शनिवार, १६ नोव्हेंबर, २०२४

2090: Wistful

Everyone experiences wistfulness at some point, especially during life’s transitional phases. It often strikes when individuals leave home at a young age to live in a hostel, balancing rigorous courses while preparing for major exams. My beloved son, though rarely, also goes through these moments. Counseling him during such times made me reflect: is this the only stage when one feels nostalgic or homesick? The answer is a definite no.

As I delved into my own memories, I recalled similar phases of my life. My hostel days were the first instance, and later, the time when I got married. Those were days without social media or mobile phones. There was just one landline phone for the entire joint family, which posed its own challenges. How could I speak privately in front of everyone? Visiting a public phone booth was an option, but how often could one go, especially with others waiting in line? Was it even necessary to call home frequently? These questions often lingered in my mind.

When I moved to a new city after marriage, everything felt unfamiliar—people, surroundings, food, habits, daily routines, and even the language. The sudden change was overwhelming. Adding to this were the expectations of living with an older generation of in-laws, whose approach was stricter and different from the nurturing support of my parents. It was a steep learning curve, and I missed everything about the world I had left behind.

Yet, as time passed, I adapted. Focusing on my new role, embracing change, and accepting the new reality helped me navigate those challenging times. I started from what felt like a clean slate, albeit one with life’s experiences, and managed to survive and grow. Each moment was a test of resilience, but in hindsight, it was also a foundation for strength and transformation. 

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