What pearls know that diamonds don’t
Unexpected lessons from Urdu class, soft-skinned mollusks, and a cup of jasmine tea
Safia
Newly in Bombay. Starting over (again) at 36. Writing about identity, heritage, and belonging.
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Latest posts
On Shooting Your Shots (Even If They Suck)
On pep talks, a 60,000-word shitty zero draft, and many teaching moments in Bombay
How Bombay slowly started giving back
How Bombay slowly started giving back
Meeting my past self at gate D18
Boarding gates, solo female travel, familiar strangers
sweat, strawberries, & seasons
Mandatory water cuts, melting sunscreen, and the morning the sky cracked open in Bombay
Why I've been putting onion juice in my hair again
20ish years ago, my family was living in the US and my brother and I came to Bombay to spend a few months with my Nani and Nana during our summer holidays.
“Just let India hold you like she wants to.”
That time my therapist’s words took a surprising turn
Portals of Entry: A Short Story
Inspired by a short story workshop, The Deodar Prize, and a week spent among deodars in Dharamkot.
How Mahjong gave my 88-year-old Nani a second life
One woman's most vibrant decade yet thanks to this ancient game
“You can call me Sofa”
On identity, belonging, and moving through the world with a five-letter name that takes a few tries to get right.