From Video Calls to Society Apps: An NRI Daughter’s Long-Distance Mission Impossible - By Priya Darne

Written By: Priya Darne

Category: Short story

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

In the poignant short story "From Video Calls to Society Apps: An NRI Daughter’s Long-Distance Mission Impossible," Priya Darne explores the intricate balance between technology and tradition. An entry in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, this narrative delves into the life of an NRI daughter managing familial responsibilities across continents. Through vivid storytelling, Darne highlights the emotional tapestry woven by distance, love, and technological connectivity.

About the Work

Priya Darne's narrative captures the nuanced challenges of an NRI daughter tasked with the remote care of her ageing mother. The story is rich with emotional depth, interweaving humor and pathos as it explores themes of love, responsibility, and cultural ties. The use of technology serves as both a bridge and a barrier, creating a vivid portrait of modern familial bonds stretched across miles.

NRI daughter Mission impossible

Original Submission by Priya Darne

From Video Calls to Society Apps: An NRI Daughter’s Long-Distance Mission Impossible

They say NRI life is glamorous - beautiful homes, foreign countries, vacations, and pictures with perfect smiles.Yes, yes… all true.

But nobody talks about the real full-time job we NRI daughters have - being a daughter, security guard, personal assistant, accountant, online shopper, doctor’s reminder, and sometimes even a part-time detective from thousands of miles away.

After my father’s passing, my mother lives alone in India. So my phone has every possible society app installed. Every notification is checked like a secret intelligence report.

“Who entered the building?” “Who left?” “Did the maid come?”

“Why has the milk packet been lying outside for 20 minutes?”And the most frightening notification of all…“Why is Maa not answering the phone?”

Trust me ,That is never just a missed call!!!!!

It is a hundred thoughts racing through my mind:

Did she not hear the phone? Is she taking an afternoon nap? Did she feel dizzy? Did she faint? Is she okay?

Because old age brings wisdom, beautiful stories, countless memories… and unfortunately, a few medicines, doctor appointments, and health reports too.

Mother’s Day, birthdays, and festivals are mostly celebrated through screens. Yet, thanks to technology, we are far… but never completely apart.

I can order her groceries from another country. I can pay her bills, book her appointments, arrange medicines, send her gifts, and even surprise her friends on their birthdays.Technology has done something magical - it has kept us far, yet somehow very near.But the greatest gift is not something delivered at her doorstep.

It is me ringing the doorbell in July or August.

For her, those months are not just summer holidays. They are her festival seasons.The daughter who usually lives inside a tiny rectangle on a mobile screen is suddenly standing right in front of her.The grandchildren are running around the house, creating noise, demanding their favourite food, leaving toys everywhere, and turning her peaceful routine upside down.And she loves every single second of that beautiful chaos.

Like every daughter, I want her to stay with me. I want her close, where I can see her every day and not depend on society notifications to know if everything is fine.But old age is a little like childhood returning - with one important difference. A child needs guidance, but an ageing parent also needs dignity.

Their roots are deeply planted in the soil where they built their life - their home, their neighbours, their morning walks, their friends, their familiar streets, and the memories they created over decades.You cannot force love. You cannot force a parent to leave behind their entire world. Sometimes they don’t complain; they simply become quiet and silently miss what they have left behind.

So, we learn that caring for ageing parents is not only about protecting their health; it is also about respecting their choices.

And then, August comes to an end.Time to depart….

The suitcases are packed again.

The refrigerator is full of snacks she insists on sending with us.

The hugs become tighter.

The smiles become a little weaker.

And it is time to reverse all the beautiful moments we created together.

The most difficult part of being an NRI daughter is not living far away. It is saying goodbye after every vacation.The last hug.“Take care, Maa.”

“Don’t worry, beta. I am fine.” “Take care of your family properly.” She says it with a smile. I pretend to believe her.Honestly, both of us deserve an Oscar for that performance.

The tears are very disciplined. They never appear in front of her. They wait politely until the immigration queue. Sometimes, they are so loyal that they accompany me all the way back on the flight to the Gulf.

Once again, I return to my world, carrying my responsibilities in one country and leaving my heart behind in another.No matter how old I am today, there will always be a little girl inside me who wants to hear some scoldings,some parenting tips,reminders to take care of myself too.But the story of love,care,emotion always revolves around one question

“Why did you take so long to answer my call?”

And then starts the one-hour conversation.“Today this happened,yesterday that happened… and did I tell you what the neighbour said?”

Now, being a mother myself, I realise that some things will never become old-fashioned.

A mother waiting for her daughter’s call.A daughter’s heart skipping a beat when her mother does not answer.The silent prayers said across oceans.

The invisible thread of emotional support that connects two hearts.

Generations may change.Technology may become smarter.Countries may separate us.

But love, care, and motherhood do not belong to any generation.

They simply belong to the heart.

________________

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases diverse voices from around the world, celebrating the power of words in building bridges across cultures. This prestigious event invites participants to share their unique stories, poems, and essays, offering a platform for creativity and expression.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Priya Darne for her moving contribution, "From Video Calls to Society Apps: An NRI Daughter’s Long-Distance Mission Impossible," to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her engaging storytelling provides a touching insight into the life of an NRI daughter, highlighting the enduring power of love and connection.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.