What does an education and career in science truly look like from the inside? What does it mean to be a woman in science? Is a career in science compatible with marriage, motherhood, hobbies and work-life balance? The Real Deal offers aspiring girl scientists an authentic, behind-the-scenes view of a contemporary woman scientist’s journey in India. Blending memoir and reportage, Dr Karishma Kaushik shares real-life stories from her career in medicine and science—complete with failed experiments, hard choices, and moments of joy and fulfilment. Honest, insightful, and often humorous, this book reveals the challenges, questions, and triumphs that shape a life in science, inspiring readers to discover their own path with purpose and curiosity.