Hinglish field guides to the relatives you can’t Google

Ghost Karne-Wala Friend

A Field Guide to the Friend Who Disappears Every 6 Months

They were in your wedding party. They held your hand through a breakup. They taught you what cumin actually looks like. Then they ghosted for 7 months. Now they're back like nothing happened. Welcome to one of the most under-documented Indian friendship dynamics.

Reply Nahi Karne-Wala Friend

Why They Read at 2 AM and Reply at 3 PM (or Never)

Read at 2:14 AM. Active on Instagram. Stories posted. Reels liked. Your message: still unread (according to them) since Tuesday. The Group-Chat Ghost is the most universal Indian friendship complaint of 2026 — and the most predictable.

NRI Cousin Visiting India

A Translation Guide for the Two-Week Visit That Reorganises Everything

Their flight lands at 2 AM. By Day 3, they have opinions on the auto fare, the air quality, the maid's punctuality, and your career choices. By Day 10, they've Instagrammed every street-food stall in the city. By Day 14, they're back in San Francisco posting throwback reels. The whirlwind has a pattern.

Padosi Detective

How They Know You Came Home at 11:42 PM (and Why)

Your neighbour knows your morning gym schedule, the timing of your delivery orders, the brand of detergent you use, and the name of the cousin who visited you on Saturday. You've never had a real conversation with them. Welcome to apartment-life surveillance.

Sharma Ji Ka Beta

Why Every Indian Family Has the Same Imaginary Benchmark Child

Sharma ji ka beta got 99%. Sharma ji ka beta cracked the entrance. Sharma ji ka beta has bought a flat. Sharma ji's actual son might be a confused 28-year-old in Bangalore freelancing. Both can be true.

WhatsApp Family Group

An Anthropology of the Forwarding Uncle, the Gossip Aunty, and the One Cousin Who Replies to Everything

247 messages while you slept. 12 Good Morning JPEGs. 3 forwards about the dangers of microwave ovens. 1 wedding photo from a relative you've never met. 1 audio message from your father that's actually for your bua. Welcome to the Indian family WhatsApp group.

Ex-Turned-Friend

On Staying Friends With Someone You Once Loved (Without It Being Weird)

It's been 3 years since the breakup. You text occasionally. You met for coffee last March. You both genuinely wish each other well. Your other friends still ask, slightly suspicious: 'wait, you're actually friends with your ex?' The answer is yes. It's possible. It's also harder than people admit.

Building Society WhatsApp Group

A Complete Etiquette Guide to the Most Cursed Chat in Your Life

47 messages this morning about a leaking tap on the 4th floor. 3 forwards about the BMC water timing. 1 voice note from the secretary that's actually 11 minutes long. 1 passive-aggressive comment about whose AC compressor is making noise. Your building society WhatsApp group is the most cursed chat in your life. It is also unleavable.