Maimoona's Notes

There’s a common saying that you often seek a partner who reminds you of a parent. But what happens when the qualities you admire most are the ones that represent a departure from your past? For me, this is the profound truth of my relationship. The Power of Calm in a World of Noise We live in an era of constant stimulation and frequent volatility. So often, we mistake drama for passion or loud reactions for strength. Yet, over time, I’ve learned to recognize and cherish a much rarer, more valuable trait: calmness. I’ve had my own experiences—like many of us—with unpredictable environments and high-strung emotions. This background has only intensified my appreciation for a specific kind of person: a steady, measured presence. The Quality I Didn't Know I Needed The more I reflect on the past, the more vividly I see the beauty of the present. My partner possesses a remarkable, anchoring calm. This isn't indifference; it's a profound inner strength. It's the ability to pau...

My usual hike on the Pipeline Track is a quiet affair. A time for solitude, for walking and thinking under a soothing sun. But on this particular autumn afternoon, the path had transformed. It hummed with a contagious energy. As I began my walk, the familiar hussle-bussle of a local marketplace seemed to have relocated to the forest trail. My eyes scanned the crowd. Students in their school uniforms, their laughter echoing through the trees. Friends of all ages, their chatter weaving into a vibrant soundtrack. Foreign visitors with their security teams, offered a friendly wave as they passed. And there, on his usual spot, sat the dungagali Baba, a constant amidst the changing tides of humanity. A group of girls, perhaps in eighth grade, caught my attention. Their cheerful singing filled the air. Seeing them so delighted by their trip, so alive in their shared experience, was a sight to behold. For a moment, my own preference for quiet gave way to a deeper curiosity. I wanted to witness...