Your mom was the love of my life. I wish she were here today to hold your hand through your heartbreak. I’m not saying your pain isn’t real — heartbreak always is. But to me, other than you, this letter is the most cherished gift she ever gave me. I hope reading this gives you some solace.
Hi Tanay,
How are you? It’s been so long since we last exchanged letters. I miss those days we ran out of letters to talk about what was going on with us.
Just today, a family came to our house to see me for an alliance. The boy was handsome, but he barely spoke. Honestly, I was irritated. I didn’t even want to meet him. But what else could I do? I’m not yet ready to tell my parents about you — that I love you — nor are they ready to believe that a love marriage can be as strong as an arranged one.
They’ve spent their lives doing what they thought was best for me. And I owe them everything. In fact, isn’t it because of them that we met at all? They decided on my college, believing it would be best for their daughter — and there you were. But now, trying to convince them that love can be chosen, that it can be just as sacred as what they want for me, is becoming harder every day.
I think the real reason parents hesitate about love marriages is this: you take away their chance to pick “their” version of the perfect partner for their child. All our lives, they’ve been making decisions for us, and then one day, we say we’ll make our own — the biggest one yet. I don’t even fault them for it. They’ve seen the world before us. They only want to protect us.
I’m sorry for the way we parted last time. I’m sorry for not telling you about the proposals. It wasn’t to hurt you; I just wasn’t ready for that discussion. You would’ve asked, “So, are you having second thoughts about marrying me?” And I would’ve wanted to scream, “No! I’m not!”
Tanay, I love you. But I also respect my parents deeply. They are my world. But just because I want a future with you, I can’t abandon my past or my family. I want you and them, both. I’m trying to hold the best of both worlds together.
I don’t know how I’ll do it. But I do know this: if marriage is written for me, the only person I will marry is you. I don’t want to lose you. I don’t want to lose my parents. I dream of a life where you and I are together, and our families are happy with us.
All through our relationship, you’ve been my rock. And I know it’s unfair, but I need you to be my rock again now. Please stand by me. Write back soon. I can’t wait for the day we’re married and building our own big, happy family.
Yours only, Anaya
This was the letter your mom wrote to me when we’d just finished college. We were unemployed and uncertain, and I didn’t dare ask her parents for her hand. She was far out of my league — the daughter of a wealthy, respected family — while I was just a middle-class boy with nothing but dreams. She had every reason to leave me for someone else.
Instead, she promised me that if she were ever to marry, it would be me. And she kept that promise. She became my life’s greatest blessing.
I don’t know the reason for your breakup. But let me tell you this: the most difficult decision to stick by is a marriage or a relationship. And throughout your life, holding on to that decision is never easy. Sometimes you’ll be at fault. Sometimes your partner will be. But it’s not about pointing fingers or finding faults. It’s about choosing the relationship every single time, especially when it feels hardest to do so.
When you become that person — and when you find that person who will do the same — you’ll fight, argue, cry, even feel like leaving. And yet, you won’t. Because you both chose this marriage, this relationship, and you’ll keep choosing it again and again.
When that happens, son, that is your best love. That is your best love……….
“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.
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.
My Journey 