Karishma lost her father when she was just a baby.
Her mother became her entire world, raising her and four siblings with unwavering love. But life tested her again.
When her mother passed away, Karishma was left standing in the ruins of a dream she once held close.
“I always wanted to be a chef — that was my dream,” she said. “But misfortune shattered it.”
Grief took time to mend, but Karishma’s spirit did not stay broken. One day, she looked at herself and decided she had to rise.
“I missed my mum — very much. But I had to stand on my own two feet,” she said.
“She always told me to ignore negativity and work hard. That’s the hope I hold on to.”
Today, Karishma lives in Naria, just outside Rakiraki Town, with her brother-in-law and aunt, who is visually impaired.
To keep the family afloat, she sells eggs, potatoes, onions, garlic and spices at Rakiraki Market — a job she has done faithfully for years.
But every morning, as she lays out her produce, she is reminded of her dream.
“Times are hard. There are good days and bad days,” she admitted.
“But I haven’t given up. I don’t see myself selling eggs forever. I want my own place. I want to be independent — just the way my mum would have wanted.”
Karishma dropped out of Year 9 in 2017 to care for her ailing mother. A year later, an asthma attack took her away.
Since then, while many of her peers are still asleep at 3 a.m., Karishma is already awake — cooking breakfast and lunch before beginning her long day.
“When I reach home in the afternoon, I’m sometimes very tired,” she said.
“But I still do my chores. I’m inspired by the people who depend on me. I work hard knowing the money I earn helps put food on the table and pays the bills.”
Though she lost her mother, Karishma is not without guidance. Her elder sister has become her anchor.
“My sister is my mentor and my guide,” she said with gratitude.
“She advises me, and I listen. She tells me to stay away from boys and focus on work. I value her advise.”
When she finally finds a moment for herself, Karishma returns to the thing she loves most — cooking. Lamb curry is her favourite. She also likes to read and write in her personal diary, filling its pages with hoped and dreams she still believes will come true.
Devi’s journey is not one of defeat. It is a story of a young woman who, despite losing almost everything, refuses to let go of the future she imagines.
Because somewhere beyond the market stalls and long days, a kitchen awaits her.
And Karishma still believes she will get there.
Karishma Devi (left) and a friend at the Rakiraki Market. Picture: ALIFERETI SAKIASI
