Prologue: The Journey Begins
Life has a way of unfolding in ways we never expect. It moves forward, sometimes gently like a river, other times like a storm that shakes everything we thought was certain. Looking back on my journey, I see not just events, but the emotions, struggles, and lessons that have shaped me. Each chapter of my life has carried its own joys, challenges, and moments of profound realization.
I was born into a loving family, guided by my late parents, J. P. Mishra and Usha Mishra, whose blessings continue to be my source of strength. They instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and kindness—principles that have carried me through life’s most difficult moments. I pursued my ambitions, built a career, and found love and companionship in my wife, Himalini. The joy of fatherhood came with the birth of our children, Shree and Shlok, filling my life with new meaning.
For years, I believed that success was defined by accomplishments—education, career growth, financial stability. But life had other lessons in store for me. On October 10, 2023, I received news that shook me to my core: I was diagnosed with cancer. In that moment, everything I had known about strength and endurance was put to the test. What followed was a journey of pain, perseverance, and transformation—eight rounds of chemotherapy, a major liver surgery, and the unwavering support of those around me.
Surviving cancer was not just about medical treatment; it was about rediscovering life itself. I learned that true strength does not come from standing tall alone, but from leaning on the love and kindness of family, friends, and well-wishers. My in-laws, Gyan Awasthi and Mamta Awasthi, played an invaluable role in this fight. Their hard work and dedication ensured I had the best nutrition to boost my immunity, helping my body endure the grueling treatment process. Their love and care became another pillar of my survival.
Another source of power for my family during this battle was my siblings and my wife’s siblings, who stood like an unshakable pillar behind us. My brother, Suryakant, and his family, along with my sisters Archana Bajpai, Vandana Awasthi, and Manisha Shukla, and their families, ensured that my family never felt alone in this fight. From the background, they provided unwavering mental support, continuously sending prayers, strength, and encouragement.
Similarly, my wife’s siblings—Himanshu Awasthi and Deepanshu Awasthi, along with their families—were a constant source of strength. Their prayers, emotional support, and presence reassured us that we were never alone in this fight. Together, all of them formed a protective circle of love and faith, giving my family the emotional resilience needed to face this difficult journey.
I have come to understand that every day is a gift, every challenge an opportunity, and every struggle a lesson waiting to be understood. This book is not just a recounting of events, but a reflection on what they have meant to me. It is a story of love, resilience, and the power of human connections. It is about facing adversity, not with fear, but with faith.
As I begin this journey of telling my story, I do so with the hope that it might inspire others to find strength in their struggles, to embrace the beauty of life even in its darkest moments, and to cherish the people who make it all worthwhile. Because in the end, life is not just about the battles we fight, but about the love we share, the lessons we learn, and the legacy we leave behind.