“We are all travelers in the wilderness of this world, and the best we can find in our travels is an honest friend.” — Robert Louis Stevenson Growing up, I always thought friendships would be simple built on shared laughter, countless games, and carefree adventures. But as I stepped into adulthood, I realized something: friendships evolve, just like we do. The bonds that once formed effortlessly on the playground now demand intention, care, and understanding. This realization hit me during a quiet moment last week when I scrolled through my social media feed, filled with smiling faces and perfectly curated moments. I found myself wondering, "How many of these connections are real, and how many are just shadows of what friendship should be?" . That question sparked a journey of reflection about the friendships I’ve cherished, the ones I’ve lost, and the ones that have taught me invaluable lessons. And so, I decided to share my thoughts on the complex, beautiful, and sometimes
For 22 years, I experienced the magic of Diwali as a middle-class Maharashtrian child growing up in the Chawl system at Girgoan. Those were the days when Diwali wasn't just a festival; it was a full-blown celebration that embraced our entire community. The Chawl, with its tightly-knit houses, was our world, and Diwali turned it into a glowing, bustling neighborhood of togetherness. One of the most cherished memories of my childhood Diwali in our chawl was the early morning ritual of Diwali Pahaat. Waking up at 5:30 AM was a big task for us as children, but at the same time, it was something I looked forward to with pure excitement. The entire chawl seemed to wake up together as if the whole world was united in celebrating the first light of Diwali. The chill in the air was refreshing, almost as if the morning itself was dressed for the festival. I remember the faint but unmistakable scent of Agarbattis (incense sticks) mixing with the lingering smoke from the crackers we had burst