Heartbeat of a raindrop

My journey began back in high school when my maternal grandmother came to stay with us. My mom was busy running her business, and as any independent woman in her early 40s would attest, it’s not easy to start something new at that stage in life. That’s a story for another day, though. What’s crucial here is how her journey inadvertently kickstarted mine—in the kitchen. A family thrives when everyone works together, and I stepped in where I could. It all started humbly with Maggi (aka ramen) and tea. I have always preferred soupy Maggi, over the dry version, though I know many of you might disagree. My initiation into cooking also meant preparing the quintessential evening tea. In most Indian households, chai-time between 4 and 5 PM is non-negotiable. Chai with biscuits is life itself. Initially, my mom tried to make it home for lunch and prepare tea herself, but work often came first. That’s where I stepped in, and the kitchen became my experimental lab. I’ll admit, many horrible tea e...

Life presents itself in many forms, but teachers remain constant—a guiding force steering us towards progress. The best educators, in my view, are reflective practitioners, motivators, and passionate mentors. There have been numerous times when I felt like giving up—whether it was learning to drive, preparing for a competitive exam, or finding the confidence to seek a promotion. Fear of the unknown often holds us back. While it is said that teachers dispel the darkness of the mind, the wrong guidance can just as easily create lasting obstacles. One of my most challenging learning experiences was driving. It began in India before I moved to Canada. I enrolled in a driving school recommended by a colleague, expecting structured training. However, after a few classes, my instructor disappeared. Despite paying in full, I had to track him down two months later just to complete the course. Although I managed to pass the exam, I still lacked the confidence to drive independently. Fast forward...