Shaziya is reaching out to share some exciting news with you. She writes: My new book, "Have Biscut: An Ode to Sweet Everyday Moments," is now available, and I'd like you to join me in celebrating life's simple joys.
This book is close to my heart. It's a collection of stories that capture the beauty in our daily lives – the kind we often overlook in our busy routines. From the comfort of sharing chai with a loved one to the quiet satisfaction of a well-done chore, "Have Biscut" is an invitation to pause and savor these precious moments.
Why I think you'll connect with "Have Biscut"
- It's filled with relatable, heartwarming tales
- The short chapters fit perfectly into busy schedules
- It's an ideal companion for your tea breaks
- It makes a thoughtful gift for friends and family
The idea for this book was triggered by a seminar on trends by Kantar Market Research in 2020 in which they presented the Brand Footprint, an annual ranking of the most chosen consumer brands based on a composite measure of population, penetration, and purchase frequency. The report revealed that the most chosen consumer product in India is biscuits. More than tea or sugar or soap, it is the humble biscuit that rules consumer popularity. This makes sense to me. Biscuits are eaten morning, evening, and night. Biscuits are an early morning energy food, a mid-day break, a commuter survival kit, a teatime indulgence, a midnight snack. They are liked across family and friends, from toddlers to children to teens to grandparents, from singles to couples to aunts to uncles. After all biscuits are loved crunchy and soggy — a popular habit is to dunk biscuits in hot tea.
Biscuits are a part of childhood, adolescence, adult life. They belong to us all. They represent pleasantness and comfort, safety, and softness for everyone. I have always liked the small, sweet moments of life. I have appreciated them, giggled over them, drawn strength from them, shared them and been cheered by them. Moments such as waking up late on winter weekends and sitting in the soft sunshine with a cup of spiced tea while ignoring the incessant buzzing of mobile phones. The fragrance of early monsoon showers wafting into the balconies of glassy condominiums. Lingering family meals when the attraction of screens wanes in front of candid comments, wide discussions on many topics, cheeky scuffles on the ‘right’ pronunciation.
If you think about it, there is such sweetness in the everyday. We have an ability to connect, an ability not to take things too seriously, to forget all our troubles over a biscuit and a cup of tea. We see small capsules of such joy in every nook, corner, and cranny of our diverse land. Taken for granted, we miss them when we’re away.
Biscuit Moments symbolize this sweetness. They symbolize the everyday joys of our music, our textiles, our hospitality, our gastronomy, our evolving fashions. The musician plays the flute outside a five-star breakfast buffet; soft melodies to soothe furrowed brows. A sari salesman shows off the drape of the sari ‘pallu’ on his elbow, and another one, and another and another. The elderly taxi driver gives a humorous take on life. He helps with suggestions for the onward journey, lifts bags and patiently waits for the customer who stops on the way to ‘just pick up’ something. The chatty vegetable vendor gestures to his helper to allow the hard bargaining customer a win — extra lemons or extra carry bags. There is no challenge too big, no request too silly, no demand too exasperating that a customer can make. The generous sweep of everyday warmth and sweetness makes it all happen. I want to celebrate these small, sweet moments and spread their cheer.
"Have Biscut" is available as an eBook worldwide and in paperback in India. I hope this book brings a smile to your face and reminds you of the magic in your own everyday moments. I'd be honored if you'd join me on this journey.
Happy reading, and may your days be filled with sweet Biscuit Moments!
Warmly,
Shaziya
P.S. I'd like to hear about your favorite moments from the book. Feel free to reach out and share your thoughts!
