Category: Story

Speak Like It’s a Spell

Voruganti Pavan Tanay NagLeave a comment

Laundpana – Speak Like It’s a Spell

How often do you hear people telling you not to talk too much about yourself, or to always pronounce and spell things correctly? I don’t know how true what I’m about to say is, but I truly believe it.

There’s this one rap song I stumbled upon on YouTube — Laundpana by Kayden Sharma[1]. It had been a long time since I enjoyed a rap this much, not since Apna Time Aayega from Gully Boy. While listening to this track, a few lines hit me hard. They made me feel that the advice to not speak less about yourself and to speak clearly isn’t just a social nicety — it might actually be backed by something deeper, maybe even science.

Here are a few lines from the song that really stood out:

“HALLU HALLU SACHAI HAI BADALRAUN MEIN KHWAAB”

“KITTE KI SAALON SE HUMLA BHOOKKE BAITHE”

“KAYDEN BADE LOG KE SATH UTH TA BAITHTA NAHI”

“BADE LOGAAN KAYDEN KE SATH UTHTE BAITHE”

“TV PE AANE KE BAAD MAIN SUPERSTAR NAHI BANA”

“SUPERSTAR THA ISKE LIYE AAYA MAIN TV PE”

Every time I listen to this song, it reinforces my belief that the way we speak about ourselves — especially to ourselves — can truly shape our lives.

As I planned to write about this song, I didn’t want to do it blindly. So I did a bit of research. That’s when I found something fascinating: the word spell doesn’t just mean to spell out letters. Historically, it also refers to casting a spell[2]. That really struck a chord with me. It’s no wonder that clear, confident, and positive speech is so powerful. The words we use literally shape our perception — of ourselves and of the world around us.

Think about it. Every great leader in history was a powerful speaker and a believer in themselves. They didn’t downplay their worth or wallow in a victim mindset. They spoke with confidence and faith in their journey, no matter how hard life hit them.

One story that demonstrates the power of belief and words is that of Nick Sitzman[3]. He was accidentally locked inside a freezer overnight. He panicked, convinced he would freeze to death. The next morning, he was found dead — cause of death: hypothermia. But here’s the twist — the freezer wasn’t working at all that night. It had malfunctioned and wasn’t even cold. Nick died not from the actual cold, but from the belief that he was freezing.

His mind made it real. That’s how powerful our thoughts, words, and beliefs are. So, to conclude:

You can shape your reality by the way you speak — especially about yourself. Speak with belief. Speak with power.

Spell it like a spell.

[1] Laundpana by Kayden Sharma – YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MdSpxab89A

[2] The word “spell” and its magical roots – Medium: https://medium.com/@theawakenedstate/the-magic-of-spelling-words-41936db32bc4

[3] Nick Sitzman freezer death story – Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/how-risky-is-it-really/201006/dying-thought

Chit Chaat Friends

Voruganti Pavan Tanay NagLeave a comment

“You can choose your friends but you cannot choose your family.” – Harper Lee

We’ve probably heard this quote more than once—it reminds us that while we don’t get to choose our family, we absolutely get to choose our friends. And choosing them wisely matters, because we become the product of the people we surround ourselves with.

As a child, I had a beautiful fantasy. I imagined that when I grew up, I and my best friends—my childhood gang—would start businesses together, become rich, and buy homes next to each other. I even had a detailed plan where four of us (my closest school friends) would build homes in the shape of a square, all connected through a central shared space. That middle area? It was for our families to hang out, relax, celebrate together. Just us—our own little world.

That fantasy meant the world to me. And like all heartfelt fantasies, it stayed one—because “life is lifing,” as people say now. That vision remained locked away in a childhood corner of my mind… until recently, when I saw someone live a part of that dream in real life.

Now here’s another of my slightly less sentimental but equally passionate dreams: to eat pani puri from every single place I could find. Not just the shop ones—but from thelas, bandis, roadside stalls, carts, bicycles—you name it. While that wasn’t realistically possible, I did the next best thing. I began trying pani puri from every place I heard was good.

That’s when I stumbled upon Chaat Carnival in Secunderabad.

The real essence of ‘chit chaat’—food, friends, and shared laughter.

At first glance, it looked like just another chaat joint. And I won’t lie—my first thought was, “What’s so special about this place?” My friend, who is one of the business partners, had asked me to visit. I honestly assumed it was just a polite attempt to promote her business.

But the moment I stepped in, I knew I had misjudged it.

I was warmly welcomed and made to feel at home. The place has a vibe—a simple, warm, cheerful setting where families, friends, and couples can unwind and just enjoy great food. But what truly amazed me was not just the taste of the food—it was the story behind it. It was the people.

One of the Founders at Chaat Carnival (the one in the black tee 2nd one from the left)

From childhood mischief to running a business—some friendships go the distance.

The business is run by three childhood friends. And let me tell you—this is not just a business for them. It’s passion. All three have full-time jobs, and two of them are professional photographers. Yet, they chose to create this place, not to mint money, but to serve food they love making.

Food, for them, is a language of love. They’ve poured their hearts into Chaat Carnival. Every dish I tried was absolutely spot-on. Unique in flavor, perfect in preparation, and above all, made with joy. The taste was so good, I had to go back again—just to let my taste buds relive that joy.

These three friends didn’t grow apart with time like most people do. They grew together—from childhood best friends to business partners, choosing not just to build something profitable but to build something purposeful.

Their goal? Simple:
To give people a space where they can chit-chat over chaat, with food that’s tasty, hygienic, and served with heart.

And as if that wasn’t already beautiful enough, they’ve taken it a step further.

All three of them are dog lovers. Since they can’t adopt every stray, they decided to contribute in a small but deeply meaningful way. Right outside the shop, they’ve placed a free feeding station for street dogs—with dog biscuits for anyone to pick up and feed our furry friends.


“If I can’t adopt one, why not help many?” – A gesture that speaks volumes.

This… this is what it looks like when passion, dreams, friendship, and kindness come together.

Chaat Carnival is not just a place to eat. It’s a place to feel. A place where memories are made, friendships are celebrated, and humanity is served—on a plate and beyond.

They didn’t just create a business.
They built a home of fun, friends, dreams, and happiness.

Kudos to them. Truly.

If you ever find yourself in or around Secunderabad, do drop by Chaat Carnival.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Rfmg19VXoA1ictin9

You might go there for the food,
but you’ll leave with a full heart.

P.S. This isn’t a paid promotion. I just genuinely loved their story and felt it deserves to be shared with the world. ✨ and a special thanks to ChatGpt for helping out in ironing out the wrinkles of this post.

The Umbrella kid

Voruganti Pavan Tanay Nag1 Comment

“Hi Ankita, can we meet?”

“Sure Shashank, I was just about to call you to see if we can watch a movie. I am sure you would love this movie.

“Ankita, I don’t have time to go to a movie with you, but there is something really important that I need to talk to you. Can we meet please?”

“Ok done. Hope all is well?”

“Yeah. Let us meet at our usual Nandan café.”

—-40 minutes later —-

“Hey, sorry I am late Shashank. Tell me what did you wanted to talk about?”
“no problem at all Ankita. Sorry that I was abrupt and asked you to meet here. I wanted someone to talk to about something that has been bothering me.”

“Ok, I am all ears, what’s up? Hope you did not make any girl pregnant and you want my help to do something about the pregnancy?!”

“Shut up Idiot! Get your mind out of the gutter. It is always dirty with you. Can’t you, for once, think that there might be something very important other than sex and girls with me?”

“Oh. I am really sorry Shashank. That was insensitive of me. Ok wait, let me try, hmmm…….. sorry nope. I tried but could not think of any other emergency that you would want to talk to me!”

“Ankita!!! (smacks his head) I deserve this for thinking that you would have the maturity to help me out with such a serious matter.”

“ok ok don’t be such a crybaby. I am bringing my serious face. Now tell me. I am listening and I am serious. No more jokes.”

“You remember Palak right? I introduced her to you a few months back?”

“Oh yeah! The girl who can’t seem to take her eyes off you, the one who has been madly in love with you for wait…… almost 2 years now, are we talking about the same Palak?”

“Shhhhhh! Stop making a scene out of it! Yes. I am talking about that Palak only.”

“Well, tell me. Don’t tell me that you knocked her up, because that would be a huge bummer there is a 100% chance that she would murder you and get away with it if you did not reciprocate her love. She is a crazy lady Shashank and mostly she is crazy for you! Just stay away from her bro.”

“Well, that is what I called you to talk about. You know that I have been having problems in the relationships stream for a very long time and I don’t find good women these days?”

“Hey! I am a woman! Don’t you dare to say that there are no good women to date!”

“Well, then would you date me?”
“You?! Chi!! Yuck!!”

“Well, how about that? See this is what I meant when I said, there are no good women to date. That means good women who want to date me. Also, don’t consider yourself as a woman. No one does. Except for that doofus who keeps running behind you like a puppy!”

“Huh.. you are just jealous that he got lucky and you didn’t. Anyway, now back to Palak. What about her.”

“I have known since day one that she is madly in love with me but she just isn’t the one that I want. I mean, she is caring, loving (way too much actually) and as you rightly put it crazy about me and would kill anyone to be with me. I was wondering if I should ask her out on a date. I am scared to not hurt her because she definitely is not my type but since I was not so lucky in the ladies department, I thought of giving her a shot. What would you say? Can you help me how to do it so that even if it doesn’t work, she won’t be hurt?”

“Woah! Woah! Woah! Cool it, tiger! That is way too much information in such a short time! Before I could say anything. Answer me this. Are you sure about her? Do you like her? Or are you just settling for less?”

“I am not exactly sure about her. I have my doubts but I don’t want to miss out on a potential great relationship.”

“haha! Then don’t do it Shashank. You can either be the kid with the umbrella or not but you can’t be both.”

“What are you talking about? What does a kid with an umbrella have to do with all of this?”
“You just said right, other than that doofus nobody else thinks of me as a girl. Well before I said ok to that doofus, I was you. I also had my doubts and I was not sure whether to get into a relationship with him or not. Because he “is not the one I ever wanted nor my type” but I liked him. So when he proposed to me, I did not know what to do and I asked him for some time.

I could not be myself for a few days and it was frustrating. So to calm my nerves, I turned towards my best friends the “Tinkle books”. In that, there was a story of a boy that changed my perspective and I kept it as my moral compass, every time I had my doubts. I hope this story will help you too just like it did to me. So once upon a time, there was a village which faced famine due to the prolonged drought.

The village did not see any rains for almost 2 years and slowly all of their wells, rivers, ponds and lakes dried up. They tried everything they could but nothing worked. So one day, a Sadhu was passing by the village and saw their situation, he told one of the villagers to inform all the villagers to gather around the big banyan tree in the centre of the village by afternoon because he was going to make it rain.

The villager feeling happy rushed into the village to inform about his encounter with the Sadhu. By afternoon the entire village was gathered around the big banyan tree to see if the Sadhu could really make it rain. Amongst all of the villagers, there was a small boy who was standing in the crowd holding an umbrella.

The Sadhu saw this kid and asked him why he brought an umbrella with him. To that, the kid replied, “Well, I wanted to see the rain like anyone else but I did not want to get drenched in it or else my mom would scold me for getting drenched in the rain.” To that the Sadhu replied, “well done kid”. He then turned towards all the villagers and said, “Learn from this small child about the power of belief. All of you have gathered here to witness the rains. But this kid is the only one who believed it would rain.” And almost instantly as if the God was waiting for the Sadhu to finish his closing statement, it started pouring heavily. The entire village started running to look for a shelter so that they wouldn’t get drenched but in all that chaos, only the kid with the umbrella stood and enjoyed the rain. That is when I realized that we all are hopeful and want many things in life.

But we hope with a doubt in our heart thinking if it is true or if it is not the right thing or if it will work out. When you start something with such doubts in your heart, you are sure to see the same results. So, unless you bring an umbrella along with you in such situations, you will always be faced with failures and disappointments because,

“You” have the power to decide.

“Wow! That was a hell of a story. I didn’t know you believed in your love based on a “Tinkle” book story!? No wonder you are crazy and you both are made for each other. Thanks for the pep talk but this is not like the story or books. This is real life. I like her. I really do but I am not so sure if I love her. Also, everyone who knows me tells me that she is not the right one for me and I can do better. And at times I think they are right to some extent because she gets on my nerves and I feel too that she deserves better.

“Shashank, People will be right about things, as long as you let them.”

“Just don’t make any decisions based on other people’s beliefs.

That was the whole point of that story. The kid didn’t believe the villagers or the Sadhu. He just believed that it would rain. And the same goes for you. You have to believe whether it works out or not for you.”

The story of Pulkit and Isha

Voruganti Pavan Tanay NagLeave a comment


Both go home after a long day at work. One is greeted with an empty house and the other with a house full of people. They both have the same life, but 2 different opinions.


Life is so confusing.

What one wishes they never get but what one doesn’t wish they always keep getting it as if life wants to see us suffer.

The same is stories of Pulkit and Isha.


Pulkit, a software employee who has never been away from his family had to travel to Hyderabad for work.

He stays in a small 2 BHK apartment. Every day like clockwork he wakes up in the morning, scrolls Instagram and YouTube until his sleep disappears and then gets up from his bed to get ready for the day. He reaches the office, does his work, talks to a few colleagues and after a long busy day, he comes back home. “This” is his life and routine.

Whether it is an amazing day or a long hard day at the office, he is always greeted with an empty house. He often wonders if this is this his life. Wake up, get ready, work, come home eat sleep and repeat and one day pay bills and die? Being alone made him more reserved and closed off from people.

Many times while watching a funny reel or a video he laughs and wants to show the video to people only to realize that he is the only one watching the video and laughing. Whether happiness or sorrow, he feels like he has nobody to share. Most times, he wishes he had someone to come home to because he dreads the feeling of being all alone.

He thinks how lucky others are who have someone waiting at home for them to share their happiness or sorrow or someone just to listen to what they have to say about their day.

He is envious of such people and keeps wishing he also had such a company. But I guess for now it is a far-fetched dream for Pulkit.

Isha, also a software employee who has never been away from her family, works in Hyderabad. She stays in a flat with her family. Her life is also similar to that of Pulkit but she is always welcomed with a house full of people.

One day while having coffee Isha said that Pulkit was so lucky to be able to live all alone and the way he wished like and that she was jealous of him to be able to lead such a life full of freedom and free to do whatever he felt like doing.

When asked why she thinks that way, she said that every day like clockwork, I get up, do household chores, get ready for office, work my ass off until the end of the day and then I go home. Just when I feel like I want to take some rest and some alone time,

I am greeted by my family and am expected to make dinner or sit with the family and spend some time with them. I am not saying I don’t like my family or the idea of spending time with them, but sometimes when I need some time off, away from everyone and everything, I don’t have such a thing as privacy or my time.

Even if I am late from work, by the time I reach home, I get close to 5-6 calls asking by what time I will be reaching home. I understand their concern but sometimes when I have a really bad day I want to be just left alone for some time and you being alone get to do that. If you don’t feel like getting up tomorrow, nobody is going to ask what happened to you nor would they ask if you are going to wake up and do the chores.

You can do what you feel like and nobody is there to question you and I would trade my life if I can to be able to lead such a life.

Life is so funny.

It has given Pulkit all the freedom he can get in his life but all he wants is some company when he comes back home so that he would have someone to share details about his day then again there is Isha, who does love having family around but prefers being alone if given a chance.

We all have been such Pulkits and Ishas at least once in our lives and we know how it feels.

So if you are a Pulkit or an Isha, you should understand that life is about not what you have. But about what you can make do with what you have.

Don’t stop dreaming about what you want but also don’t be sad about what you lack. Just keep going.

How being an Outcast changed my Perception

Voruganti Pavan Tanay NagLeave a comment

Being the only male child in most Indian households in the 90s was a blessing because everyone wanted a legal heir to advance their legacy. I was one such fortunate child among them. Growing up, I was so pampered that I was the ultimate definition of a spoilt brat. I feared none, I listened to none and I did everything I wanted to and how I wanted to without thinking about the consequences nor thinking how my actions would hurt my near and dear. Because I was the “One” you see. I am a male child and the most loved kid. I knew that I had a father who would support me no matter what I did. He supported me if I did not want to go to school, he yelled at the teachers in my school if they punished me for anything stupid that I did and I always used to get my report card signed by him because I knew he wouldn’t say a word to me. I even remember once, in my 5th class, I was the new student in the school and my class teacher was a science faculty. It was rumoured that even the principal was scared to face her wrath. On the first day of my class, I see her kicking a fellow student, and that too a girl. The girl did her homework wrong and copied it from someone who also did it wrong so she made her climb the table and then asked her to bend over and then kicked that student from behind. Such was the faculty and I was terrified. And one fine day, I was also a victim of her anger. My arm was swollen because she hit me. The next day my father stormed off to the Principal’s office demanding an apology from the lecturer and threatened to shut the school down if this was repeated. So having such a dad, you can expect what follows next. At least now we have Pushpa movie to say “rukega nahi, jukhega nahi saala” but back then that was the hype and feeling and no words. I knew that my dad always had my back and slowly that turned me into a bully. Everyone feared me and nobody wanted to mess with me. And just when I was thinking that life is awesome all the deeds that I did previously wanted a payback.

I moved to a new city, a new school. Even though I was the new kid, being a bully myself I knew how to command respect. However, not knowing Hindi changed my bully status. I was asked to sit with nursery students after school until I learnt Hindi as per the school rules as Hindi was a mandatory subject. I managed to keep this arrangement a secret until a few students saw me sitting with nursery students learning Hindi. The next day they invited the entire 6th class students to see me and that’s it. Everyone made fun of me and no matter how hard I tried, I could not make the bullying stop. I also couldn’t make any friends because I didn’t know Hindi and they took advantage of it by mocking me in Hindi. And that’s when I understood how it feels when other people make fun of you or judge you. This one incident changed me to become a better person and understand what others go through because we never know what the other person has gone through or going through. That’s when I learnt not to do anything that I don’t love being done to me by others.