Quiet Apprehension, Full Heart - Before the Doors Open Tomorrow

As I sit here on a Saturday evening and try to make a flow chart for my program, I also want to write a few sentences about what I want to say tomorrow. I know that whatever I write today, it will begin as an improv speech anyway, and as Mr. Husband said, I need to become softer on the microphone. It should not be the usual Jaya, and I promised him I will speak only 10 lines.

Things are coming together beautifully, but I also know tomorrow will carry its own kind of chaos.. The apprehension is quiet, not loud.

The more I think about it, the more I want people to feel welcome. I want to see children involved, and I want everyone to feel the warmth in the room. I don’t want to organize a conference, I want to create a belonging.

Having non-Indian guests is another thing to plan for. I want them to feel welcome. I don’t want them to feel isolated. I want them to meet families. I think I’m creating a cultural bridge with them. It’s my hope that they will understand our community better after tomorrow. And somewhere between all these logistics and emotions, people still ask the practical question Is the speech ready. what kind of saree I am wearing is the question of the day :) If you know me you know I will decide tomorrow morning. 

It made me wonder if I should write something down at all. Will I even remember those things once I’m on the stage?

This year  I’m in a much better place. There are a lot more families than in previous years. but I also have an army of volunteers. I am grateful for their help, they stepped up to support even though they are not part of this village. The admins of the group are more experienced. They understand my vision and the reason behind all my decisions. They know it matters a lot to me that instead of only thinking logically, they also see the bigger picture.

The mother volunteers in the group are amazing. I wonder how they will manage with their own children, but they are excited to volunteer that day. Looks like, for a few hours, they will become volunteers first and not just moms. Their husbands definitely have double responsibility tomorrow.

68 families, 10 volunteers and 9 guests- We are up to the hall capacity and there are 10 families in wait list, time to find a bigger place next year,

  

Invitation for *Family celebration day* May 10th Sunday 2.30 PM- 4.30 PM Holliston Town Hall

Hello,

Desi Moms Network is celebrating “The Village,” and we’d love to celebrate this with you.

What better day than Mother’s Day to honor the incredible moms who support, uplift, and cheer each other on? 

We invite you to see how 'The Village' provides the informal, cultural, and emotional scaffolding that helps these families thrive every day.

Please join us for an afternoon of fun, food, and connection.

Date: Sunday, May 10

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Location: Holliston Town Hall

703 Washington St, Holliston, MA 01746

Please let us know if you’re able to join us—we hope you can make it!

Warmly,

Jaya Pandey and the Team

No matter how tomorrow goes, I already know one thing for sure — this community has grown into something much bigger than me. A place where families feel seen, welcomed, and less alone And maybe that is the most beautiful part of all.

My post on Friday 

 Mothers day in BJ's, when I went to order the cake 

Anand got me these Tulips last week

Guest Writer - Anand - Comicon Saga - part 2 Springfield

As promised here comes another story - Anand wrote this blog today. 

  Written by him acting as mom :)

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"Next Stop: MGM Springfield, MA. Four-star hotel, now hosting a Western Mass Comic Con." — some commuter rail, subway, ferry, or bus announcer

What, two conventions in April before summer? I've always wondered what has gotten into Anand, but I'll never know, since he will not tell me. I did mention Comic Con being a rarity in our family, but that's starting to change this year. Now when it comes to writing about his adventures, making blogposts, or documenting our every day lives, Anand knows the drill. He wants me to write about his adventures, he has to use his own words, which he does anyway…while pretending to be me. Yet, he still wants me to keep posting his stories on my blog and never start his own, despite writing far better than me. Three weeks ago, Anand went to his first ever Anime Convention in Boston, MA both April 3rd and 4th, and he enjoyed both days. Now, he's on his fifth stop in his "Open World Expansion Tour," and third convention adventure: a Comic Con in Springfield, MA.

Anand purchased tickets to Western Mass Comic Con on December 12th, 2025. Funny as it sounds, Anand was unsure about attending this convention. 75 miles from where we live, too far for Dad to drive him, but Anand knew what his top goal of 2026 was: opening up his world, even if it means going to cities that don't have a lot of sightseeing. Hopefully Anand doesn't try picking another convention in Massachusetts that isn't the same distance as Springfield. He made a decision to attend Comic Con in Springfield…on one condition: bringing me along for the ride. He attends the convention, Dad and I explore Springfield together, then we meet up at his favorite restaurant, Wahlburgers, which was close by. That may have encouraged Anand to attend Comic-Con, but while I did tag along for the ride, I couldn't meet him at Wahlburgers. There wasn't much to explore in Springfield, and what could I do for two hours? Nothing. Being in Springfield for two hours is like going with Anand to a mall of his choice for 90 minutes or more, which is his thing. This is why Anand always goes to Mr. Husband and never me! I would either say "No," or ask too many questions. The tickets for the Comic-Con in Springfield weren't as expensive as Boston Anime Con or Fan Expo Boston, but then again, Springfield doesn't have a lot to explore.

A few months ago, Anand took a ferry from Boston to Hingham Shipyard, walked around for 90 minutes, stopped at a restroom for a change of clothes, and ate at the Wahlburgers headquarters. I called Cheryl, the wonderful manager at the Fenway Wahlburgers, to tell her that Anand would be going to the Hingham Wahlburgers, and the staff there was incredible. Originally, Anand thought he and Dad would go, but we went as a whole family. We dropped Anand outside the MGM Resort, then we explored the Berkshires.

Like always, Anand got a lot of pics with people in costume. He wore his anime costume, the same one he wore for Anime Con, knowing he'd wear it again. After getting some pics with other people in costume, Anand walked to the Springfield Wahlburgers after telling me and Dad. And they were amazing! I think Anand was surprised I'd stop by with Mr. Husband to say hi to the staff. I have to thank them for taking such good care of Anand! After he ate, Anand went back to Comic-Con until he texted us to pick him up.

I cannot believe the milestones that Anand has been achieving so far! Taking the train, ferry, and the subway, attending concerts and conventions all by himself, being my +1 at Desi Moms events, even trying new cuisines and attending sports bars! This man is really going places. Sooner or later, I'm going to have Anand help me with my blogposts, especially those where I don't mention him. I'll have some breathing room for now—oh, wait. Anand has more stories to send to me. And not to mention—right. His newest video game he pre-ordered. A few weeks from now. 

Wahlberg brothers have no idea They have a fan in Pandey household.

My Facebook post today 

one of my fav sight today

Apex Bowling - Building Our Village – One Lane at a Time

Desi Mom’s Network as a group went to Apex Bowling. About 20 families got together, hung out, and had fun.

We reserved the whole VIP lane area, so there was nobody but our families. A total of 48 players across 8 lanes, mostly children, with moms and dads hanging out together.

From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm and welcoming. Everything was well organized, and the team made our families feel comfortable. Our servers who managed everything with patience and a constant smile—it really made a difference to the experience.

As one mother pointed out, there were so many kids trying this for the first time. So many families felt comfortable coming out to a group event with their children because they knew this is one place they all belong.

They felt at ease, knowing their children would not be judged for their behavior.

It was not all smooth—there were screams and meltdowns—but the collective joy, laughter, fun, smiles, and new experiences outweighed those moments.

Families connected. Dads introduced themselves to one another. Moms felt rejuvenated—talking, smiling, and taking pictures together.

More than anything, they belonged. They shared advice, offered helping hands, exchanged phone numbers, and promised to meet again soon.

The feedback coming in says it all—“wonderful time,” “great space,” “felt like a village,” “kids had so much fun,” “so special to see first-time experiences.” That is exactly why we do this.

Summer is around the corner. It will be easier for families to come out of their shells—both literally and figuratively—and open up their world a little more, one family at a time, one step at a time.

Thank you to everyone who came, trusted the space and made this so special 💛

Introducing the guest writer for this post - Anand Pandey - His story - his words - mom's blog

Anand has been very adventurous. He wanted to write about his day as his mom would write it.

So below post is written by him acting as mom :) please read and write some comments - he is waiting for everyone's reaction :)

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"Next Stop: Hynes Convention Center. Anime lovers, this is the place for you. An Anime Convention here in Boston, Massachusetts. One of many popular pieces of art in Japan. If you grew up with the Pokémon series, you would remember seeing the TV series and the anime Pokémon movies." — some commuter rail, subway, ferry, or bus announcer

Next Stop? Where is Anand finding these quotes? Actually, that's been his thing growing up, quoting lines from movies that he watches or movie lines he and Mr. Husband have been watching. Mostly the Matrix movies, since they LOVE them so much. Anyway, what's the "next stop" Anand's been talking about? Something he calls "Open World Expansion Tour," and why would he come up with that? My past blogs about Anand's "solo adventures" back in 2025, which he wrote while pretending to be me. Anand's "first stop" in his "Open World Expansion Tour" was the South Arcade concert at the Middle East Restaurant in Cambridge back in October (check his and my side of the story if you missed them). His "second stop" was the Rhode Island Comic-Con at the Amica Mutual Pavilion and Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, RI (the story is on my blogpost also). Third stop? Anand's first Gala. I talked about how Anand has been stepping out of his comfort zone, but now he's "opening up his world," as he's been saying. While I was in India, Anand was researching Comic-Con events happening in 2026, ever since he enjoyed his first ever experience at Comic-Con in Providence, RI. Part of "opening up his world" included going to Comic-Con and trying new places he's never been to. One of them happened to be an Anime Convention. But what made Anand have a sudden interest in anime? I'll never know, since he will not tell me.

On November 29th, 2025, Anand got tickets to attend Fan Expo at the Thomas M. Menino Convention Center in Seaport, a Comic-Con happening in Boston. To keep him busy until August, Anand has two more conventions both happening in April, as well as an upcoming racing video game launching on May 15th, 2026 (Premium buyers would have four days of early access, which Anand went for; that blogpost will be up in May) and May 19th, 2026 (official launch date). On December 5th, 2025, Anand purchased tickets to go to Boston Anime-Con at the Hynes Convention Center off Boylston Street. Lastly, on January 5th, 2026, Anand got his anime costume he ordered on Amazon!

I wrote a blog post about wanting Anand to take the train into Boston, which he's been doing. But what surprised me even more was the fact that OpenSky had also planned to attend Boston Anime Con on Friday! Anand requested time off from work on Good Friday, wanting to attend Anime Con twice. I'll also never know why he decided that, since he'll never tell me. Now being public-transport-independent, Anand had planned out his adventure. I tried to convince Anand to take the train from Franklin to Back Bay on Friday, but he refused. Finally, in that argument, Anand purchased a train ticket to Back Bay.

The day of Boston Anime arrived and Anand was so excited. After he shaved and showered, Anand took the train from Franklin to Back Bay, went through the Prudential Center and Copley Place malls, arrived at the Hynes Convention Center and met up with OpenSky, then they went inside for Anime Con. Anand expected the food at the Hynes Convention Center to be expensive, but when I told him OpenSky would pay, Anand refused. After he told some staff that he was about to head home, Anand took the Green Line from Hynes Convention Center to Kenmore, ate at the Fenway Wahlburgers, saying hi to Cheryl, the wonderful manager who surprised him for his 25th birthday, went back on the Green Line to the Hynes Convention Center for Anime Con again, went to Back Bay, safely boarded a train to Franklin, then Dad picked Anand up.

On Saturday, Anand took the commuter rail again from Franklin, but this time to South Station, the Red Line to Downtown Crossing, and the Orange Line to Back Bay, then walked through the Copley Place and Prudential Center malls, arriving on Boylston Street and walking straight to the Hynes Convention Center. Anand knew what to expect on both days: people in cosplay or wearing anime costumes of their favorite characters, no matter where he was. Like yesterday Anand had his thought-out plan: after Anime Con, Anand would take the Green Line to Kenmore to eat at Wahlburgers yet again, then take the Green Line to Park Street and the Red Line to South Station and safely boarding a train to Franklin.

As always, Anand agreed to take pictures of Anime Con, but he also makes a poster of his Comic-Con adventures, which is what I saw him do this evening. Knowing I would tell him, "Write out your story," Anand just wrote it right away on December 6th, 2025. For him to airdrop the photos and wanting ME to write about his solo adventures is so unlike Anand, but then again, this might be happening more frequently.

This is, yet again, another amazing milestone for Anand. Biggest goal of 2026 is opening up his world, such as attending conventions in Massachusetts by himself, as well as an upcoming racing video game. That blogpost will be up in late May or early June. This man just can't wait for more this year. Next stop: Western Mass Comic-Con at the MGM Hotel in Springfield, Massachusetts. This time, Anand wanted me and Dad to explore Springfield, then meet up at a Wahlburgers close by, but I couldn't do it. More on that in the next story.

Grief and Gratitude on a Saturday Afternoon- Honoring Amma

Two years have gone by—two years without her physical presence, her phone calls, her love, her laughter, and her care.

The Shradh was performed for my mother’s second death anniversary according to the Hindu calendar in the beginning of March, but yesterday—the calendar day—was particularly hard for me.

It was a tough day to begin with. I hosted a bowling afternoon with 12 mothers from the Desi Moms Network, spending time together, having fun, and building connections. They initially came together because they knew one another through the needs of their children, but they went home with the feeling of being part of a village. They spent the afternoon eating, sharing stories, and making a promise to do more activities together, be there for one another, and meet again often.

Yesterday morning began with an introduction to a new mom in my town, 3 miles from my home. I usually talk to them first then a video call before adding them to the group. After bowling, instead of coming home, I drove to meet them in person. Both the mother and her son were home, and it was wonderful to see them in their natural setting, talking about family, India connections, day-to-day struggles, neighbors, and our towns.

Another family from the group lives in the same neighborhood, so I visited them too. They have been in the group for a few years; with three young kids and full-time jobs, life can be really chaotic. These short visits help me understand family dynamics and their specific needs, allowing me to provide better resources.

My mother would have been so happy to hear all these details. I miss her, but I’m sure she’s somewhere smiling down on me. I think this was my way of paying tribute to her on her departure day.

March 28th, 2026 

A silk for a musical meet

An "Auntie’s" Night Out in "Don’t Tell Aunty"

On a lazy Friday, a mother from the Desi Moms Network reached out and insisted I join them for a Bollywood night in the city. It isn’t something I usually do, and I was a little apprehensive, but I decided to go along anyway.

Our group grew until six of us from the area, plus two from elsewhere, met in Boston’s Back Bay (4 of us from Desi Moms Network). The venue's name, "Don’t Tell Aunty,” was catchy, and the fusion menu looked truly innovative. Being a self-proclaimed "old-age auntie" now, I can’t really eat that late at night, but that didn’t stop me from having fun. I’ll definitely have to go back for lunch soon to try the food!

After 10 PM, they move the tables to create a dance floor. While the opening DJ didn't quite hit the right vibe for our group, the energy transformed the moment the main DJ came on the floor—one of the owners of the establishment. It was such a pleasant surprise to bump into the DJ's sister and brother-in-law, whom I’ve known for over 20 years.

The dancing was fun, but the best part was seeing these moms dancing without a care in the world. We were surrounded by a much younger crowd, but it didn’t matter; we had our own bubble. Just past midnight, we said goodbye to the full-blown party and drove back from Boston. I’m so glad one of the mothers planned the night and insisted I join; I couldn’t have done it without her.

I spent some time chatting with the girl at the door, the security guy, a mom and daughter duo from New Jersey, and a fellow attendee. It’s clear that Bollywood night is incredibly popular with the younger generation. They miss home—the familiarity and the environment. This DJ provides exactly that; beyond the nostalgia, he serves comfort food like creative Maggi dishes (Noodles) that hit home.

In a room full of younger faces, I realized that joy has no age limit. I came home tired, but my heart was full—and I’m already looking forward to the next dance with the moms from the Desi Moms Network.

Looking back, I realized that for me, it was not the music or nostalgia; it was a reminder that self-care is not just a spa or tea—it can be loud music and the joy of dancing, it’s the radical act of showing up for yourself. I am so glad that night we remembered the person we were before the "auntie" or "mom" took over. 

 With our planner, driver and motivator for the night

Saree for a bhajan saree meet, i was there more for Bhojan than bhajan . I was dancing on Dam Maro Dam a night before