Well, they must be in love!

What does it mean to sacrifice for love? Sam might know the answer better than anyone. He’s my roommate, and from the moment I met him, I could see there was a weight he carried—a quiet determination behind his easy smile. He’s here, far from the people he loves most, building something for his future, for them.

Imagine having to explain to your wife why you won’t be there for Christmas. Watching your child grow up through a phone screen, missing the moments that matter most—the first steps, the first words—because you’re 3,961 miles away, working. It’s not that it’s always black and hopeless, though. The countless messages and endless calls strengthen the bond, building a passion for the day you’ll finally see her again.

Sam likes to keep certain things to himself, and I get that—I do it all the time. There’s something about the mystery, the quiet strength of holding back. But sometimes, words aren’t necessary. Body language and eyes often say more than any conversation could. The more people you meet in life, in different places and times, the easier it gets to understand them. Still, making a true friend isn’t easy. It takes time. You have to share some food, your dreams about the future, and plenty of laughs. Go out for a few drinks, grab some chicken biryani after, and talk to him about her smile.

I’ve already told Sam about my thoughts—about you and what I’m planning. One day, I asked for his advice, and he just said,

"It’s your life, man—you should write your own path."

Well, thanks for that, Sam. It wasn’t exactly the guidance I needed, but I get your point. In the end, no one else can draw the map for me. I’m the one holding the pen.