The Coming-of-Age & Cultural Focus Rani's life begins on a journey, a one-month-old baby carried from the turmoil of Partition-era Lahore to the vibrant, multicultural streets of Singapore. Growing up in a bustling flat in Little India, her world is a rich tapestry of her mother's cardamom-scented memories, her father's steadfast faith, and the diverse cultures of her Chinese and Malay neighbours. As the second eldest of nine children, Rani's childhood is a delicate dance between responsibility and discovery. She learns to haggle like a "little lioness" at the market, finds joy in Bollywood blockbusters, and forms a beautiful friendship with Amina, the daughter of a family friend, sharing in the celebrations of both Eid and Diwali. But as she blossoms, Rani begins to question the traditional path laid out for girls like her. Witnessing her older sister's marriage, she feels the weight of expectation settle on her own shoulders and a quiet determination to forge a different future. This is a beautifully rendered story of a young girl's coming-of-age, a poignant tale of family, friendship, and resilience. It is a celebration of a bicultural identity, exploring how one can honor the roots of heritage while bravely reaching for the branches of a new world.