October 22, 2025: The nickname Mahi comes with big shoes to fill. The greatest all-format captain of the Indian men’s cricket team is my personal hero, and favourite wicket-keeper of all time. But recently, in a shocking turn of events, I have a new favourite Mahi.
It has come to my attention (through repeated observation, occasional overthinking, and some concern) that Mahika, who also goes by Mahi, is my new favourite Mahi. It also comes as a shock to me, that Mahi is, in most measurable ways, better than me.
She’s quicker on her feet, better in song and dance, sharper in arguments, and unlike me, can cook a meal that is delicious each time. She can’t chop vegetables as well as me though, in a necessary reminder to all of humanity, that you can’t have it all.
Also unlike me, she knows the difference between a brie, bocconcini, and a burrata and somehow convinced me to care. I like cheese now, y’all (and say y’all less, she is a woman of polish).
We met at BYJU’S in 2020. She was my team lead, which meant she had the unenviable task of managing copy, and me. She did both with unnerving efficiency, till she left and I was named Team Lead (with perhaps a more historic but controversial legacy). At the time, I thought she was just good at her job.
Five years later, I realise she’s good at everything (yes, everything). I also realise, now that we have been dating—she is very good at retaining talent.
Now she’s quietly redesigned my tastes, vocabulary, and possibly my entire sense of what constitutes “a nice evening” (it is ambiguous and has more possible outcomes than there are stars in the observable universe). “A nice evening”, is however, expensive, and includes cheese.
Watching her think and work is an education. Watching her unwind is worth rearranging a week for (and occasionally a weekend, maybe a lifetime). Looking at her, is also quite pleasant, she is kind on the eyes, and also generally kind.
If this sounds like adulation, that’s because it is.
Mahi doesn’t make life easier. She makes it fuller. Depending on the day, she is either the best or most eventful thing that’s ever happened to me.
So, on the occasion of her birthday, this is my small public thank-you:
For the laughter, the love, the wisdom, the imported cheese, and everything in between, thank you Mahi.
Love,
Samit
All Things Sam 