Dear *your name\*

I hope this letter finds you in good health and safety. The weather here has been rather dull and has affected my mood a great deal these days. While at work, I feel unmotivated and lethargic. While at home, I feel cosy and sleepy. I've tried to drag myself out of this state, but well, the third wave is right around the corner- I'm sure of it!

I must confess, you're not the first pen pal I've had. I've had pen pals before but I'm afraid that this passion of mine requires a certain level of commitment. I acknowledge that the pandemic has wreaked havoc in our lives and that restrictions, loss and grief have possibly made people withdraw and occupied with more urgent matters.

I've always been attracted to the romance of writing and receiving letters. A particular scene from Pride & Prejudice where Elizabeth (played by Keira Knightley) reads a letter by the candlelight in her bedroom filled me with a feeling of longing for handwritten letters ever since I've seen it. As a child, I would read Harry Potter during power cuts in similar weather while sitting in an antique rocking chair. I'd hold the book near the candlelight and feel even more drawn into the mysticism of Hogwarts.

Sorry, I tend to go off tangent- I am after all a book of cross cultural experiences. My narrative is moulded just for you! When I say "I am attracted to the romance of writing and receiving letters" I mean it in a completely pleasurable yet platonic way. I assure you that no proclaiming of love or asking for hands in marriage will occur on my behalf (and I hope not yours either).

I look forward to similar mystical yet amicable letters from you!

Much love and enthusiasm,

​

V.R.

​

P.S.:

1. Less e-mail, more snail mail.
2. I don't always talk like that.
3. I'm from the South Asian subcontinent, I'm looking for someone outside that area but I don't mind if you're from here too.