A wife, mother, homemaker, and caretaker for her husband Manohar’s mom, Sushma (45) is very traditional in her Indian culture. Sushma is the cornerstone of the family. Staying primarily at home, she runs everything in the house like an orchestra conductor.

Sushma is the parent her kids go to with problems or emergencies, especially when they are in trouble; Sushma's temper is mild, and she is usually more sympathetic than Manohar. On the rare occasion that Ria's parents argue, Sushma does not hesitate to voice her opinions.

Sushma is an excellent cook, and Ria aspires to learn from her; however, Grandma always finds some minor faults to nitpick. Such criticism always bothers Sushma and can cause occasional rifts in the house that the rest of the family dare not take sides.