We all sit on the floor in the living room (or on the sofa if the uncles are feeling fancy). The TV is on, but no one is watching. This is when the real stories come out.

The morning was a flurry of activity as Priya got the kids ready for school. Aarav and Aisha were arguing over whose turn it was to use the bathroom first, while Priya tried to get them to eat their breakfast and brush their teeth on time. After a chaotic but loving morning routine, the kids were finally out the door, clutching their backpacks and lunchboxes, and Priya was left to tackle the household chores.

After dinner, the family spent some time relaxing together, watching a movie or playing games. As the night drew to a close, Rohan and Priya tucked the kids into bed, giving them a goodnight kiss and a promise to have a fun-filled day tomorrow.

Breakfast and dinner are central events. In large joint families, it isn't uncommon for women to spend hours preparing meals for dozens of members. Families often sit together, sometimes on the floor, and food is frequently eaten by hand to foster a sense of bonding.

Every Sunday at 1 PM, our entire extended family—about 15 people—squeezes into a living room meant for 8. Plastic chairs appear from the balcony. We eat on banana leaves (eco-friendly and fun). The conversation jumps from Aarav’s school grades to politics to why the dal is too salty.