Hyphenated-Homestead

Uncle (or ‘No Uncle’) that is the question.

In the crisp January of 2001, I embarked on a journey that would not only shape my career but also introduce me to two remarkable souls who would become my lifelong pillars of strength – Mawshi and No Kaka. Little did I know that a chance meeting in Houston would blossom into a friendship that would transcend time and distance.

Fresh out of college, and armed with dreams, I arrived in Houston with nothing but two bags and a couple of boxes, leaving behind the familiar streets of Clemson, South Carolina. The cityscape of Houston was vastly different from what I had known, and the prospect of starting my first job loomed large. In the midst of this whirlwind, fate led me to Mawshi and No Kaka, whose simplicity instantly melted away the apprehension of stepping into the big city, alone.

Amidst the warmth and camaraderie that enveloped our initial meeting, a humorous incident unfolded, forever etching a smile on our faces. When the time came for the inevitable question of what to call each other, Mawshi, with her usual grace, suggested that I could address her as ‘Mawshi’ since she was, after all, like my mom’s sister, and her husband, by association, would be my ‘Kaka’ or uncle. However, much to my amusement, No Kaka, in a valiant attempt to stave off the encroaching years, staunchly resisted the title, exclaiming, “No kaka business!” It was a declaration that became legendary in our friendship. Undeterred, I said, “Okay, ‘No Kaka’ it is then!” and thus, in the annals of our friendship, he became affectionately known as ‘No Kaka‘.

Despite the age gap, the connection was instantaneous. Their down-to-earth attitude and nurturing nature created a welcoming space that felt like a home away from home. As we shared stories, laughter, and the initial struggles of adapting to a new city, it became evident that this single meeting had sown the seeds of a friendship that would stand the test of time.

We spent almost three years together in Houston, and every weekend was a testament to the bond we were cultivating. Mawshi and No Kaka’s home became my refuge, a place where I would forget the struggles at work or being alone and recharge myself. Their children, in my embellished yet heartfelt tales, became the nephew and niece I never had, making all of them my extended family.

Weekends were busy and full of impromptu dinners to lazy Sunday afternoons filled with laughter. Whether it was exploring the city together or simply enjoying a homemade meal, each weekend reinforced the notion that these friendships were becoming the family I needed in a city far from my roots.

In late 2003, life took us on separate paths as Mawshi and No Kaka decided to make Seattle their new home, while I found myself heading to St. Louis. The physical distance did little to dampen the spirit of our friendship. If anything, it grew stronger, more resilient with each passing day.

As the years unfolded, Mawshi and No Kaka’s phone calls remained a constant source of comfort, a taste of familiarity that bridged the miles between us. Countless occasions were met with their unwavering support, from job transitions to personal milestones. In the fabric of my life, they became the threads that held everything together.

Looking back, it’s astounding how what started as a chance encounter in Houston evolved into a lifelong connection. Mawshi and No Kaka, with their generosity and kindness, not only helped me navigate the challenges of a new city but also enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined.

They say friends are the family we choose, and in the crazy chronicles of my life, Mawshi and No Kaka are the steadfast constants, creating a story of enduring friendship that defies age, time and distance. Through every twist and turn, they have been always there, proving that some bonds are destined to last a lifetime.

Last year they decided to retire in India and now enjoying their time back home, in Pune. But guess what, they are flying to the US to meet their kids in a weeks’ time, and I get to meet them again.

Where you ask? Umm, think hard. Did you get it?

Ah! You got it! Houston it is baby!

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