Meet Ashwini

The Long Read: If You’re Ready, So Am I

Yeah, yeah, I’m at that age where aunties and society love tossing their titanium-grade questions my way, hoping to pierce my soul with their “concerned” curiosity. 😆 But truth be told, I’d still love to find my own Jiraiya and give a whole new twist to the Tsunade and Jiraiya story. Cliché? Maybe. Silly? Definitely. And I’m totally okay with that.

Ahem (clear my throat), here’s a little gist of why I even have this page—and, well, my thoughts on why dating bio. I’m in my last 20s now, technically a “spinster,” and honestly enjoying it. This solo life has become my comfort zone—doing my own thing, from movie nights, to personal projects to solo adventures that are full of mistakes and laughs along the way. Honestly, I live by the motto, “Make a few mistakes, it’s okay!” That’s my liberation.

So yeah, here I am, putting myself out there on my own website, which might be a bold mistake in itself. But hey, I did say I’m all for trying new things, even if they’re a little awkward. And let me tell you, this page? It's going to be a long long, cozy read because, frankly, I have absolutely no clue what to put here, but I’m giving it a go anyway. Maybe I’ll even turn this into a flow chart someday. But for now, settle in—grab a snack, make a coffee, and kick back to get a little prequel of me, the whacky me who decided dating apps just aren’t it.

Sooooo, Why my own page? Because, wow, it feels so good to admit—I’m just not into dating apps! I mean, what’s even going on there? No judgment if it’s your thing; it’s just not my vibe. If I wanted “Delulu,” I’d just rewatch a favorite rom-com, right? I can’t help but feel my person is out there doing something real—whether it’s soaking in nature, wrestling with a niece or nephew, or grumbling through a marathon|gym because of a midlife crisis, or cozed under blanket staring at the blank wall . Maybe he’s even muttering, “Why, God, why can’t I find her?”

And somewhere, I hope he’s scrolling through the internet, only to stumble upon this odd little page of mine, chuckling, lounging back on his couch with his big feet kicked up, phone in hand, thinking, “This girl’s something else. How stupid.” Yes, you lazy bum—I’m talking about you!

And as I write this, I’m kinda enjoying it… I think I chatter a lot? Nice. Let’s get into the rest, shall we Habibi (potential)?

[Norway pic before departure]

So here’s a fun fact—I’m actually drafting this page just two days before my first solo Europe trip to Norway. (Yep, the anxiety is very real!) I was watching Love is Blind Dubai—mainly because I’m obsessed with the word habibi. It sounds like music to my ears… “Habibi, habibi, habibiiii.” Like Khaled’s “Didi” song, but only with habibi. Honestly, I could say it all day.

Anyway, while I was watching, this idea struck me: Hey, why not write about myself? Maybe this page can be like my own little pod, defined by me. Plus, it seemed like a pretty fun way to handle all the excitement (and jitters) I have for Norway. I’m extremely anxious, thrilled, and all over the place—but here we are! We could be in this together, you know… if only you weren’t so lazy finding me a little sooner! 🤌 Yeah, yeah, maybe I throw in a little bit of a tantrum now and then.

But hey! This awesome woman (yes, I’m talking about me here 😎) isn’t just about the dramatics. So let’s get real: here’s what a regular day looks like for me—okay, it’s probably becoming predictable, but there’s an art to getting good at being alone, right? Alright, lean in and take a look. 👇

A Day in the Life

Voilà… The alarm rings at 5:30 AM—yes, I’m one of those morning people who savor the quiet slice of the day before the world stirs. You could call me a granny; I’ve heard it all! My niece calls me “BC”—not that Hindi word, but Before Christ, as though I’m ancient with my early routines and thoughtful little habits. She’s a riot, but I love my girl. So, back to my day. After waking up, I kick things off with a little prayer—a grounding ritual that’s all mine—and then it’s off to my favorite part of the morning: a long walk or jog, earbuds in, a podcast or audiobook humming away. I may look all zen out there, but don’t be fooled! Because as soon as I’m back, it’s Marshall speaker on full blast in the bathroom, cueing my daily shower concert. (Apologies to the neighbors… but hey, what’s life without a little karaoke shower?)
Lately, I’ve been back to my obsession with two classics favs of mine—Rod Stewart’s Have You Ever Seen the Rain and I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For. Apologies, my cutsy neighbors! 🫣

Next comes the get-ready ritual: curls set, workday armor on, and I’m out the door. I savor every step of getting ready, letting myself enjoy the process. With my last-20s metabolism, I don’t hit my first meal until noon—by then, my body’s practically on autopilot. Workdays are a mix of deep-diving into projects, bantering with colleagues, and taking a couple of midday walks to clear my head. By 9:30 PM, it’s winding-down mode: classic rock on, skin routine activated, maybe a catch-up call with my long-distance bestie who’s always armed with the latest gossip, or a cozy session with a book by my favorite window, watching the world slow down. (Oh, and wait until you see my decorated window in the morning—my favorite little nook!)

Then comes the weekend. Sundays? Now that’s where the magic is. No alarms, no schedules, no rush. Picture this: I’m lounging in my oversized Garfield T-shirt (yes, cartoons forever), with classic rock or “Apsara Aali” on repeat, filling the background. My noon meal is an adventure: I raid the fridge for leftover veggies and transform them into something surprisingly tasty. In my head, I’m giving chef Sanjeev Kapoor a run for his money, but let’s be real, that’s a stretch. Fun fact, though—I love his cute story of proposing to his wife. Well done, Chef!

After meal prep, it’s off to Cubbon Park for a little nature therapy. It’s just me and the trees… and, okay, maybe the occasional stray dog who thinks I’m their new best friend. (Cue the hide-and-seek game!) Afternoons are either for organizing (I call it “finding peace in organized chaos”) or diving into a good book with an orange cold brew. (I’d love to say this is daily, but hey, let’s keep it real.) Evenings are for board games, or catching up with friends and my cousin over a laugh and a good vent about life. And lately, I’ve been trying out new hobbies—my current pick? Calligraphy. Maybe I’ll get good enough that you’ll see my “why” in my handwriting soon enough!

But the point of all this? There’s something special in these routines—my own rhythm, a reminder that life is best savored in its small, simple moments. So, dating me? It’s like discovering joy in the everyday, little things. I’ll let you be the judge of that… though fair warning, I can be a bit of a handful sometimes. Khikhikhi.

But But! What are these “little things” I love so much? Call me insane or dreamy, but most of life unfolds in these everyday moments. Think about it—tomorrow could turn into a See series (yes, that’s an Apple TV show; worth a watch!) or The Handmaid’s Tale ( a dystopian era). Okay, maybe I went a bit dark there, but given the rate at which we’re exhausting ourselves and the planet, it’s not totally impossible, is it? Just a thought... yet another reason to savor the “now” while we still can.

The Little Things I Love

Life is full of quiet wonders if we just let ourselves feel them. Like those spontaneous kitchen dance moments when I’m twirling to a tune, singing (terribly, I’ll admit) at the top of my lungs while experimenting with some new recipe. Sometimes, I imagine I’m a member of 4 Non Blondes (particularly - What's up ), and the kitchen becomes my stage. I know I’m off-key, but those moments—unpolished, unplanned, blissfully silly—make me feel so alive. That’s the beauty of the little things: they don’t demand perfection, just presence. And trust me, I need that reminder! I can be a perfectionist (not a great thing), but I’m working on letting go and just enjoying the process. ⚠️ WIP

And then there’s my love for sunlight. I’ll find a spot, close my eyes, and let the sun's warmth fall on my eyelids, wrapping around me like a cozy blanket. Did you know that when sunlight filters through closed eyes, it creates a phenomenon called phosphenes? Those little shapes and colors—fiery oranges, soft pinks, and golden hues—that dance behind your eyelids? It blew my mind the first time I experienced it! I felt like a witch with hidden powers, like I could see things others couldn’t. The sun paints a personal masterpiece just for me in that moment, holding me in warmth, whispering its secrets. It’s peaceful, almost womb-like, and for those few seconds, the world feels as soft and silent as the colors behind my eyelids. You should try that too, tomorrow. :D

Beyond the daily rhythm, there are a few things that spark my spirit—like hiking. I take my time (yes, 5'2" comes with its challenges), but I savor each step. And yes, people love using my head as a handrest. Not my favorite thing, honestly. But I digress! Hiking grounds me. There’s something about stopping to take in a landscape that stretches forever, like nature’s own quiet power on display. Being alive feels like an honor, a chance to witness this beauty without disrupting it. Why not let it last a little longer so we can all share it? My next big dream? An expedition to Antarctica with Robert Swan’s 2041 Foundation. It’s a chance to push myself, to see beyond, to witness the raw, untamed beauty at the edge of the world. And yes, I really want to meet penguins! Did you know they hold hands and sleep as couples? It’s so adorable; the more I read about them, the more empathy I have (well knowing after their depression).

And soon, I’m off to see another of nature’s wonders—the Northern Lights. I’m excited, thrilled, and a bit nervous (okay, maybe very nervous). I’ll finally stand beneath that vast, dark sky, watching colors shift and weave in ways only nature could imagine. It’s like a cosmic dance party, and for once, I’m not the one singing! This has been a long-time dream of mine, and yes, it’s a bit terrifying (hello, anxiety!), but I wouldn’t have it any other way. Who knows—maybe I’ll meet someone equally bold out there, and we can have a Star Wars lightsaber duel under the auroras, orange dark chocolate in other hand. (Yep, I’m that kind of silly, so habibi, get off the couch already and join the adventure!)

I like keeping life interesting with new goals, fresh hobbies, and just the right hint of unpredictability. Honestly, surprises and unpredictability make me a little anxious, but doing things despite that? That’s my version of living at the edge as an adult. LOL. To me, life is long, but the phases are short. I want to experience as many as I can. Life itself? It’s about living... just living.

Well, look at that—I’ve rambled on for four paragraphs, and I haven’t even hit the big stuff yet. Am I actually chatty? I thought I wasn’t! But hey, I’ll save some topics for later… some things need to stay mysterious, right? Makes sense, doesn’t it? Well, at least I hope it does. Arrgh there it goes again my overthinking brain.

What should I talk next? Umm ummmm How about little bit of

What I’m Looking For
Alright, let’s get a few things off my chest. I’ve got a 90’s heart in a world that’s always swiping and scrolling a little too fast. Sure, I can keep up, but I’d rather slow down, savor the moment, and build something meaningful. Remember the days of putting in real effort? The art of growing together, taking time, letting things unfold? Oh gosh, I just started humming Likhe jo khat tujhe wo teri yaad mein… It’s such a beautiful song; give it a listen! Kaha gayein woh ache din?

My parents had that kind of romance—they wrote love letters back and forth in English (Dad’s letters) and Marathi (Amma’s letters), each learning the other’s language just to connect. Do you see the charm in that? The “beyondness” in love that goes past convenience. I want that! Because, well, that’s who I am too. I know times change, but I’d love a relationship where the effort is there, and where I can embrace my feminine energy without always having to take the lead. ( Talene byada nangein)

So, what am I looking for? I’m drawn to people who live with curiosity and a sense of humor. Someone who values the experiences that come with adventures and journeys but also finds fullfilment in quiet moments—whether it’s watching a sunset, savoring a Sunday morning, bikkering with kids or discovering the perfect playlist to unwind. A bit of wanderlust and a love for both big dreams and small delights go a long way with me.

Reliability, ambition, and purpose are traits I admire deeply. There’s something truly attractive about a man who’s sure of himself, who knows what he wants, and isn’t afraid to go all in—especially when that means showing up and putting in the work. He’s someone who’s had his own journey, understands his strengths, and is comfortable leading, whether it’s planning an adventure or tackling life’s big decisions.

I appreciate a grounded guy with his priorities straight, balancing ambition with a kind heart and a good laugh. Family matters to me, so someone with close ties, from a functional, supportive background, would fit right in. Financial independence and stability are important, too; I admire someone practical enough to handle life’s realities but who still dreams—and maybe we can team up to support each other’s dreams. Honestly, I believe we all grow up, but I’m not looking for someone to just grow old with—I want someone with whom I can keep that childlike spirit alive. Someone I can be a kid with, again and again. (vice versa)

And while I tend to think of software engineers for these qualities (maybe because I am one), I know these qualities aren’t limited to any job title—it’s all about mindset.

Bonus points if you’re ready to try unusual fruit combos, eating fresh snow with honey (a bucket list item of mine), or wouldn’t mind a board game challenge. Or if you’d love to teach me something about your passion or hobby—oh yeah, flaunt it all, habibi. If you’ve got that mix of depth, humility, and humor, you might just be who I’m looking for. 🤭

Taking a Breather, Gonna sip something sweat

Alright, I think I need a break from all this yapping! You probably do too, right? Eyes starting to pop? Take a breather, sip something sweet, and stretch those legs a bit. 😄

While I was sipping my Kahwah (yep, discovered it on a solo Kashmir trip, and it’s amazing), I started thinking. There’s so much I want to share, but maybe it’s time for a little summary—so here’s a quick rundown of the essentials, in case you need a roadmap!

The Basics

• Height: 5’2”
• Heritage: A proud North Karnataka + Maharashtra hybrid, steeped in culture and tradition but raised without strict religious norms.
• Energy Level: High! I’m bubbly, love my curls, and am full of life.
• Faith: My grounding force. Not a specific belief, but it keeps me connected to the bigger picture.
• Languages: English, Hindi, Kannada, Marathi (understand but not fluent in speaking), French (Learning)
• Ethnicity: Proudly from Uttar Karnataka (South Indian)!
• Diet: Vegetarian (for now!). But I'm open to exploring beyond it. I’ve been considering trying non-veg to break out of my comfort zone—and my irrational fear about disturbing the ecological food chain. Traveling and missing out on so much cuisine has me rethinking things!

About My Life

Work
I’m a DevOps | SRE engineer at a startup, which you probably already know if you’ve browsed this site—my entire resume is basically here!

Family
I light up talking about my nieces (I’m an aunt of three now!). My cousin lives nearby, and I visit them often—not just for the cuteness, though my nieces bring plenty of that.

As for me, I’m pretty much on my own. Everything I am today is built from my own blood, sweat, and grit. Self-made, proud of it, and continuing to make my way forward. I’m grateful for the journey and proud of the person I’ve become.

Fitness
I exercise regularly (basically I prefer simple things that requires consitency for long hours) because:

• I want to be a strong, badass granny.
• It boosts my mood and energy levels.
• I believe in living fully, and intermittent fasting helps me feel my best. I keep it realistic, balancing it all with a weekly average.

What I’m Looking For

• Relationship Goals: You’re excited to be a companion first, husband and can’t wait to be a dad someday.
• Independence: You live independently and appreciate a self-sufficient lifestyle.
• Location: You’re open to Bangalore—or the adventure of moving abroad or living abroad.
• Physical Health: You take fitness seriously and prioritize a healthy lifestyle.
• Emotional Maturity: You’re in touch with your emotions and handle them responsibly.
• Mental Health: You go to therapy or practice self-reflection and actively work on yourself.
• Lifestyle: You don’t smoke. Occasional drinks? Sure—sometimes a bit of socializing or networking calls for it.
• Ethnicity: If ethnicity isn’t a big deal to you, then here I am, ready to connect beyond labels. But if you’re looking to connect over backgrounds, then here’s me, all in! 🐣

Non-Essential Bonuses (but pretty great if you have them)

• Knowledge & Curiosity: I’d love to learn with you. Your attention to detail would be a plus—and it would be fun to teach each other!
• Ambition: You make things happen, whether in work or personal projects. Also, sometimes I don’t want to use my brain, so your schemes could be a nice break! (Or we can be each other’s cheerleaders.)
• Family-Oriented: You have a solid relationship with your family.
• A Bit Mischievous: A touch of mischief keeps things fun! And I am good at rizzz.

A Few Quirks and Beliefs

• I believe in finding the good in life, even when it’s hard.
• My love for giving back to society is real, and yes, I may have strong opinions about it.
• I have a soft spot for capitalism and a general optimism about life and kids.
• The cause I support? It’s complicated—I’m all for humanity, but sometimes it feels like we’re racing toward the edge. Nature’s resilience has limits, and I think about this a lot. (A little dark, maybe, but it’s important to me.)

Getting in Touch

Think we’d match? I’d love to hear from you! Drop me a line at ashwinigaddagiwork@gmail.com.

No need to write a novel (but if you do, I’ll definitely appreciate it). Just the basics and a few photos will do! Bonus if you link to your online presence—I’d love a little peek into your world.

Looking forward to hearing from you! 😊