As we struck up a conversation, she shared that she lived with her son and daughter-in-law. Playfully, we asked if she was a caring mother-in-law or a strict one.

Just then, an elderly man sitting behind her, who had been quietly listening to our chatter, spoke up.

“She takes care of my daughter!” he said with a smile.

We looked at him curiously.

“My daughter is married to her son,” he explained. “Her son was busy today and couldn’t bring her to the camp, so I did. She was complaining of blurry eyesight, and I knew she needed help.”

Then, with a deep sense of respect, he added, “She is my samdhan—she takes care of my daughter just like her own. It’s my duty to take care of her too.”

Kalyani-Bai simply smiled shyly.

Indeed, the world is full of beautiful and unexpected relationships—ones built on kindness, respect, and care. It was a lesson we learned from Kalyani-Bai that day, as we wished her the very best for her eye surgery.