"Bhai, weather kaisa hai?" (Brother, how is the weather?) "Cold." "You should wear socks. Mom says wear socks."

Evening tea is the second most sacred ritual. A "cutting" (half cup) of strong, sweet, milky tea is served with khari biscuit (salted crackers) or pakoras (fritters) if it’s raining. This is when the family actually talks. The son complains about the math teacher. The daughter shows a reel on Instagram. The father complains about office politics. The grandmother, hard of hearing, nods and says, "Yes, put more salt in the curry." Dinner is usually a lighter affair than lunch. Because lunch was heavy with dal , chawal , roti , sabzi , raita , and papad . Dinner might be leftover khichdi (comfort porridge) or toast.

So, the next time you see a family of ten squeezing into a rickshaw meant for three, don't look at the lack of space. Look at the hands reaching out to catch the child who is about to fall, the wallet being passed around to pay the fare, and the smile. That smile says: We are together. We are fine.

"Beta, eat one more paratha ," the mother insists, chasing the son with a ghee-dripping spoon. "Mom, I am late!" "You are not late; you are slow. There is a difference."