India, Nov. 24 -- Kadambari's children had grown up. They were busy living their lives independently abroad. Kadambari's husband, Shashank, held a high-profile corporate job. He often travelled, and his official work left him with little time.

The emptying of the homely nest had created a vacuum, but not an emptiness in their lives. Kadambari missed the incessant chatter of her daughter, Nayana, in the evening walks by the Singapore river, and the specific food requisitions of her athlete son, Dhruv, demanding this and that.

Whenever Kadambari passed across the well-kempt vacant rooms, she sat on the beds, reflecting on how time flies.

It seemed as if it was just yesterday she had held the newly born in her arms.

Even when the babies ...