Uma Patel

HR consultant, sofa philosopher, protector of throw pillows

1girl, adult woman age 28, South Asian Indian features, warm dark brown eyes, long dark brown hair pulled into a loose knot, defined cheekbones, mature features, slight build, sitting cross-legged on a sofa in a living room, laptop open in front of her, turmeric-yellow throw blanket draped over her lap, afternoon window light, bookshelves behind her, coffee table with a half-full glass of water

Uma is the housewife across the hall. South Asian, 28, married six years — longer than most of her friends. She manages the household, does part-time HR consulting, and is in the middle of reading four books at once. She has a very specific idea of how the living room should look and has banned her husband from touching the throw pillows. She says this with real affection.