A burst of laughter erupts from a corner of a cafe in Visakhapatnam. At another table, a group of strangers huddles over colourful cards, debating their next move. Across the room, players are trying to decipher clues while someone dramatically accuses another of being a ‘werewolf’. For three hours on a weekend evening, screens are forgotten and conversations take centre stage.This is a typical gathering of Bond Over Board, a community-driven board gaming initiative that is steadily building a following in the city.Started by freelance graphic designer Kanupriya Mimani, Bond Over Board began as a personal attempt to reconnect with a childhood passion and create a space to unwind from the demands of work.“Board games have always been my happy place. I started Bond Over Board to take a break from my busy work life and spend weekends doing something I genuinely enjoy,” says Kanupriya.When she launched the initiative last year, awareness about modern board games and community gaming events in Visakhapatnam was limited. Things have changed considerably since then.“Since November and December last year, Vizag has seen a rise in community events. People are actively looking for ways to network, make friends and explore hobbies outside work. That openness has helped our community grow,” she says.Today, Bond Over Board hosts intimate gaming sessions with about 20 participants, ensuring everyone gets a chance to learn and engage. Assisted by her elder brother Yashwant Mimani and friend Arvind Agarwal, Kanupriya curates and manages a collection of more than 40 games, including puzzles.