The word almirah itself comes from Arabic and refers to a cupboard or wardrobe commonly found in homes across the Indian subcontinent. But for many of us, it's so much more than that. It’s where generations stored not just belongings, but heirlooms of culture, history, and identity. 

I was born in India, but my upbringing has been a tapestry woven across continents - from Khobar in Saudi Arabia to Fremont in California, from Pune and Jaipur to the bustling streets of New York and the calm corners of Seattle. In every place, I found beauty in local marketplaces - the souks, bazaars, and malls - yet my heart always circled back to India.

India, with its layered history shaped by centuries of rulers, cultures, and philosophies, turns even the most ordinary things into something extraordinary. A simple brass bowl isn’t just a bowl; it’s a story. A fabric isn’t just woven; it’s a conversation between region, climate, tradition, and art. Our land is a living, breathing mosaic. Its diverse climates influence the clothes we wear, the food we eat, and how we decorate our homes. Its vast array of cultures bring unique interpretations to each of these things. And even as an Indian, I’m constantly discovering more - there’s always something new to learn, to admire, to share.

That’s the heart of The Almirah Stories.