Acknowledgements

My heartfelt gratitude goes to the 8 young people who were a big part of the gathering and the conversations that helped create this book.

Amit, Babli, Jai, Kavya, Rohan, Rahim, Sneha, Pranali

This book is yours. Thank you for existing, resisting, persisting and teaching me to never stop holding on to hope. I think of you every day.

Yashna

To my colleague and dear friend. Thank you for co-facilitating the gathering with me, holding space for my 'what ifs', and having my back on this journey every step of the way. It was your belief in our work, your kindness, and your brilliance that shaped the gathering in the most beautiful ways.

Raviraj & Jehanzeb

To my preferred mentors. Your guidance, confidence, and support influenced me to keep believing in the magic of this work.

Jaya

To my friend and illustrator. This book's essence has come alive because of the lovely digital illustrations that you've created for us. Thank you for capturing our ideas, the nuances and experiences of the young participants through this story in the most wholesome, relatable, and heart-warming way.

Radhika, Vijay & Neeraj

Thank you for being my co-travelers in this journey. Special thanks to Neeraj for your labour, patience, and stellar support in translating the participants' letters to the world.

To my partner.

This book would not have seen the light of day without you. You never stopped believing in us and our work. You've supported me in navigating my multiple anxieties around this book, shared your feedback with the utmost kindness, and gently nudged me to keep going with the process especially when I was losing steam.

Thank you for teaching me to have faith.

For all of this and so much more, I will always be grateful.