A Life of Simplicity

Raj's alarm blared at 6am, jolting him awake. He quickly shut it off, careful not to disturb his wife Priya who was still sleeping soundly. Raj quietly got dressed and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and pack his lunch for the day.

As he cooked, Raj's thoughts drifted to his job at the small accounting firm downtown. He had been working there for 10 years, slowly working his way up from an entry-level position. The pay was decent, but not great, and the workload was heavy. Still, Raj was grateful to have stable employment to support his family.

Just then, Raj heard movement from the bedroom. Priya emerged, rubbing her eyes. "Good morning," she said with a smile. Raj greeted her and they ate breakfast together, discussing their plans for the day. Their two young children, Anya and Rohan, would be dropped off at their grandparents' house before Raj and Priya headed to work.

The Commute

Raj kissed his family goodbye and headed out the door, joining the throngs of people on the crowded streets of Mumbai. He squeezed onto a packed bus, standing the entire 45 minute ride downtown. Raj didn't mind the commute - it gave him time to read the newspaper and mentally prepare for the workday ahead.

The Workday

At the office, Raj dove into his tasks - reviewing financial statements, preparing tax returns, and meeting with clients. He worked efficiently, taking only a short lunch break at his desk. Raj enjoyed the intellectual challenge of his job, even if the hours were long and the pay wasn't extravagant.

Evening at Home

Finally, the clock struck 7pm and Raj packed up his briefcase. The bus ride home was just as crowded, but Raj didn't mind. He was eager to get home to his family.

Raj found Anya and Rohan playing in the living room with their grandparents. They ran to greet him, chattering excitedly about their day. Priya was in the kitchen, cooking a delicious-smelling curry. Raj helped set the table and they all sat down to eat together.

After dinner, Raj helped the kids with their homework while Priya tidied up. They played a game together before giving the children a bath and putting them to bed. Raj and Priya relaxed on the couch, watching a TV show together before turning in for the night.

Despite the challenges of middle class life in India - the long commutes, modest income, and occasional stresses - Raj felt content. He had a loving family, a steady job, and a roof over his head. For Raj, that was enough.