"All Your senses are just fine", He said

I was in love. It was one of those high school stories, where you are friends for quite some time before you take a step ahead, and enter the “relationship” phase. Sigh! It may sound weird now. But it was a trend in those days. I guess it is still a trend to date in high school. It is casual. I did not think it to be impermanent, and short-lived. I had a story in mind, but not everything works according to the plan. Does it?

We broke up.

It was tough.

But it was for the best. Because when some of them exit, many more beautiful ones enter. And so did He. The Hero of my story.

I never took real notice of him until then. That one conversation which awakened me to his presence.

He had known it all along, about how I was struggling to move on in life. Now when I look back, I realize how he really was there with me, for me, at every step. If I had only noticed it back then! He was a friend. More of a classmate in college. But he became more. Much more.

He started the conversation. It was the usual one, like any two friends would have. But soon enough, he read the gloominess in my eyes. He became uncomfortable. I could sense that. He wanted to see the sparkle in my eyes, he told me. I smiled, and said “I am trying.” “Trying is not enough. You need to move on.” I was surprised he knew. He knew it so well. I tried to look away.

“Close your eyes”, he said. I was confused. “Close your eyes”, he said again. I did as instructed, obedient as a little school girl. Well, I was too tired to disobey. “Can you see your self – the carefree one?” I did not know what to say. I tried to see myself. I did. I nodded.

He did not say anything for quite some time. We just stood like that. It must have looked funny, from a distance. But then, I felt comforted in a weirdly un-comforting way. “I am here for you”, he said next. I opened my eyes and looked at him. “Can you hear me say that?” I did not know where the conversation was going. “Yes”, I said. “Great!” he said.

He took my hand in his, “Can you feel the touch?” “Obviously”, I said. “Awesome!” he said.

I am generally not the one to feel awkward during a conversation, but here, this guy was asking me strange things. Why? I asked myself. I really thought of saying a polite good bye and leave. This was not going anywhere.

He must have somehow sensed what I was thinking about. “Just five minutes, and then you can go”, he said. I was taken aback. Could he be reading my mind secretly? How?

“I had bought this chocolate for you earlier today. Will you please have a bite?” he asked. I was in no mood to have a chocolate! But I did. Again, like an obedient school girl. “How does it taste?” “It is fine. Just how a roast-almond tastes.” By the way, how did he know that I liked roast almond is still unanswered.

“Take a deep breath in, and out. Can you do it for me?” he said. “Why?” I asked. He made such a puppy like face; it was hard to say anything else. He still uses this tactic to make me do things I really don’t want to do. I breathed in and out. I thought as if I was at ease after like months. I could sense the breeze, and felt light. I liked it.

What was this guy doing? And why? We were decent friends back in first year. But over the last few months, I hadn't even bothered to stay in touch. I hadn't wished him on his birthday. I guess it just went by. Or it didn't? I don’t know. I did not even care. I was struggling in my own life, trying to pull back everything together.

“All your senses are just fine”, he said. “Huh?” I looked straight into his eyes. They were beautiful. They were hard to miss. And still I had missed them, missed him for so long.

“You are still responding to everything around you. You are living. Isn't that great?” he was saying.

“I don’t get your point. I know all my senses are fine.”

“I know it was one important part of your life. But isn't it over? Haven’t you cried enough? Shouldn't you be taking it easy now? Your senses want you to feel everything around you. There are people who miss seeing your smile, miss hearing your loud shrieks, miss getting your hugs, miss seeing you eat with happiness, miss seeing you content. And everything is still okay. It can be made better. You are not trying hard.”

I stood there …listening to whatever he was saying. Many of my friends had tried to make me feel better, and given me all those pep talks. But wasn't this beautiful? Wasn't this so much more meaningful? Or did I feel so at that point in time?

“Don’t give up Moti! You are a tough nut to crack. Aren't you?”

Yes, he called me Moti back then. He won’t dare say that now. I run quite a tight ship these days. I smiled. Not the fake smile. A real one.

“Why are you being so sweet to me? I asked.

“Am I not always sweet?” he asked.

“Not really.”

“Well, let me begin it from today then. I expect to get sweetness in return though.”

“What do you want me to do in return?”

“Smile a little more every day. Promise?”

I laughed. It was a feel good laughter. I couldn't thank him enough, for he made me think. I took a minute during that conversation, and tried to make sense of what I was doing. Crying over something which cannot be repaired. But not everything should be repaired. You dispose of the unimportant things. Don’t you?

“I promise. And thank you.”

 He gave me a high five, and that broad grin. Obviously, he told me not to thank him again. We said goodbyes and walked towards our respective vehicles.

I thought about this conversation the whole time while driving back home. I couldn't believe I was thinking about something else for a while. Things had to fall into place. But it was time; I made sure I try harder to make things better. I smiled.

This is one of those conversations that stick with you for a very long time, and you go over it in your head, again and again. Because you like it that way.

But had it been not for him, I would have struggled a little more to make sense of my senses.

We came closer. That was not a surprise. For someone who could read me like that, it was certain we had a story of our own. And we are living it now. And I couldn't be happier. I couldn't be more thankful, to my senses, and to him, for making me feel alive! Once again!

Thank you.

I am in love again. This time, not because it is a trend. But because it makes sense!

Tonight!

Sitting under the stars tonight

I wonder when I will see the light

I look above to understand the signs

Is there something that I need to define?

It is a wait, a wait so long

Almost a melancholy song

Every day brings a ray of hope

They turn me down, difficult to cope

Again I try to write a new story

To reach towards that glory

I know the smile will be true again

The way gladness comes after the pain

But have I forgotten that delight

The pleasant sight

To feel carefree for one more time

See again that prime

They say it is all about the wait

I say maybe it is just fate

While a few have it all too soon

My sun will shine bright at noon

I will sing like the birds – not bothering about what others think

It will all change within a blink

And I will have a dreamless sleep

The happiness will again run deep!

Because without you ...

Tonight is another ordinary night

When I’m missing your sight

It is now an unpleasant bit

My life doesn't seem to fit

Because without you, my love, there’s a void very deep

You, close to me, I always want to keep!

I remember all the times I had you in my arms

How you always helped me to be calm

If ever there was a crisis too big

Every possible solution you would dig

Now it all seems so colorless

My life is a mess

Because without you, my love, there’s a void very deep

You, close to me, I always want to keep!

Those days seem dreamlike, when I could feel your touch

I shall fail to express I miss you how much

That comfort while lying next to you

Come to me, my love, do you need another cue?

But slowly your scent is fading away

Quite to my dismay

Because without you, my love, there’s a void very deep

You, close to me, I always want to keep!

I see the happy faces around

How beautifully to one another they are bound

I wonder why that cannot be for us

Perhaps too late to discuss

I won’t lie about how badly I want things to be a cakewalk

Life appears to be an un-moving clock

Because without you, my love, there’s a void very deep

You, close to me, I always want to keep!

But there’s something that makes me believe

We've something so beautiful, we just can’t leave

How can we not try?

When all we want is to be high

High on life together we shall be

Close your eyes and you will see

Because with you, my love, there’s no void so deep

You, always close to me, awake and when I shall sleep!

NOTperfect

We have always imagined the perfect. We always strive for the perfections. We only want the very best to happen to us. We have been fortunate to inch closer to perfection.

But is it always perfect? Is it always easy? A cakewalk?

I am afraid not. Because perfection is a concept. A unique concept. But many of us do live it …almost live it …a few are near it …the others are not too distant. And there are a few who are far away. Very far.

There are perfect individuals. Almost perfect ones too. They have almost everything one needs, or one can dream of. They are in a place in life where they are glad, they are content. Contrast next. There are the NOTperfect ones. They don’t know how to move ahead. Every second step is a struggle. Every new day is a battle. But do they give up? Oh no. they are trying to find their own perfection.

There are perfect relationships. The bright ones, the vibrant ones, who are out there – not afraid of what tomorrow brings, they know nothing can dampen their existence. And then there are the ones who are constantly grinded – NOTperfect. Nowhere closer. They are lost …trying to carve out their own paths. There are continuous fights, and abuses, oh also! …a few beatings. Do they give up? Some of them do. The others are too afraid to let go. They have a strange hope of finding their own bit of perfection.

Sigh perfection!

Why perfection?

There are perfect homes. Loving parents and obedient children. Happy faces and wishes fulfilled. Up-to-date fashion knowledge and glamor quotient. Sweet. Next, the almost-perfect ones. Striving to become the best. And the okay ones. These are the ones who are trying to be content.

And then there are those NOTperfect homes. They don’t know what having a family feels like …what togetherness is. They know something is missing, they know they can never be perfect. It is weird to imagine homes which are not happy. Homes where there is less of warmth, and more of anger. Homes which negate the essence of their very existence. But do they stop living? Do they stop dreaming? I am afraid not. Because they know …somewhere down the lane, they will either find their perfect world, or give up on the concept of perfection.

So what is it that keeps the NOTperfect ones moving? Hope? Belief? Or may be a desire …a distant, difficult desire to become perfect!

But is perfection enough? Though we may feel so, it is not. Really.

We all have heard the philosophy “Imperfections are beautiful”. But only a few of us know how difficult it is to be NOTperfect, and still go out there in front of the world and smile. More so laugh. Act like you are the perfect ones too. It pains. It hurts. But you have to continue to smile.

Why?

Cry out if you are hurt. It doesn’t show how weak you are. It only shows how you have accepted your imperfection. It is not a sin to be imperfect. It is only a temporary state. The moment you accept that some things are the best the way they are, you are at peace. Instead, you can work on the other almost-perfect things in life …in the end what do you want? Perfection is it?

Go for it. But not after losing the calmness of your mind … But after winning over the feeling of being “NOTperfect”.

Eid Mubarak!

It is Eid tomorrow. Yes, Eid. A festival I was rarely aware about. And had I not been friends with a few people, I would be completely clueless about this very beautiful festival. Today I know. And I’m glad about it.

Actually, aren’t all festivals beautiful? There is something unique about each one of them …be it the lighting of the diyas, or playing with colors, be it singing carols and welcoming “Santa”, or dancing gleefully to welcome the Goddess of Strength …the list is endless. The list is only a way to depict how we, human beings, love to celebrate. Everything. Almost everything.

But there is a missing link. A missing link between the festivals we celebrate and the ones we don’t celebrate …between the things we understand and the things we refuse to understand …the happiness we believe in and the happiness which we decline to accept.

I had always wondered about this disconnect. Isn’t the main idea is to bring in happiness? Is the reason behind the happiness more important than simply seeing those happy faces? Alas! The answer for a few is a “Yes”. Though, I am glad these answer bearers are decreasing almost as steadily as I want them to, there are still a few of them …who refuse to see the light.

Why should we remain unknown to the great things in life? Unless of course, we are too sure that they are not meant for us. But how can we be sure? Ever? We cannot be. Everything is meant for everyone …somehow or the other. You just need to find that out. In due course of time, everything gets clearer. All the silly differences between the caste/creed/religion move out of sight. You start respecting the person. Not her culture/religion.

And why should we even care to judge anyone on the basis of what religion she follows? Or what festival he celebrates? Too petty no! Well eventually, it is about being happy, and no one cares how you do it, how you spread those extra smiles and bring that extra tad bit of togetherness …as long as you do it. Make someone feel good, and content, and thankful!

Being a Hindu shouldn’t stop me from celebrating Eid. Being a Muslim shouldn’t stop anyone from visiting a temple. Being a Christian, shouldn’t stop you from being a part of Durga Pooja. There shall be no place for these matters, if we concentrate only on making more and more space for Happiness. Yeah. Time to try it out.

Well, I am trying. And it feels so much better …better when tiffin with Biryani arrives at my place on every Eid, when home baked cakes are served on Christmas, when we dance till we drop dead on Navratri, and when we have a dozen people over on Diwali!

In the end, it is all about harmony and concord. It is about friendship. It is about all religions being one. It is about us “being Humans”. It is about the extra smiles we spread. It is about less of hatred …and more of love!

I loved Rains!

I loved rains. Not anymore.

And frankly, never have I had time to think about this transition. But recently, it struck me. I live in Manipal … one of those beautiful places in India, known for the heavy rains. I have often noticed people take respite in the monsoons. The rains in Manipal are sudden and take you by surprise, almost every time. There is something about rains – everyone (except a few like me) eagerly wait for it, welcome it with such big smiles.

I, however, find it the dullest season. It is so soggy, so sluggish. You feel lazy. You are actively inactive. Your clothes won’t dry. You will be drenched every time you go out on a two-wheeler, without proper aid. There will be weird looking insects around. And to top that, those slimy worms. Ugh!

But then there are people who feel rains are lovely, associate it with the season of love …almost a synonym for “romance”. They find the cool breeze refreshing, and they won’t mind getting soaked in water, every once in a while. Personal choices.

I belonged to the latter set of people once upon a time. But it was so different then. No stupid phones to carry, no credit cards or expensive clutches! This saved on the “worry” part of getting soaked in rains. Further, there was no hurry to reach somewhere …to keep moving. This saved on the “have so many things to do” part. You had all the time in the world to just stand there and rejoice in the rains.

What happens when the muddy water is splashed across the very expensive footwear and clothes you are wearing (showing off)? You curse the person who did that evil thing to you! And later you curse the God damn season. The running around in flip flops, floaters and sneakers, splashing water from the puddles in the past was a totally different scene. Much cute, I must say. You did not care about your clothes, or anything else. All you wanted to do was freak out! Because hey!! Rains are here! :D

Driving in the rains? I shouldn’t start rattling about that. It is annoying. And most of us will agree to that. Facts no! The difference back then was you were picked up in cars, so you could afford to be all drenched, and yet there will be someone with a towel waiting to dry you, and take you home!

Clothes …dry or not? Were you even concerned about that? Not me. Now you know. When you wash clothes, and they don’t dry just when you thought you will wear that specific shirt to work tomorrow. It gets on to you. You curse the season again!

There was no limit to crazy energy levels in those days. Haha! I say “those days” as if that phase was some ten years ago or so. It was not. Trust me. Maybe three years. But it sure feels like a long time ago! Now when the energy ceases to exit, it is easier to blame the dull weather. Who doesn’t like the blame game?

And when you have to sit through boring lectures and ridiculous meetings … Where is room for romance? All those long drives become a thing of the past.

Is the list endless? I guess so. The stark comparisons? You cannot hold me responsible for not loving the rains anymore. I loved it for all the lovely things it brought with it – a hot cup of chaai with the best of people, mom’s garam pakodas, paper boats, water splashes, and long drives. I miss all of that undoubtedly. Those times can be recreated, every now and then. But I doubt if the love for rains will come back.

I loved rains. Once upon a time.

Time to wake up!

It was a long time ago. I was carefree.

As years passed, something changed. I don’t know what. I don’t know how. I am not complaining. Change is good. I believe. But growing up took away something. Something. What? When? How?

Now I know! Maybe I had forgotten to let go. Let go of the things that hurt me, the people who let me down, or the ones who did not stand by. But wasn’t it a very long time ago? Yes indeed. And I had forgotten to forgive. I never realized how essential forgiveness is!

What is “forgiveness”? – The act of letting the negative emotions rest and goodness prevail. Not too big a deal, is it? A bit challenging though. It takes a lot to come to terms with the fact that your expectations were not met. I had completely dismissed the idea of crossing these barriers. Sometime or the other, you have to take a leap …if not now, when?

Life is a journey. You meet people. You love a few, you don’t love the others. The ones you love hurt you, you hurt a few, and a few just part ways – Rightly said. But there’s more to these words. You need to ask yourself … wasn't there a time when you were absolutely crazy about those few? When they were there for you, and you sure had one hell of a time! The crazy laughters! A hundred memories!

It is okay if things change. It is okay if you lose contact. It is okay if you fight. It is okay if you don’t talk. It is not okay to give up everything for a silly argument, or a series of bad days! It is dumb to not ignore the silly things, and move ahead … past all that. Because, well you are growing up. And this is a major part of it.

I was so engrossed in meeting new people, loving the new ones and giving them a place in my life, that I had completely forgotten about how lucky I was to have those others. It is okay that they did not make it to this present state. Surely, they played their parts well.

I still don’t know how things change so much. We let it change actually. Because otherwise, no one can dictate terms. We, human beings have always been such dictators ourselves. We are so busy moving ahead, racing the life’s race; we lose sight of the little things that make sense then, thinking that it can be repaired …later on.

Well, it cannot be repaired. Never. There is no “later” …because, some things cannot be repaired. But the broken pieces can be cleaned, so that there is no mess around. It is clean. It is so much easier to live when it is all taken care of. What is life with mess everywhere?

Sometimes we do feel we are losing it. And maybe we really are. But sooner than late, it gets better. There is always a better plan. Tonight, as I remember all the many people who made a difference to me …I want to thank them …for their parts in my life. This one goes out to them! All you people are beautiful.

Maybe, I just woke up. Finally! :) 

One Day!

Everything is so simple when you are young. Like, there are no complications in anything. Whatever you know makes sense. You are not expected to have all the answers. But then, there are a few things that don’t make sense. And you always wonder. Wonder what is happening, why it is happening.

But before you know it …you begin to get the answers. And they are not any close to what you had expected. Nowhere close. You may not even find it pleasant in the first place …like “That’s so weird!”, “Does it really have to be this way?”, but then that is life. The unpleasantness may be more pronounced for girls. We are really the unique ones. Let us just say so.

Periods. Menstrual Flow. Chumming. Down. And a dozen other ways to express the process. The coded words that should not be easily decoded by the males, or else panic strikes! Because we have always been told to be very discreet about the whole thing. I really don’t understand why. What is to hide? What is to be ashamed of? It is a natural process. And you can just not shy away from it.

The Society thinks otherwise. The Indian Society actually. To talk about something like this is totally unacceptable. We may go out of our way to prove how modern we are, how open we have become, but the fact is that we have not broadened our thinking as much as we think we have. We are still stuck. Stuck at these taboos …which don’t make sense. And not even trying to get rid of them.

So when the little girl sees those drops of blood for the very first time, she has no clue what has happened. Maybe thinks it is an injury or a disease she has gotten. She rushes to her mom, only to learn how it happens when you grow up, and how it is very normal for a girl. But then she hears “You mustn’t discuss this with anyone.” “It is not a thing to talk about.” “It shouldn’t be told to your friends.” “Your father shouldn’t know about this.” “Be careful.” The girl is perplexed. Only now she was told that it is a very normal thing. Then why the secrecy?

 But she doesn’t questions. She lets her confusions be. It is already too much to take in. and it feels different. She wonders what else is in store for her. Only to realize there are a lot of things she had never imagined. “No, it doesn’t happen to the guys.” Why not, she asks. “Because that is how God has created us.” That’s all? Educate her. Give her the scientific reasons. Make it easy for her. Please.

Moms cannot be blamed. This is what they were told when it was their first time. Probably. But this girl is different. She is looking for answers. It is time we understand that Periods is not a crisis situation. It is as natural as brushing your teeth every morning, or maybe as special as going out for an expensive dinner date once a month. It depends on how you perceive it to be. But let me tell you, it is no sin. It is no extra ordinary event. So please try to calm down. If at all you come to know about one of your friends chumming, you don’t have to giggle and exclaim! You don’t have to start the “Hoos!” and the “Haas!” it is only normal.

It is about time when we break away from the age old customs too. Earlier, the girls who had their menstrual cycle were not allowed to enter kitchens, or be a part of religious ceremonies. Even to begin to understand why they had such norms is beyond me! But then the ladies suffered …treated like untouchables for those few days. Crap. But now though the situations have gotten better, the weird things are still practiced in places. The very educated families, the very independent women, highly bold girls, are all party to such behavior. And I really don’t know why. All this education for nothing? As they day, there is that very thin line between literacy and education. These people make me realize how we’re only focusing on the “literacy” aspect in our lives.

The whole idea of writing this piece was not to attract unnecessary attention. But to awaken your minds …to help you reach a place … where Periods is not that big a deal; where men are aware about when their wives/sisters are down; where the boyfriend bears with the girlfriend’s mood swings; where the brother can go and buy tampons/sanitary napkins for his mother/sister; where the TV channels showing Whisper/Stayfree advertisements need not be changed awkwardly; where females don’t have to hide the fact that they bought sanitary napkins

But to reach such a state requires us to speak up. Educate our children. Do not shy away from giving the details and answering everything they need to know. Be an example for others. Because dodging the questions of your daughter will not make it easy for her, answering them will. That One Day will change her life, be sure you make it worth it. 

(also featured in www.menstrupedia.com)

When a dream comes true!

All this while you work hard, trying everything possible to inch closer to that one thing you have always dreamed about …that one thing you have always passionately wanted. Every day, you get up with the eyes set on that one thing, you figure out how everything you alter in yourself may help you to get what you want …reach your destination. It is a constant battle to get better from your earlier self, and it is not easy.

You always imagine how it will feel to finally achieve it …to finally be able to relax and take everything easy. The thought is so satisfying. You want to sit down, take a minute off, enjoy and feel everything around you. But you don’t have time for that …there is always that rush to prove yourself, not only to the world but to your own self. You are constantly running, to reach the finish line.

And you fail in the process. There are so many obstacles in the path that there are days when you want to just let go …give it up! But you fight …you continuously fight. Because you want it that bad! Because it is everything you have always wanted.

Then what happens when one fine day, you actually get it! Yes, you have it. You have achieved it. You have reached where you wanted to. You have made it to the finish line in time. For a minute you are numb, you just don’t know what to do, how to react …because there are just way too many emotions in your mind. You are ecstatic, and insanely relieved, you are proud, and you are confused …confused about what you will do the next day! You did not realize it when you were chasing it, that you have gotten tired …very tired. And now you need rest. A peaceful sleep where you don’t have to worry what tomorrow might bring.

Suddenly you have everyone’s attention …obviously because you have achieved something significant. People who had doubted your potential, are all praises …the congratulatory messages don’t stop. So now you get that long-pending attention. Well, that’s how it is. But you don’t really care actually; you are way too engrossed in getting over the fact that you have nailed it! And nailed it bad!

The people who matter to you have never left your side, they have never waited for any proof to have their faith in you …but you are now glad that you made them feel great. Their happiness is what matters in the end. Everything starts falling in place; it is like you have solved a mystery and now you know all the answers. Everything becomes clearer, merrier and easier. 

But this is not the end, just the beginning. You have to start your run again, this time not to prove yourself, but to develop what you have. As they say, it is a cycle: one thing leads to another; one dream gives birth to another. But the very first dream turning into reality gives you an opportunity to dream again. Dream bigger! Because you know if you can do it once, you can certainly do it again!

One Year just went by. Or did it?

With a lot of expectations, and dreams in mind, when I left home last year, it was my Big Step into the real world. Yes, Real world. I emphasize on the word “Real” because as much as we claim that we can survive the hardships in life, unless and until you are out there alone and fighting it yourself, you really cannot say much. You can only claim. So all this while, when at Home, how could I be alone? There was a shield of care, warmth and love, and I really did not know how it would be without the most awesome people by my side.

I was only excited, rather than worried...That goes with my image of a “Strong Girl”. Isn’t it? But really, excited to live each day as it comes, to see how it feels like to be out of your comfort zone, without knowing anyone around. It was like starting from the scratch …making new bonds and lasting relationships. And obviously, a lot goes into that: time, and attention.

Like always, my Mom had to make sure I am “deported” systematically, so she had to come to drop me off. Like obviously. You cannot do much about it. She has always been like this …the over protective one! And later complaints how I am always dependent on her …like come on! You spoon feed me all the time Momma! My sister came too. She never accepts it, but she gets worried for me too …like come on! I am the elder one, I feel otherwise so many times. So it really didn’t strike me that I will be left alone till the day these guys went back. And then it hit me! Whoa! Hello Priyanka!

I may be making it quite a big deal now. Was I pretty chilled out back then? Maybe. But what I see when I look back today, is someone who could not imagine the idea of spending a weekend by herself or having a meal alone, forget living alone. I have come a long way. Well everyone evolves. Eventually. But then is it that big a deal? Some may prefer not to even think about it, that’s how insignificant it is for them! While the others, like me, can write an entire blog post about the “Evolution”. Everyone has their own way. 

I hear people saying how time just flew by. We just did not realize, and it was already a year. I use the quote myself sometimes. But to think about it, I realize it did not just fly by …it never does …it happened. I lived every day, I experienced everything, all the laughter …smile …feel-good-factor …love …hatred …anger … lasted their due amount, before I labelled it as memories: pleasant or otherwise. I stuck up on days, on the sad & weird things, I laughed for months on the same old jokes, I cried on the silliest of things. So it did not really just vanish into thin air, but I made all that appear so …because we battle it out …like a Boss! So time passes at its usual pace, we associate differently with different things. It is always “US” …wow! So almost a year now, and there are days when I feel how different everything has become and how I want to run back …only to realize this is a stage in Life, and like everyone else I have to manage it. Well, it is not that big a deal. Everyone else seems to do just fine. I am getting better. Oh yes! All happy experiences in the end! The happy-ending type. Woot!

My college and the people I met played quite a role to make me feel that the time just “flew by” …because unless and until you are not comfortable around people and are not yourself, how will your mind be at ease? How are you supposed to be content? Or learn well? Or just develop yourself? But then not all of them are the ones you like …there are a few faces you cannot stand, a few you wish to punch hard, or a few you just feel pity on! But in the end, you learn. You get to see the variety God has created! 

I am an independent person today. Almost. And it will not be very difficult the next time. Or the time after that. The first time is always the toughest, and the most memorable. In almost everything. And once you survive the first retard moving-out phase, the others follow. And feel like a cakewalk. I can say that because presently I am struggling with another city: my second – Cochin. But I am glad the first one was that exciting, that new, that “Manipal-y”!! :)