Ria and Rohit’s Grandmother, Yashodha (98), is set in her Indian ways. She is an extremely strict traditionalist. Despite following cultural rules and customs, she is not Orthodox and old-fashioned and has always encouraged people to do what is right.

The widow of a very restrictive husband, Raghav (died at 45), Grandma always puts family first. She has seen a lot in her life, like the first and second world wars, the India Pakistan wars, and the Hindu Muslim riots. Her meditation and timely prayers are sacred to her.

Grandma is very authoritative in her relationships with her sons and daughters-in-law. She is the eldest member of the house and has the last word on any controversial topic. Her family often lovingly refers to her as “The Supreme Court.”

Ria has much respect for her Grandmother, but she is often afraid to express her true feelings on traditional matters because she does not want to upset her. Little does Ria know that her Grandmother is happy to know she has more choices in life than she did and would encourage her to pursue them if asked... within reason.