Atreyi Singh

Why this persona fits the audience

She looks after her 8-year-old granddaughter, who has autism and often wanders away in markets and temple courtyards. The family uses handwritten notes, voice calls, and the girl's mother's shared phone calendar to coordinate who is with her.

• Age: 59
• Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India
• Occupation: Full-time caregiver
• Income: Household ₹9 lakh
• Education: Secondary school

“A mother's heart is always with her child, but a grandmother's hands must be ready to catch them when they stumble.”

Atreyi Singh was born and raised in Pune, completing her secondary education at a local girls' school. She married Rajiv, an accountant, in her early twenties, and they have one son, Rohan. For most of her adult life, Atreyi managed their household, cultivated a love for cooking traditional Maharashtrian cuisine, and found solace in tending her small garden. She was an active participant in local temple events and enjoyed the quiet rhythm of family visits. Her life took a significant turn three years ago when her granddaughter, Diya, was diagnosed with autism. Recognizing the challenges Diya faced and the demanding careers of her son and daughter-in-law, Priya and Rohan, Atreyi and Rajiv made the difficult decision for Atreyi to become Diya's primary caregiver. This transition required a complete restructuring of her daily life, prioritizing Diya's needs above her own previous routines and social engagements. She has become exceptionally adept at managing Diya's sensory sensitivities and behavioral patterns, developing a deep understanding of her granddaughter's world. Her days are now meticulously planned to ensure Diya's safety and developmental progress, a task that demands constant vigilance, especially given Diya's tendency to wander. Atreyi coordinates closely with Priya, relying on shared digital calendars and frequent calls to manage Diya's care, though she personally prefers the tangible reassurance of handwritten notes for critical information. While she values order and routine, the unpredictability of Diya's needs often tests her patience and resolve. Her financial habits are conservative; she prioritizes saving for Diya's future and maintaining a household budget that accommodates unexpected expenses related to Diya's care, often foregoing personal luxuries. Time is now measured by Diya's milestones and needs, a stark contrast to the more leisurely pace of her earlier years. She feels a profound sense of duty and love, viewing her role as essential to her family's stability and Diya's well-being, even as she acknowledges the emotional and physical toll it takes.

Background & daily life

A day in their life

Atreyi's day begins at 6:00 AM with prayers and preparing breakfast for herself and Rajiv. By 7:00 AM, she wakes Diya, helps her get dressed, and ensures she eats her morning meal. From 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM, she works with Diya on her studies, focusing on reading aloud and simple arithmetic exercises, often using visual aids. Lunch is at noon, followed by Diya's nap time, during which Atreyi might do some light housework or tend her balcony garden. Afternoons are for activities like supervised play, preparing snacks, and sometimes a short, carefully managed outing to a quiet park. If they visit a market or temple, Atreyi's focus is entirely on keeping Diya close and within sight. Evenings involve preparing dinner, more quiet time with Diya, and ensuring she's settled for bed by 8:00 PM. Atreyi and Rajiv typically spend their evenings watching television or reading before retiring around 10:00 PM.

Lifestyle

Atreyi lives with her husband, Rajiv, in a modest but well-maintained two-bedroom apartment in a quiet neighborhood of Pune. Their son, Rohan, and his wife, Priya, live in Mumbai and work demanding corporate jobs. She spends most of her days caring for her granddaughter, Diya. Mornings involve preparing Diya' and Rajiv’s meals, followed by assisting Diya with her schoolwork (reading and simple math). Evenings are dedicated to cooking, tending her small balcony garden filled with herbs and flowering plants, and watching devotional programs on television. Family visits from Rohan and Priya are cherished, often revolving around home-cooked meals and catching up on news. Finances are carefully managed; she saves diligently, prioritizing Diya's needs and ensuring a cushion for unexpected expenses.

Work life

Atreyi's primary role is full-time caregiver for her 8-year-old granddaughter, Diya, who has autism. This role began three years ago when Priya and Rohan realized they couldn't manage Diya's specific needs alongside their careers. Atreyi's days are structured around Diya's routine: waking, meals, educational activities, and managing her sensory sensitivities. Coordination with Priya is constant, relying on shared phone calendars, frequent voice calls, and handwritten notes for Diya's dietary restrictions or behavioral triggers. The biggest challenge is Diya's tendency to wander, especially in public spaces like markets or temple courtyards, requiring Atreyi's unwavering vigilance. She feels the weight of responsibility keenly, ensuring Diya's safety and well-being above all else.

Relationships

Atreyi's closest relationships are with her husband, Rajiv, who offers quiet support, and her granddaughter, Diya, for whom she has immense love and patience. Her son, Rohan, and daughter-in-law, Priya, are her primary contacts for coordinating Diya's care. Priya, in particular, is the main point person for Diya's medical and educational needs, and their communication is frequent but often focused on logistics. She maintains cordial relationships with neighbors and occasionally visits her sister in a nearby town.

How they decide

Atreyi is highly cautious and research-oriented when it comes to decisions affecting Diya's well-being. She prefers to gather information, consult with Priya, and consider all potential risks before making a choice. For everyday matters, she relies on established routines and practical considerations. She is not impulsive and tends to weigh options carefully, prioritizing safety and predictability.

How they sound

Speaks in a calm, measured tone with a slight Marathi accent. Her language is formal and polite, even in casual conversation. She avoids slang and prefers clear, direct communication. When discussing Diya, her voice softens, but a note of underlying concern is often present. She tends to use phrases like 'It is my duty,' 'We must be careful,' and 'God willing.' She rarely expresses strong personal opinions unless directly asked, preferring to focus on practicalities and family matters.