Let me start off by wishing, Happy Diwali everyone.
Part 1 can be found here. It’s that time of the year again – the blinking lights, gifts being exchanged, the house being cleaned, special food being cooked, making rangoli and fireworks. All of it, happening 7000 miles away, at a place called home, whereas I am here in a faraway land – trying to celebrate Diwali in a way as close to home as possible. It’s the only way to feeling closer to home, for me.
I have been living in the United States for about 6 months now. I decided to come back to get a Masters education from the University of Florida. I went back home, to Delhi, during the summer. I was there for almost three and a half months from May till mid-August. I still hate these long flights but it was different while I was going back. The rush to go back home, to meet my family, to breathe in that air, eat delicious food cooked by mum and not having to worry about anything. My mum and two cousins came to receive me at the airport. As soon as I saw them, this huge smile popped up on my face like I was the happiest person alive. And, I was. Distance, at times, brings you closer. When I reached home and entered my room, I was so surprised to see it decorated with photos, ribbons, and two cute cakes. Even though it was 1 o clock in the night, my dadi (grandmother) got up when I came home and hugged me. I don’t think there was anyone happier than her that I had finally come back. It might seem a little melodramatic but it felt amazing, to see the unconditional love people had for me.
My room when I came back
Getting adjusted back to Delhi took some time. I had become so used to walking on the road, without worrying, that it actually took me five minutes to just cross the road in front of my house. And the honking, I think I am never going to become used to it again. It was as if someone was blowing a trumpet, right next to my ear. I would walk on the road with my ears covered at times. But I would live with all of this just for the amazing food that I could eat again – gol gappe, pao bhaji, chole bathure, tandoori momos, bhelpuri, sevpuri and I could go on and on. It was as if my life had become colourful again. There were just so many options for vegetarian food. Sadly, I can’t say the same for Gainesville, where I was living. I was also back in the country of white lights and it’s probably not that big of an issue, but I definitely like them better. Back in US, I would fill water directly from the faucet as it was safe to drink that. And this one time, I came really close to doing that at home, when I suddenly realized what I was doing. A month after coming back, I went out to the Janpath market with a friend. There was a line where they were checking bags and so I stood in the line, patiently waiting for my turn to come. Suddenly two people just come ahead of me and pass by the checking point. For a second, I wondered what just happened. I had become so used to standing in queues for everything in US because that’s how it is. But I had forgotten that’s not how it is in Delhi in the market (I don’t mean to disrespect India in any way, but there are certain places and not all where this is how it is). I didn’t know whether to laugh or feel shocked or disappointed that I had changed so quickly. It seems a funny story to tell, though. Time just flew by when I was home. I met all my friends, ate all my favourite food as much as I could and all the amazing ‘mithais’ (sweets). And before I knew it, I was back again at the same airport, this time saying my goodbyes.
The flight, as usual, was crazy long. I must have watched like six-seven movies to pass the time. Finally, the flight landed at Orlando. I had to take a bus from there to Gainesville. It was around 6 by the time I reached the apartment, got my keys and finally went to this building which was going to be my home for the next year. The next couple of days were spent in shopping, cleaning, settling in, deciding the courses for the semester and completing some formalities at the college. It was easier to settle back in this time since I already knew the area and had friends to help me out.
Since Florida is a warm state, it has a lot of insects. Last time when I was here, I didn’t have many issues with them. But this time, when I moved into the new apartment the first couple of weeks were frustrating. There were just so many insects with something new every day – cockroaches, lizards, earthworms, centipedes etc. It took many insect repellent spray cans and a vacuum to finally grow used to them and not shout out to my flatmate anymore. This just made me realize the importance of home. I wouldn’t have to worry about any of this, there. Either mom or dad or someone else would deal with it and I would just go on doing my work. That’s been the biggest difference for me, coming to this country. There was nothing I had to worry about, back home, apart from studying. Someone would do anything else that needed to be done – cooking food, washing clothes, getting groceries, cleaning the house. It was all taken care of. I was taken care of because someone was looking out for me. It’s different here as I have to do all that on my own. I am responsible for anything and everything. At times, I do miss home and the comfort of not having to worry. Days like these, with festivals around, are when you miss home the most, the things you did, and customs and rituals you followed. But, then here I am in a faraway land, telling myself “It’s time to grow up”.
Leave a Reply