Symptoms of rare diseases often creep up quietly, rather than arriving with the brutal shock of a sudden lifestyle upheaval. The change is gradual—unyielding and relentless in its impact. One moment, I was darting around the globe, making things happen with agility and speed; the next, it felt as though someone had chained a 1 kg weight to my ankle..

Ansh and his mother Shikha Shikha’s family migrated from Rajasthan to Kolkata several generations ago and set up a flourishing textile business. She had always seen a life of plenty, although tempered with discipline and hard work. She was gifted with great physique, charming looks, and a sharp mind, all of which floored young Vikram whom she met while still in high school. After graduation, Shikha landed a job in a garment export company. She handled the competitive Europea