Ayesha Gulnaz

The house at 11-4-832 in Chilkalguda has been my base for a while. Secunderabad is a busy place, and this neighborhood is no exception. You can hear the sounds of the city all day long, from the vegetable sellers on the street to the distant sounds of the trains. My workspace is just a part of the house that I’ve taken over with my desk and some storage bins. It’s not a formal office by any means. I have a window that looks out onto the street, which is nice for people-watching but sometimes I have to close it to keep the dust out. The floors are stone, and they stay cool even when the Hyderabad heat is at its worst. I usually have a pile of papers on the left side of my desk that never seems to get smaller, no matter how much I work. Friends and family are always dropping by, so there is usually a pot of tea or coffee on the stove. It’s a bit chaotic at times, but I’ve learned to focus despite the noise. Being in Chilkalguda means everything is close by, which is handy when I need to run errands or mail something out. I don't use any fancy software to manage my day, just a simple diary and a pen. It’s just me doing my thing in a space that feels comfortable. I really should get around to fixing the loose leg on my chair.