Hyphenated-Homestead

They say, “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” My recent trip back to India after 11 years was exactly that—a homecoming, a rediscovery, a deep dive into the places, people, and moments that shaped me.

Over the past few weeks, I have tried to put this experience into words, capturing everything from the warmth of family and friends to the humor buried in everyday chaos. This series wasn’t just about revisiting India; it was about feeling it—the love, the change, the nostalgia, and the unmistakable energy that makes it what it is.

As I wrap up this journey in words, I invite you to read (or re-read) these 10 chapters of my homecoming:

📍 Part 1: The Art of Leaving to Return – A Mindset Shift Before Miles Traveled
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 2: Welcome to India! A Grand Entrance and a Reality Check – The First Impressions
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 3: Road trip to Pune – Midnight Detours, Speed Demons, and the First Victory
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 4: Food, Family and a Walk down Memory Lane
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 5: A visit to Ab-Normal Home —A Home Filled with Purpose
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 6: A Brother’s Wisdom & A Hidden Gem: Discovering Pustakanch Gaav
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 7: Viju Dada: A Guiding Light and Lifelong Cheerleader
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 8: The Heart of India: Generosity, Hospitality, and the People Who Make It Special
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 9: Walked in to Close My Account, Ended Up Managing the Branch for an Hour!
👉 [Read Here]

📍 Part 10: Young India Thriving…and Taking India with Me – A Heart Full of Gratitude…until next time, Jai Hind!
👉 [Read Here]

This journey was personal, but if it made you reflect on your own roots, your own people, your own stories—then I’ve done what I set out to do.

“At the end of the day, your feet should be dirty, your hair messy, and your eyes sparkling.” ✨ This trip gave me that and more.

Thank you for following along. Thank you for reading. And most of all, thank you for sharing this journey with me. ❤️

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