India, May 13 -- For many NRIs, the first trip back to India is a whirlwind of nostalgia and sensory overload. However, for Justin Timothy Bhandari, a Vancouver-based social media manager who moved to Canada in 2018, his recent visit to Delhi with his partner felt like meeting an old friend for the first time. From questioning his decision while staring at the city's smog to feeling an instant sense of belonging upon landing, Bhandari's journey is one of rediscovered roots. In an exclusive chat with HT.com, he opened up about navigating the "not Indian enough" gaze, introducing his Canadian partner, Kevin, to his welcoming Delhi family, and why he finally felt "normal" after years of hiding his true self.

Talking about him and his partne...