I am the eldest of three siblings. My younger sister Richa is also into swimming. Though we have our share of fights, it never gets serious. In fact we are the best of friends, but I am partial towards my younger brother, Adri, who is only four years old. I love to pamper him.

I am a daddy’s girl even though I am equally close to my mother. Since my father is stationed in Delhi and comes down only during holidays, he pampers us a lot. My mother is always around and scolds us whenever we are up to any mischief. So she more than compensates for all that extra pampering by my father.

My mother is a teacher and she makes sure that we do not neglect our studies. I studied in Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, and was always a very attentive student. I never missed my classes. Nor was I ever up to any mischief.

I remember when I was in nursery, my maternal uncle used to tease me and say that he had come to my school and had spotted me outside the class, holding my ears. I would deny this vehemently, as it had never happened. But one day, when my uncle had actually come over to my school, I happened to be standing outside the class!

I was only three when I had insisted on sitting on my walker. It was converted into a swing and hung up in the balcony. I was too heavy for that and as I sat on it, three of the ropes that held it gave way. I was hanging up there with only one rope holding it and I clutched on to it with my little fingers. I can never forget the incident.

My mother, a sportsperson herself, has been my inspiration. I took a year’s break after completing my plus II with science. I now intend to continue with my education and will soon be joining the Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education in Gwalior so that I can continue with my studies along with swimming.