In the kitchen, Mrs. Sharma, or "Mummy" as her family called her, was expertly juggling multiple tasks at once. She was making breakfast for her family while simultaneously packing lunches for her husband, Raj, and their two children, 10-year-old Rohan and 7-year-old Riya. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling parathas wafted through the air, making everyone's stomach growl with anticipation.

The hot water geyser is the ultimate arbitrator of status. The father goes first, because he needs to catch the 8:15 local train to the office. The grandmother goes second, because her joints ache in December. The children go last, splashing cold water on their faces and yelling, "I’m going to be late!"

Western lifestyle writers often pity the "crowded" Indian home. They see a lack of space. They miss the presence of a village.