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Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

Certain smells and flavors have an uncanny power which transports me back to my childhood, unlocking memories I thought were long forgotten. These sensory triggersghee wafting from a neighbor’s kitchen, the tang of fish curry, or the sticky sweetness of a chocolate baract like keys to dim corners of my mind, where moments from my past flicker to life. The rich, nutty aroma of ghee drifting from the flats downstairs instantly transports me to North India, where I spent much of my childhood. It’s the smell of my mother’s kitchen, of warm parathas sizzling on a tawa, and lazy Sunday mornings filled with laughter. That heavy, golden scent wraps around me like a familiar embrace, conjuring images of bustling markets and family gatherings under a wide, open sky. Some evenings, the unmistakable smell of fish curry spices sneaks up from the Bengali neighbors’ kitchen. In an instant, I’m a child… Which food, when you eat it, instantly transports you to childhood?

silhouette of child sitting behind tree during sunset

Write about your first crush.

When you hear the word “crush,” you might picture a fleeting affection for someone special. For me, though, my first crush wasn’t a personit was books. From the moment I could read, I fell head over heels for the written word, a love affair that shaped my childhood and carried me to worlds beyond my own. Books were my escape, my adventure, my everything. Comics, storybooks, novelsI devoured them all with an insatiable hunger. Every page turned was a ticket to a faraway land, where superheroes battled villains, mysteries unraveled, and wonder awaited around every corner. Whether it was the vibrant panels of a comic book or the rich prose of a novel, each story whisked me away to realms where the impossible became real. Sadly, as the years passed, my passion for reading began to fade. Life’s demands crept in, and the stacks of books on my nightstand gathered… Write about your first crush.

childs book with drawing of a car

Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?

When I think about the hundreds of books I’ve read over the years, one stands out above all othersnot for its complexity or literary acclaim, but for its profound impact on my life. It was the first book I ever read, a vibrant picture book gifted to me by my father on my third or fourth birthday. That single book ignited a passion for reading that has shaped who I am today. This wasn’t just any book. It was a whimsical pop-up picture book, bursting with colorful illustrations and playful storytelling. It followed the adventures of three curious kittens as they explored the world, encountering delightful surprises and charming misadventures along the way. The pages were heavy on vivid imagery and light on words, perfect for a young child just beginning to discover the magic of stories. I can still recall the thrill of flipping through those pages, the pop-ups… Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?