extent that I even considered him my best friend, which is super rare in my case. But now, due to one statement, everything is gone...

The year 2025 has been incredibly special to me in so many ways. It took me to new horizons of life , where I challenged myself at every step. I feel like I’ve been upgraded to a newer version of myself —both in my career and personal life . I am deeply grateful to this year for being my best teacher . It was truly about exploring my own potential and interests . The year began with independence , along with the struggles of being a newcomer to a new town—Madikeri . I was completely new to living alone and to the place itself. The very thought of managing household responsibilities along with work all by myself was scary at first. But at the same time, I was equally excited about growing as an independent woman . I even started cooking for myself , which is honestly the biggest highlight of the year !! My mother visited me for a week this year, and that brought me immense comfort after a longgg gap . I learned many new aspects related to my work. I upskilled myself in areas like t...

Today, I want to share a short and heart-touching story. My cousin is very fond of rearing pets and animals. He has an Indian breed dog, a Golden Retriever named Sara, hens, and cattle—one Indian breed and two hybrids. Earlier, he also had a cage for birds, but now these are the animals he keeps. All of them are usually tied up in the backyard. Even Sara isn’t left free inside the house, as she is extremely inquisitive and often ends up creating a mess. A few days ago, my cousin started letting the Indian breed dog roam freely on the streets, as he was very friendly with everyone. Unfortunately, one day a man crossed his path and began teasing him. Infuriated by the man’s actions, the dog leapt at him and gave a very minor bite. The man came screaming to my cousin with a complaint. Frightened by the dog’s behavior and worried that he might hurt children playing on the street, my cousin took a very difficult decision. He locked the dog up, covered his eyes, took him to a faraway place...

It really stings when our own champions—who play for and represent our nation, who make us proud to be Indians—are not treated with the respect they deserve on bigger stages. There are many sports and games that haven’t received the fame or recognition that cricket, football, or basketball enjoy. Yet, there are athletes who struggle relentlessly just to represent our nation on the world stage, dreaming of making our flag fly high. Unfortunately, we don’t treat all of them equally. They are all athletes, right? Then why can't we treat them equally??? One should ask themselves: just because we live in India, is supporting only cricket enough? I agree—I am not perfect, and I don’t judge anyone. I’m in the same boat too. But over the past few days, my perspective has changed. If asked, I might be able to name a few well-known celebrity sportspersons only. But what about the rest—the ones who have received no name or fame despite playing for our nation? It’s truly heartbreaking to see c...

Once a person feels they are being toyed with by someone they genuinely like, it shatters all the trust and the image they had built over a long period. And it’s never just a one-time experience — each similar moment gets stored inside them, layer by layer. They may not be sure whether it’s only their perception or if it’s truly happening, but the impact is harsh, especially when it comes from the least expected person. No one deserves to be treated that way. Situations might change, circumstances might be different, and reactions may vary — but the person remains the same, right? And that’s what makes it even harder. It becomes incredibly difficult to look at someone who suddenly feels completely different from who they once appeared to be. The feeling of being used — for attention, for distraction, for convenience — is one of the worst. Maybe things were genuine at the beginning, but everything changes the moment someone becomes a choice instead of a priority. Where did that earlier ...

Is work a burden? A baggage? Why aren’t we happy to work? Is it the same for everyone—or is it just me? Is it the process that makes it unenjoyable, or is it the environment? Or maybe it’s the people who make it worse? All these factors definitely affect our ability to work. If we’re not happy doing what we do, then what’s the point? Very often, I feel like I might be stuck in the wrong place. But then there are days when I genuinely enjoy my work. I think what I truly need is a team that’s as enthusiastic and passionate as I am. Because without passion or interest, it’s impossible to produce meaningful outcomes. Even a bit of acknowledgement or a small appreciation at work can boost our energy to a completely different level. But I don’t understand why some people act like appreciating someone’s efforts is a crime. And honestly, it’s frustrating when, despite genuine team effort and struggle, all we receive are taunts, yelling, and unnecessary drama over small unfinished tasks. Wh...

The excitement is absolutely bubbling over, and it's all because my incredible senior friend is getting married !  Even though she wasn't a classmate, the bond we share is something truly special. I'd secretly known about her soulmate for ages, and my heart was always happy for her, even before she openly shared her relationship status. It's funny how life works. She has a super close best friend from her own batch, yet somehow, I've managed to carve out my own little space between them. And it's all because I genuinely adore them both! It's hard to believe that once upon a time, I had a serious issue with one of them and a big misunderstanding with the other. But now, we're closer than ever, and I often wonder how our paths crossed and led us to this beautiful point. Our journey started with a strong connection, then navigated through misunderstandings, fights, and even a touch of jealousy. But all of that eventually transformed into selfless care, unwa...

Very tired of carrying all the random thoughts in my head! They’re getting bigger and heavier with each passing day. Sometimes it’s the family, sometimes it’s work. Sometimes it’s a social media post, sometimes it’s my personal choices. Everything feels like it’s stuck on repeat—making me think over and over again and exhausting me completely. It was the same chaos this evening after work. No plans for the next day, the next hour, or even the next minute. Not sure about my next meal either. Just the same random thoughts. I reached my comfort space—no ears around to listen to my endless rants, no comforting words from anyone. Just me and my bed, which never fails to hug me and relax me with a soft pillow for my heavy head. And just then, I received a call from someone I hadn’t spoken to in months. Maybe the timing was right, because I just smiled seeing the name on the screen. We talked and talked for hours, not about anything serious happening in the world—just about all the naught...

Have you ever felt left out? Or felt alone? These feelings often drive us toward loneliness. But it’s not really anyone else’s fault — it’s our own, when we start expecting others to pay attention to us, make us feel valid, or constantly acknowledge our existence. But really? Do we need that validation every day? No, my dear! The world doesn’t work that way. It’s your puzzle — and you have to solve it yourself. Some people might lend a helping hand, but don’t expect it to last forever. Everyone has their own hurdles to cross. You might be a part of their journey, but not the whole of it. So stop seeking validation from others and start focusing on your own growth. It’s high time to level up! Get ready to walk through the maze of struggles and envision yourself holding the trophy. Look after yourself, set goals, celebrate even the tiniest achievements, reward your hard work, and enjoy being you ! It’s not that I’ve already mastered this — I’m learning too. I need to wake up from my dre...

Today, I saw a man wearing black glasses, holding a stick in his hand. He wasn’t just standing there — he was listening carefully to everything happening around him. He was completely engrossed in his other senses, compensating for the one he lacked — his eyesight. It struck me how similar many of us are to that man — not in our blindness, but in our lack of vision . We wander through life without clear goals, merely following others as they chase theirs. We fail to create our own path. Harsh, yet real. When we have all the resources, we rarely understand their true importance. And when we finally do, it’s often too late — nothing is left for us to reclaim. As I kept watching that man waiting for his bus, I noticed how people walked past him, yet he never made a single wrong movement. He was perfectly aware, using his other senses with precision and confidence. That made me question myself — my attentiveness, sharpness, and focus — even though all my senses are perfectly fine. I r...

Is it wrong to prioritize someone over myself? Isn’t it wonderful to idolize my parents and keep them above everything else? I feel endlessly grateful for all that they’ve done for me — for how they’ve cared for me, loved me, and guided me till this day. And yes, I would sacrifice anything for them — and I truly mean it. I’m not writing this to prove that I’m the only one who values parents or to show off. That’s not the point. I’m sharing this because I know there are others like me — people who sometimes feel guilty for not putting their parents first. To those people, I want to say: you’re not alone. We exist. I’ve been this way for as long as I can remember. As a child, I’d make silly excuses to avoid going to relatives’ houses alone — just so I could stay with my mom. I never kept my sister’s mistakes secret because I wanted my mom to trust me completely. I gave up several opportunities just to stay by her side and help her. And when I look back on those memories, I don’t regret t...

Sometimes, Even the Strongest Feel the Sting of Judgment I’ve always believed that I am strong and resilient in the face of harsh misjudgments from strangers. But sometimes, deep down, it does hurt. Is it fun to judge someone so easily? Is it valid to comment on someone’s character without knowing their background? Is it justifiable in any way? How can a stranger be so quick to judge another person? Every day, in one way or another, people are being misjudged—and I still don’t understand why. I often wonder: What have I done to deserve such negativity? But then again, I remind myself— What do strangers even know about me to make those comments? And that’s the truth. They don’t know me. I haven’t given them the chance to understand me—and why should I? If someone doesn't understand a person, the least they can do is stay silent. In my case, if someone hasn’t gotten that opportunity to know me, it’s because I’ve chosen not to let every random stranger walk into my life. That’s...

I was always fascinated by one major character in the holy epic Mahabharata . I feel that the most deserving individual, yet the one deprived of everything, was the great Karna . He was unjustly punished by everyone, time and again. He was treated harshly for no fault of his own. Yet, the morals in his blood never allowed him to turn into a villain — he always walked on the path of righteousness. I feel so sad whenever I read or watch anything about him. He was abandoned by his own mother, grew up with someone else believing them to be his parents, and was deprived of the education he yearned for because of the lower-caste label. He was treated as a slave by his own clan without even knowing his true origin. He never questioned his birth, never complained about the caste he was adopted into; he simply wanted to prove to the world that an individual’s worth is not determined by birth but by talent and hard work. He wanted to be respected for his skills, not disrespected because of his c...

Many a time, I wonder why a person can't be there for himself or herself, on their own. Why do they need someone in their life? Is it for the customs? Is it out of compulsion ? Every time, my answer will be a big NO ! Yes, we need fellow beings , be they male or female, to be beside us on our journey. The relationship may differ—for some, it would be a mother, father, sister, brother, friend, or a life partner—but we need a shoulder to lean on whenever we are burdened, a cheering voice to lift us up from the rock bottom, great motivational talks when we are at our lowest, a supporting hand when we feel it's over, and a listening ear to hear all the nonsensical rants every day! At the end, we need someone to walk along. It's not that we can't do it all alone, but it feels good ; it soothes us with the mere feeling of someone being there for us, waiting to see our success. I too had one such friend, who listened to all my rants every day, who kept supporting me throughou...