I believe that when we are lost but want to keep moving, the right stories find us at the right time. I experienced this once at a crossroads in my life when a book called The Midnight Library came to me. It explored the “what ifs” of life and how things happen for a reason. Reading it provided comfort, and with time, it brought me clarity.
Life has a way of returning us to those crossroads. I find myself there again now, though that is a story for another day. During this winter break, I watched several films with depth and life lessons. I am looking for meaning, and perhaps over the next few months, things will become clearer. These movies made me think about different aspects of society, life, and the various spaces we inhabit.
The White Tiger uses the rooster pen scene as a powerful metaphor. The roosters never try to escape even though they know what awaits them. It shows how difficult it is to break a cycle when you are held back by years of mental and social conditioning. When you know what lies ahead but feel unable to move, it reveals the true power of the “cage.”
Serious Men explores the struggle for upward mobility against caste-based discrimination. It follows a father who uses deception to give his son a better future, eventually asking how we move forward and at what cost. It reminds us that there are no shortcuts to true change; to overcome systemic challenges, one must eventually find a more honest way to think through them.
Jalsa is a story about ethics and what happens when life becomes too much to handle. Despite its heavy themes, there is warmth in the protagonist’s life through her loving home and a helper who serves as a source of strength for her disabled son. When the main character’s moral compass fails during a hit-and-run, she eventually chooses to course-correct through confession. It shows that even in chaos, things can work out if we find our integrity.
Marriage Story This is a raw portrayal of human emotions and the conflict within a marriage. It illustrates what happens when communication breaks down. On the surface, everything might look fine, yet something vital is missing. It is a reminder that no one is perfect, and that even good people can be brought to their worst during a grueling, complex divorce process.
I have always found clarity in books, and I have always loved a good film.I hope that by this time next year, I will finally understand the ‘why’ behind this current journey.
I know this is primarily a cooking blog, but my last few entries have focused more on life.
When I revisit this post at the end of next year, I hope I will have a better understanding of life, people’s circumstances, and the world around me. 🙂
Joy of Cooking! 
