In my 20s, my life was a whirlwind of work and ambition. I thrived in early-stage startups, earning just enough to save, pay off loans, and create a thin layer of financial security. The paychecks weren’t glamorous, but they weren’t the point. My world revolved around learning and growth, and I was happy. All my friends were the same—driven, workaholic, content. Life felt like an endless sprint, but we believed we were heading toward something meaningful. Then the pandemic hit. Isolation has a strange way of amplifying questions you’ve …
The Day I Stopped Hiding
I stood in front of the mirror, staring at my reflection, and I hated what I saw. Not just how I looked—but the person I had become. For years, I had carefully crafted a version of myself that I thought the world wanted to see. A version that smiled on cue, excelled under pressure and hid its cracks so well you’d think it was flawless. But the truth? I was terrified. Every morning, I’d wake up and put on the same mask. I’d tell myself, Just get through today. I perfected my answers, dodged uncomfortable questions, and carried a secret I …
Strength in the Struggle: My First Trek
The sun was still low in the sky, but the weight of the day was already pressing on me. I had only been hiking for about an hour, but it felt like my legs had been in motion for days. Every step was a challenge, each one dragging my body further into the mountain’s relentless incline. My lungs were tight, my breath shallow. I looked up at the peak—a faraway dot that seemed just out of reach, taunting me with its unattainable promise. I stopped for a moment, hands on my knees, gasping for air. The heat from the sun beat down on me, and the …
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How I Made a Deal with a Marwari Rat (and Won)
A year ago, if anyone had told me my life in Harlur would involve more drama than a Bollywood thriller, I would’ve laughed it off. But here we are, living in a duplex with a rat that outsmarts us at every turn. And not just any rat—a Marwari rat. Yes, you read that right. This rat is a self-proclaimed connoisseur, only nibbling on the finest sugarcane and chiku. It doesn’t even look at my healthy spinach or lettuce. Who does that? It all started one morning when Hari and I were in the backyard, tending to my little garden. It’s small, but …
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Living Fully: Trust, Values, Relationships, and a Dash of Fun
Life has this fascinating way of teaching lessons when you least expect them—like during a trek, where every misstep can feel like a metaphor. I’ve spent hours scaling trails, pondering what makes a life worth living. The truth I keep circling back to is simple: trust, values, meaningful relationships, and enjoying life are the foundation. It sounds lofty, but these ideas are more connected than they first appear. Trust: The Fragile Bridge We Build Trust is tricky. You can lose it in two ways: when someone turns out to be inept, or when …
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From Peaks to Pavements: Lessons in Resilience from Trekking and Running
As a self-proclaimed newbie trekker, I recently reached an exhilarating milestone: completing five Himalayan treks in just under 11 months. Each trek pushed me to new heights—literally and metaphorically—forcing me to confront steep climbs, altitude sickness, and the ever-present whisper of doubt. Trekking, for me, was never just about the trails; it was about testing my grit, finding patience in discomfort, and learning to dance with the challenges nature throws at you. Yet, as I lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement, I find myself …
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