Ricky Ahuja

It’s with both heavy hearts and a bit of an astonishment that I share the news of Mother-in-law’s passing. Our relationship went well beyond the traditional son in law mother in law bond. She was my partner in crime. From finding new foodie joints to sipping cha and playing rummy late into the days.

She lived her life the way she wanted—on her own terms, unapologetically and fiercely. If you knew her, you know that love was at the core of everything she did. She loved deeply, with every ounce of her being, and while she might have thrown in some side-eye or an unsolicited piece of advice along the way, it was always rooted in her unwavering devotion to those she cared about.

She wasn’t one to follow anyone else’s playbook, and maybe that’s one of the greatest lessons she leaves with us—there’s no rulebook for life.

She showed us the importance of walking your own path, and if that path just happened to be a bit unconventional or come with some spicy commentary, well, that’s what made her, her.

There are so many things we will miss about her: the way she’d make you feel loved without needing to say a word, her quiet strength, and of course, her wonderfully stubborn spirit that kept everyone on their toes. We can all take away a bit of that magic she brought into our lives—the lesson of standing firm in who you are, loving your people fiercely, and living life without asking for permission.

So, as we say goodbye for now, let’s remember her with the laughter and joy she would want, because if there’s one thing she taught us, it’s that life is too short not to laugh a little—especially when things get hard.

Thank you for sharing in her memory and the lessons she left us with. Let’s keep that spirit alive in all of us.

Love you MIL, till next time.

Dad. There is cool and there is COOL. You didn’t tell me how to live, you showed me. Though time and distance separate us now, your wisdom continues to guide my path. Your legacy of love and strength lives on in the lessons you taught me. Today, I cherish the memories we shared and find comfort in knowing your spirit is always with me. Happy Father’s Day, Dad.

Hey Dad-in-law, not a day goes by without missing your witty jokes and infectious laughter. You always knew how to light up a room, even when you weren’t telling your ‘dad jokes’. Today, I’m raising a toast to you with a smile, remembering all the good times we had. Happy Father’s Day up there - hope they appreciate your humor as much as we did down here!

Happy Birthday .a !! Happy Graduation T!! So so much to be thankful for.

To our dearest daughter,
today, the world celebrates your birthday, but for me, for us it’s a celebration of the kind and compassionate soul you’ve become. Watching you navigate these past few years has filled me with an awe I can hardly express. You faced challenges with grace, embraced learning with a thirst that never seemed to quench, and most importantly, you spread warmth and kindness everywhere you went.

Remember all those nights you stayed up late, fueled by coffee and a desire to make a difference? The way you included everyone, championed for those who needed it most, and fought for what you believed in? That’s the fire I see burning in your eyes, the one that will change the world, one person at a time.

This isn’t an ending, it’s the beautiful beginning of a journey unlike any other. Your heart overflows with empathy, your mind with ideas, and your spirit with an unwavering desire to make life better for others. Hold onto that,my darling. Never lose sight of the incredible person you are.

The world needs your kindness, your passion, and your unique perspective. Go out there and change it, but remember, no matter how far you fly, our love and support will always be your wings.

With immense pride and a heart full of love, Dad and mom ( )

“Which is more important?” Asked the big panda. “The journey or the destination?”

“The company” said the tiny dragon.

Thinking of you keeps me awake. Dreaming of you keeps me asleep. Being with you keeps me alive. Love you endlessly.

Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.

The best things in life are better with you

Having somewhere to go is home. Having someone to love is family. Having both, I am just lucky AF.

How are you?
Good? Alright? Okay?

How are you really?
Sad? Tired? Stressed?

One of the most common and important questions we ask each other so often is met with short niceties that have us masking our emotions, closing us off from each other and our collective needs. ~ .a

.a will be talking about Radical Empathy on Ted Talk in a few days. If we can focus on the commonalities that we all share, it is a reminder that there is more that unites us than divides us.

Proud fam moment .

The Sikh Group announced the release of the 2nd edition of The Sikh 100 under 30. This list highlights 100 inspirational Sikh personalities under the age of 30 from around the world. And yes, ma girl .a is on the list. Love you kid!

*** sappy post alert **
Missing .a a little too much today and providing some unsolicited fatherly advice. Over the last few months you have had to deal with so many challenges and I couldn’t be prouder of how you’ve handled yourself. Discomfort is normal. Learning to expand your comfort zone is a useful skill that will serve you through your adult life. Remember every experience, good and bad is “data”. Finding out what you don’t like is just as important as what you do like. Use this information to help you craft a picture of what you want. It is OK to reinvent yourself. New hairstyle , new wardrobe, new instrument, new hobby - ITS ALL GOOD!! Call out classmates who are unkind or hateful towards others. Don’t stay in a friend group that does not elevate. Even if you do not participate in those conversations, just being around them may desensitize you to what’s right and wrong. Trust your journey. Trust the universe. Trust in Waheguru. Finally of all life lessons, remember THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. and I love you madly and can’t wait to have you back home.

Happy Birthday Jaan Ji!

The very first meeting, those first tender feelings that appeared between the two of us. First look, first conversation, first date, first touch, first kiss. I often reminisce about all those wonderful moments that have brought us to this point. Yet through all of those precious moments, this has been one of the most difficult years of your life and yet you still come out looking as beautiful as the day we met. Your unwavering strength, your passion, your beauty continue to mesmerize me. When I reflect on what you and I have, I am often reminded of this line:

Dosti keh alaava bhi kuch rishte hote hain. Kuch rishte joh hum samajhte nahin, kuch rishte jo hum samajhna nahin chahte. Kuch rishte jinka koi naam nahin hota, sirf ehsaas hota hai. Kuch rishte jinki koi deewar nahin hoti, sarhad nahin hoti. Aise rishte jo dil ke rishte hote hain, pyar ke rishte hote hain, mohabbat ke rishte hote hain.

And with that I want to wish you THE happiest of birthdays ever.

Love you endlessly, admire you eternally and just in awe of your beauty hopelessly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Leena Ahuja!