Past few weeks have mostly been about music, books, and people. Each in their own way kept me going.

I attended the IndieWebClub workshop at the Underline Center in Indiranagar, and to my surprise, ended up writing non-stop. The thoughts just kept flowing. As part of the session, we were asked to publish what we wrote, so I did. One idea that stuck with me was finally given a name: Psychological Sovereignty — how we measure happiness, wealth, or success not in absolutes, but relative to those around us. It comes from deprecation theory in psychology and economics, and has been quietly echoing in my mind since. I met Thej, Suneela and Yash, and also connected with a new bunch - Tanvi, Ankur, Abinav, and more. It felt good to be around people building things with thought and intention. The day ended with filter coffee and vada on a rainy evening, which felt just right.

I also published my first YouTube video, a short keyboard piece that ended up as a Shorts because of the angle and duration. I'll be more mindful next time, but it still was a nice little milestone. Hemanth was my cameraman for the day. I finished reading Door to Door Bookstore, another small but satisfying tick. Neither was planned, but I'm glad they happened. I'm currently reading Born a Crime by Trevor Noah.

One of the nicest surprises was catching up with Kaushik and Rohan after years. We met at Phobidden Fruit for wine and dine. It was so sweet of Rohan to remember us after three years and arrange the meetup. Felt like a mini Nepal reunion. He was warm and easygoing, and shared a detailed retelling of his Leh bike ride. Every bit of it made us feel like we were right there with him. By the end, he promised to teach me how to ride, and I may even join one of his marathons. After lunch, the three of us had chai at a roadside stall, the kind of pause that makes an afternoon stretch in the best way. Then we strolled into Magnolia Bakery where they both demolished the sweets. Kaushik gleefully gulped down the rest, full of joy.

Once Rohan left, Kaushik and I hopped onto his scooty and rode to Champaca Bookstore. He had mentioned it casually, and I didn't need any convincing. Of course, I picked up another book on Tibet.

We then walked towards the metro, chatting about everything and nothing. It wasn't just the places or the plan but it was the ease of it all. The kind of day that unfolds gently and leaves you carrying something soft back home with you.

Work-wise, I couldn't get much done last week since I was in Coimbatore for a family function. I'll be picking things up again over the next few weeks. Hemanth has been a bit under the weather too, so I'll mostly be working from home while things settle down.

As I write and post this, I'm at a cafe in Jayanagar with Tars. It's our first solo outing, and he's surprisingly calm. Sat relaxed for nearly an hour.