Unveil the Other Side

The journey from a small village in Malnad to the bright lights of Las Vegas was nothing short of surreal. As a young girl, she had no idea what lay beyond those lush green hills. The world outside felt like a distant dream, something you'd hear about but never really understand. Life in the village was simple—familiar faces, routine days, the smell of rain on mud. She had no clue what challenges awaited her in the vast unknown. And then came Vegas. The sheer contrast was staggering—glittering lights, endless noise, and a pace of life that made your head spin. It wasn’t just the sights or the crowds; it was the realization that the world was so much bigger than she had ever imagined. Every corner brought a new challenge, every day a lesson. From navigating unfamiliar streets to learning how to stand her ground in this fast-moving world, it was a whirlwind. But through it all, she never forgot where she came from. The quiet strength she learned back in the village carried her throug...

Ajji in her red saree and shaved head was a sight I’ll never forget. It wasn’t a style choice, though. It was part of the mandatory rituals she had to follow after Thatha passed away. Despite the somber reason behind her look, Ajji refused to let it define her. In her 80s, modern in thought, she still wanted her lipsticks and nail polish, secretly asking us grandkids to sneak them in every time we went shopping. We’d laugh behind her back, imagining her strict face adorned with bright red lipstick, while she powdered her already pale face like it was some grand occasion. It was hilarious—and heartwarming—this strict, no-nonsense woman who still had a streak of vanity and a hidden sense of humor. She was the kind of contradiction that stays with you forever—traditional on the outside, rebellious on the inside.

 It was Poornima and Keshav's first Ganesha Habba as a married couple, and they were celebrating it at Keshav’s family home in Bangalore. The house was alive with festive energy—relatives bustling around, laughter echoing from every room, and the scent of modakas and freshly made dishes filling the air. As the couple helped decorate the Ganesha idol with fresh flowers, they couldn’t help but smile at the familiar rituals. “Remember how we’d fight over who got to place the garland?” Poornima laughed, looking at Keshav.  Keshav nodded, grinning. “And how we would sneak modakas before the aarti? Amma always knew, but she never said anything.”  Poornima’s eyes sparkled as she recalled her childhood Ganesha Habbas. “At our house, we’d compete to see who could make the best rangoli. My brother would always mess mine up on purpose,” she said, chuckling They shared these small moments as they sat down for the puja with the family, the soft chanting of mantras and the fragrance of...