After reaching home, I placed the book in my room and headed to the terrace to study. The evening breeze was soothing, the perfect contrast to the weight of my thoughts. An hour later, I went downstairs and prepared supper for my family—soft idlies accompanied by rich, aromatic sambar. This was the only time of the day when we could sit together and share a meal, a fleeting moment of togetherness amid their demanding work schedules.

Simultaneously, I folded the laundry and washed the dishes, trying to lighten my mother's burden. They worked so hard for me, sacrificing their time and energy to ensure my future. The least I could do was give them some respite when they returned home.