If you find yourself here, perhaps you know me as an Indian. Or maybe someone you met in Britain. Perhaps you do not know me at all. It does not matter though, as knowing me is not a prerequisite to read this blog.

Just know that should you choose to read, you will travel with me as I go from exploring Britain as a possible home to making Britain a home. A journey that began in January 2017 when I landed in Heathrow with my husband. Carrying nothing but two bags of clothes each and two passports – one Indian, the other British. We weren’t running away. It was a well-considered decision and not an easy one at that. I was leaving behind my career as a marketing professional servicing clients in India and Singapore. Friends and family. The safety of the known and the familiar. I was stepping into the politically drenched identity of an immigrant.

Should you choose to read, you will explore, from my perspective and experiences, what it means to be Indian. What it means to be British. And eventually, what it means to be British-Indian.

Should you choose to read, you will know what it feels like to belong to two different cultures but being claimed by none. What it means to start afresh in a new country, a new market surrounded by new people. The moments that evoked sighs of contentment equally woven into the ones that caused fear and insecurity. The notoriously hard driving test I was afraid of failing. The first house we bought together. The MBA I did not strictly need but absolutely pursued. When the English rain was able to shrug off my romance-soaked impression of rain in India – a once-a-year weather phenomenon hailed as the monsoon.

Should you choose to read, you will spend many a morning, afternoon and evening with me and my warm-eyed husband who is a constant companion in the letters, along with our three furry companions. Zen, a Silver Bengal of great composure. Ziggy, a trilling and chirruping Ragdoll with no obvious purpose in life, and Zorro, my hazel-honey-eyed running buddy.

Should you choose to read, I can’t promise it will not be a ramble at times. I can’t promise it won’t be the poetic musings of a pensive soul. I can promise though that it will be fun. Emotional and raw at times. But, always inviting.

Should you choose to read, or not, dear visitor, I welcome you. And I’m glad you’re here.

With love, Purna