Keywords

Dear Lovely readers,

This is your Author Rez Pai. Hope you are doing well.

In this story, you’ll come across words like Ajja, Ajji, Mhantu, Mhaave, Bappa, Paachi, Anna, and Akka.

These aren’t just names or titles—they’re deeply rooted expressions of respect, love, and identity drawn from Konkani, a language spoken along India’s western coast, particularly in Coastal Karnataka, Goa, parts of Kasaragod, Pune, Mumbai, and other culturally rich pockets.

I’ve intentionally used these Konkani familial terms to preserve and reflect the cultural authenticity of the characters and their relationships:

Ajja (Grandfather) and Ajji (Grandmother): The cornerstones of the traditional joint family, representing wisdom and warmth.

Mhantu (Father’s elder brother) and Mhaave (His wife): Often second parental figures, signifying extended family bonds beyond the nuclear home.

Bappa (Father’s younger brother) and Paachi (His wife): Reflecting the affectionate ties with younger uncles and aunts, who are often closer in age and spirit.

Anna (Elder brother) and Akka (Elder sister): Terms of endearment and reverence for older siblings, highlighting the layered hierarchy and love within Indian families.

By using these terms, I aim to create a sense of belonging, nostalgia, and cultural realism. For many readers, they will feel like home; for others, they offer a window into the rich linguistic and emotional world of Konkani-speaking communities.

This integration is not just linguistic—it's emotional and symbolic. It adds depth to the story and helps preserve the essence of a heritage that continues to thrive through everyday language.

Thank you

Author RezPai 😎