Ay, mi amor

My first post of the year- had to be special and it had to be done soon, before I found ten thousand more excuses to do everything but devote some time in writing it.

Just as the school closed for the winter vacations that I misquoted twice in class as 'summer vacations' because Mumbai was beaming with joy at 31 degrees. I had no time to rejoice since I had to check (4567890-kidding!) the answer papers before I left for home. By the time the papers were corrected, I couldn't feel my neck, the subtle pain in the right wrist was a constant reminder of how I should've taken it slow. However, I knew all along that it's going to be worth it. Because, it's all worth it when you heading home, right?

What followed after was pure bliss and few episodes of family discussions, without which the visits to home shall always remain incomplete. For the first time in 29 years I wasn't complaining about the freezing cold of the north. It was only because I could no longer take it for granted. Neither the freezing toes nor the warmth of being in my own quilt surrounded by people who made winters bearable for all these years. I was chilled to the bone but the beaming smile on the faces and wagging tales in the background kept the heart full and warm.

When your mom wakes up in the morning because you've politely requested her to make parathas for breakfast, you realise that it's not the first time she's doing this for you but it's after all these years you've realised the value of it. When dad stays up past his bedtime because he wants to spend time with me, as we both sit and watch a series together, you know that your father is as obsessed with netflix as you are! When Maasi and everyone around her (including the househelp) knows that you've arrived for the holidays because she's her most excited self in the least favourite season of hers, you realise how to prioritize people in life. When your younger brother makes cold coffee (world's best it is) as many times as you ask him to, you know that one goes an extra mile for love. When your youngest brother wakes up before noon just to welcome you home only to later realise it was for his tuitions, you know somethings in life never change and that's the beauty of it.

I wish i could say that stereotypes aren't true. I wish they weren't in certain cases. But, I must admit that I actually overlooked on so many things in life and even gestures, because I took all of it for granted.

I remember mom spending a lot of time in the kitchen making all different kinds of home-made sweets and I'd ask her to make desserts and cakes. But, in 5 degrees when she made the foxnut, Khoa barfi from scratch, every piece and bite was so dear to me that it made me sad when it was over. When I bring something from home, it's like bringing back the memories and love all packed in a dabba. It's not a thing (although, thing holds a lot of importance- Wednesday Fans will get the reference. LOL) anymore. On a serious note though, brining back mithai ka dabba is an emotion. Each time the mithai gets over, it leaves a stain on my heart.

However, the sadness of leaving home and the melancholy that hovers around for a few days after is something I cannot get used to. Not waking upto the faces who've been there all along is something that I am still wrapping my head around. Its tough and even tougher on days. So, here's hoping that 2023 makes the transition a tad bit easier, the visits to home and the family vacations are in plenty. That peace and joy make the regular appearance in our lives along with sorrow and struggles. That life is well-balanced just as our meals should be! Here's to a more fulfilling and joyous year ahead!