: Humorous sketches depicting the contrast between a "strict" exterior and a "best friend" interior.

Years later, when I returned with my own small failures and bigger questions, she handed me a basket of mangoes and a note that read, “Don’t worry—eat first.” I did. And for the first time in a long time, I felt like things might turn out okay.

She is the one you call at 2 AM when you have a flat tire, or when you break up with a fiancé, or when you are terrified to tell your parents you failed the MCAT. She never panics. She never judges. She simply says, "Come over. I made halwa."

She might criticize your weight or your career choices, but she’s also the first person to wave a handful of red chilies over your head to ward off the "evil eye." Her love is often hidden in a second serving of biryani or a "don't tell your mother" stash of cash tucked into your hand when you leave her house. 4. The Style Icon

Some popular Indian dishes include:

Their warmth, loud laughs, and endless hospitality make our homes feel alive.

Some common Indian cooking techniques include: