Keeping up with the tradition of penning my year-end summary in the Khoya Paaya report, I did the very same in Jan 2026. Publishing it for a wider read now!
2025 was not an easy year by any means. I’ve had tougher ones. However, 2025 brought with it countless other challenges that I had not foreseen. After starting the year with the resolve of making a name for myself in consulting, I was let go. I could always point fingers, but truth be told, I erred.
I did find a new home eventually, but the process leading up to that point was long and arduous. I had to leave Mumbai. I had to leave my cornerstone. I had to lose a part of my identity — my individuality — and let go of daily connections. I’m not a stranger to losing things, but this one stung, and many questions lingered. Could I have done better? Was it the right decision? Was I a victim of circumstance or of other people’s mistakes? What were my mistakes?
And despite these lingering questions, one thing remained clear to me: life needs to be owned, not outsourced. I cannot rely on the benefaction or goodwill of others. That is something I will carry with me, ahead and forward.
Life needs to move on — at all times. During the hard times, an unlikely moment of inspiration came to the rescue, a tweet that said:
“Trust the process and learn from your mistakes, eventually all your wasted opportunities and squandered gold will one day come together.”
What helped me through uncertain times were sticking to a routine and the love and support of family and friends.
On the personal front, I had a largely lovely time. Senapati got married in January and seems happier than ever. Aman Bhaiya also got married in January, to Shivangi Bhabhi. I met him recently, and he seemed to have the unmistakable happiness of a rich, well-fed husband on his face.
Two of my close friends from Mumbai, Parikshit and Ritu, also tied the knot. As always, they light up my life. Himanshu and Harshita are expecting a baby in May 2026, and I couldn’t be happier for them. Aman and Aditi bought a new house, meaning I have a place to stay in all the continents of the planet.
When I look back, sometimes I feel I’m spoiled — really spoiled. Because despite the tough times, I’ve been rewarded with so much as well. I got the chance to experience a full European summer in London last July, made possible entirely by the generosity — and at times, effort — of my sister and brother-in-law. It reaffirmed my decision to apply for an MBA in Europe.
Mom and Dad had an adventurous year too. Mom was finally able to learn how to swim. Dad and Mom undertook the painstaking task of renovating the ground floor of the house. Didi started a new job and will likely become an equity partner there. RPP, as always, continues to be the torchbearer of excellence in this family. My boy Coco finally got his driver for four months straight, and his joy knew no bounds. As always, Thapa Bhaiya at the house kept everything moving in an orderly fashion.
My bird made it all possible for me. Her love and affection formed the fourth pillar of my existence. I was finally able to introduce her to the other Akanksha connection of my life, Pranay. I am excited to see the 3 of them in Germany. Varun and I continue to live in the same city again, and much to my relief things seem normal again.
I read a UFC champion’s training motto, which I want to share with everyone:
“Until death, all defeat is psychological.”