My life in America had greatly improved since last year. Instead of trying to fix everything from my cooking to my emotional state of mind, my focus had shifted to improving my research skills. While grades had always been a validation factor for me in the past, this year was different. I had completed a course on "How to Live Abroad" without worrying about grades and felt a sense of accomplishment. Now, the only remaining challenge was to better understand physics, as everything else was almost sorted.
As I returned to India in December 2022, I was filled with a sense of contentment. At the age of 25, I felt proud of what I had achieved and was excited to reconnect with those who had helped me reach this point. I packed my bags, purchased gifts, and cleared my mind to make way for new experiences and memories. As we said goodbye to the home we had lived in for the past 1.5 years, I felt a sense of longing to return to this working-home and continue on my path towards achieving more.
Let me share with you the one downside of being an extrovert. As someone who has always been outgoing, I've found that my social circle has expanded far and wide over the years. While that's usually a great thing, it can make finding moments of solitude difficult, even when I'm halfway across the world. But on this trip, something unexpected happened that made me forget all about my need for alone time.
During a long flight from the US to India, I was thrilled to discover that there was a live broadcast of the World Cup final match — between Argentina and France — on every screen. It was December, a time when families around the world reunite, and the excitement of the season was palpable. As I watched, I couldn't help but feel goosebumps rise on my skin. There were cheers for all different moments by different parts of the flight — some for Messi and others for Mbappé. Here I was, thousands of feet in the air, surrounded by people from all walks of life, all of us united by our love for the game. It was a powerful reminder of the unifying force of sports, and a moment that I will never forget.
Now when we approach the age of 27, many of us find ourselves searching for balance between our careers and personal lives. Some of us are already married or engaged, while others are still waiting to find the right partner. The independence culture of our generation has made us hesitant to commit until we feel that we have landed on our feet and are ready for the journey ahead. The need for compromise is ever-present in our lives, whether it's related to time, money, ambition, or dreams. This can be both challenging and rewarding, as we each navigate our own path toward finding the right balance between family, personal growth, space, and stability.
Varanasi
After months of living amidst the hustle and bustle of demanding American lifestyle, a few of us yearned to reconnect with our roots. That's when we decided to embark on a journey to experience the divine city of Kashi, also known as the new Varanasi. Despite initial doubts and hesitations from our parents, we gathered a group of 10 individuals in our mid-20s, all seeking a spiritual experience that would rejuvenate our souls.
Varanasi is a beautiful old town located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, a northern state in India. It holds immense significance in the context of Hinduism, with a rich history that goes back centuries. When we arrived, we were awestruck by the deep-rooted practices and beliefs that permeated every corner of the city. We soaked in the energy of Ma Ganga ghats, visited the famous Kashivishwanath temple, and delved into fascinating stories of ancient Indian culture.
As NRIs, we also relished the delicious food that had eluded us for months in America, savouring every bite of the delectable local cuisine. Of course, we couldn't ignore the downsides, such as the various forms of pollution that plagued the city. Nevertheless, the overall experience left us with a sense of wonder and fulfilment, and we returned to our lives with a newfound appreciation for our heritage and a deeper understanding of our place in the world.
On goodbyes
Last but not the least, keep one thing in mind always — no matter how much time passed at your stay and how beautiful it was, good-byes are never easy! I thought when I was leaving India back in January 2022, that this will be the hardest and next time it will get easier. But now in January 2023 when I leave, I understood that it's never going to be easy and maybe I am never gonna be used to it!
When you go for a last evening out with "Indian" friends and see a clear picture of how their lives are going to shape over the next year — and also realise that you aren't a part of that, excluding "virtually" — it hurts! Not to mention, how my family was "growing" and also "getting old" at the same time! One thing I never understood is the one that everyone wonders — why do parents have to get old along with us, why can't they just stay young!
Anyway, I had managed to hold my tears the entire trip and be strong but the last night I could not, I just could not! The family, the friends, the comfort and the life that is left behind — there is just too much pressure to hold the barrier and not let the emotions flow! We cried together as a family for a while that night and prepared ourselves for the upcoming year with, of course, "A smile"! Let's go back, I thought, to the stupid yet opportunistic work life and make my own "American dream" come true — at least for a year until I come home again!