Enjoy this mail privilege

Do you miss the scrawl in the age of the scroll? Lets bring back the excitement that handwritten letters carried

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

Last week, having tired of the endless police procedurals on every streaming service, I decided to retreat into the cosy world of Downton Abbey. There was something so ineffably relaxing about the plush interiors, the verdant exteriors, the sumptuous costumes, and the sparkling dialogue that I had soon sped through two whole seasons.

But the one scene that stuck with me through my binge-watching was when the servants below stairs gathered around as the letters that arrived that morning were distributed to them. Those who recognised the handwriting on the envelopes were wreathed in smiles of anticipation; those who got an unexpected missive were giddy with excitement; and those who didn't receive a single letter were crushed with the weight of their disappointment.