Home Sweet Home - By Arvishka Pramlall

Written By: Arvishka Pramlall

Category: Creative Writing Piece

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the evocative creative writing piece "Home Sweet Home," Arvishka Pramlall takes readers on a nostalgic journey through the cherished memories of a beloved family home. Submitted to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this reflective work captures the essence of familial warmth and the bittersweet passage of time. Arvishka's vivid recollections invite us into a world filled with laughter, love, and the inevitable changes that life brings.

About the Work

"Home Sweet Home" resonates with a nostalgic and melancholic tone, as Arvishka Pramlall beautifully captures the essence of memory and loss. Through rich imagery, the piece explores themes of family, change, and the enduring connection to a place filled with personal history. The vivid descriptions of sensory experiences, from the aroma of spices to the warmth of sunlight, create a tapestry of emotions that linger in the reader's mind.

Home Sweet Home

Original Submission by Arvishka Pramlall

Creative Writing Piece Arvishka Pramlall

Home Sweet Home

I remember this picture so dearly, so vividly. How could I not? The kitchen had always been my favourite place to spend the summer. It was a place of joyful memories, decorative architecture and my mother’s delicious meals. My favourite place was my mother’s conservative Indian kitchen that made me feel at home every time I came back from school. The smell of pungent spices, infused with the sweet aroma of freshly baked Indian sweet treats lingered in the air for days to come. Every time I walked into the kitchen, I was in complete awe by the view of the garden and the beautiful paintings on the wall.

I can feel the warm presence of family with my aunty’s laughter and cousin’s voices screaming for me to catch the ball, echoing in my ears. My senses come alive remembering the refined texture of the wallpaper as I eagerly glided down the stairs to meet my cousins. My cousins and I would climb the guava tree that stood like a sentinel before the entrance to our home. We would anchor our legs onto the smooth bark of the sturdy branches as we reached for the juicy fruit that hung ripe from the tender stalks.

Lost in thought, another warm, sticky tear runs down my face. These very walls and windows reflect those cherished moments of laughter, love and a sense of family. This was my very own home. As I continue to dwell in these nostalgic memories, a sense of melancholy emerges, looming over me like a huge thunderous cloud.

My home was spectacular, with a picture-perfect majestic garden and views of the river glimmering under the sun’s rays. I often recall the melodious chirping of red, yellow, blue and green birds that would gather on the riverbanks in front of my home. The vibrant colours and scent of the flowers in my garden was truly a heavenly sight. The stones alongside the river would glitter like stars in the velvet sky. My body would suck up the heat of the earth, grounding me, as I lay on the luscious green grass and gazed at the stars in the sweat of summer nights.

But that was then, before my world turned into turmoil. Now this place I once called home belonged in the hands of someone else. My mother declared that we had to move. It had become unsafe and our home has become endangered. Gang violence plagued our once safe and peaceful neighbourhood.

I often wonder what my home looks like now. It seems like a lifetime ago, but I cannot forget the glorious morning sunrises, that would paint the sky in pink and orange hues. Somehow time has passed by like a speeding car. I try and hold onto the scraps of time as my hands get heavy with life in the hereafter. If only I could go back to the place my heart once called home.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar celebrates the diverse voices of writers from around the world. This prestigious event provides a platform for poets and creative writers to showcase their talents and share their unique perspectives. Participants engage in a global dialogue through their art, enriching the literary landscape with their compelling narratives and innovative expressions.

Thank you, Arvishka Pramlall, for sharing your poignant work "Home Sweet Home" with us in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Your ability to evoke deep emotions through vivid storytelling is truly commendable. We appreciate your contribution and look forward to seeing more of your creative endeavors in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.