In the closing chapter of her podcast, Shilpa delves into the series of events that led to her life-altering decisions, marking the culmination of her journey from grief to hope. This episode is both lengthy and introspective, so she encourages her listeners to grab a drink or snack as they join her.

Shilpa begins by acknowledging that making the difficult choice to leave her stagnant marriage wasn't a sudden epiphany; it was the result of profound self-questioning and introspection. As someone who had rarely expressed her inner thoughts, it was a monumental leap for her to declare her desire for change. This transformation started with relentless questioning, which she describes as the genesis of her personal growth.

Seeking guidance, she embarked on a spiritual journey with a life coach who challenged her to explore her role in her own struggles. While initially defensive, Shilpa realized she held the key to her situation. This realization ignited her desire for change, culminating in her decision to prioritize herself and explore a more meaningful existence.

After three years of feeling stuck, she confronted her husband with her decision to move out, marking a major turning point. Simultaneously, Shilpa sought new job opportunities in India, aiming to break free from the limitations of the US visa system.

The journey home was fraught with mixed emotions—excitement for new beginnings and sadness at leaving behind cherished relationships and a ten-year partnership. Yet, with conviction and gratitude, Shilpa embarked on her journey, vowing to live life authentically and with purpose.

Returning to India after nearly a decade, Shilpa faced the challenges of reintegration into a transformed society, and she shares the emotional and spiritual growth she experienced in the process. Amid the chaos, she discovered inner serenity, mental well-being, and a rekindled passion for dancing.

As she concludes her podcast, Shilpa's message to her audience is to embark on their own paths to self-fulfillment, recognizing the importance of self-awareness and the need to prioritize their own happiness. Her narrative serves as a poignant reflection on her journey from despair to self-discovery, inspiring others to seek their own transformative paths.

In the fourth episode of "In the Making," Shilpa opens up about the profound decisions she had to confront following her daughter Theia's heartbreaking passing. Initially, Shilpa and her husband shared the dream of a picture-perfect suburban life with a spacious home and a family, even purchasing a house for Theia. However, as Theia's condition deteriorated, their home transformed into a haunting reminder of their loss.

Shilpa and her husband found themselves at odds regarding their future paths. While Shilpa was drawn to raising awareness about genetic disorders and charity work, even considering a move to a different country, her husband clung to the idea of a traditional family life as a means to preserve Theia's memory. These conflicting desires strained their marriage, leading to difficult conversations about family, children, IVF, and adoption.

Eventually, Shilpa agreed to pursue IVF, grappling with the fear of betraying Theia but motivated by her concern for her husband's happiness. Despite this compromise, she continued to struggle emotionally.

A trip to India in late 2019 intensified her inner turmoil. Upon returning to the US, Shilpa reversed her decision, recognizing that her true calling lay beyond the conventional suburban life.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought further complications, prompting them to sell their house in anticipation of a separation. During this time, Shilpa sought guidance from a life coach, addressing her inner conflicts.

In December 2020, during another trip to India, Shilpa made the difficult but necessary decision to part ways with her husband. Although she lacked concrete plans for the future, she felt a sense of calm and clarity regarding this choice.

In the next and final episode, Shilpa promises to provide more details on her decision to move out and relocate to India. She invites listeners to reach out via email and expresses gratitude for their support.

In the third episode of "In the Making," host Shilpa continues her heartbreaking journey after receiving the devastating diagnosis that her daughter, Theia, had the rare genetic disorder GM1 Gangliosidosis.
Shilpa reflects on how her life was suddenly filled with uncertainty, questions, and grief as they learned to care for Theia. She emphasizes the importance of seeking support and prioritizing mental and physical health, recognizing that caregivers need care too. The episode details the gradual decline in Theia's abilities and the need for hospice and hospital care. Ultimately, Theia peacefully passed away in January 2018, leaving Shilpa and her family to grapple with grief and questions about genetics.
Shilpa acknowledges her privilege and the need for increased awareness and empathy surrounding rare genetic disorders, particularly for women and families in similar situations.
She hints at the next episode, where she'll discuss how this experience shaped her life and relationships.