what life is this

Priya scrolled through her phone, watching cousins in Chennai share their harvest celebrations. She sat in a silent apartment, three continents away, clicking "like" on memories she wasn't part of. Her mother called. "When will you visit?" The airfare cost what she'd saved that month. Priya worked two jobs, her paycheck scattered across apps, each transaction a small sacrifice. Yet she sent money home regularly, her digital transfers bridging distance. That evening, her cousin messaged a photo: the family gathered around their dining table, Priya's contribution transformed into a feast. Suddenly, the distance felt smaller. Her sacrifice was woven into their celebration, her love transcending miles, keeping their Tamil roots alive together.