Through it all, my parents became my rock. They gave me the courage to make a home for myself in a new city, the courage to stand my ground, and later, even the courage to take the biggest step of my life—going to Germany for my second post-graduate degree, and that too after marriage. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I had my husband’s unwavering support. In fact, he was the one who pushed me to take the plunge. I sold my wedding jewellery to afford the course and flight tickets only to realise that the money wouldn’t even last me a month! I had to take up part-time work, and started spending my days juggling work and studies. Each day was more exhausting than the last, but also more rewarding.