I have tons of stuff to pack and do a lot of scrubbing and cleaning, all that work has put me over the edge. I swear, I have just 2 strands of hair left on my head..rest are all lying scattered as I have been pulling at them in frustration.
Is it possible to be happy and sad at the same time?
I guess its possible…I felt somewhat similar when my eldest sister got married and left for Mumbai and I finally got Mom and Dad all to myself…
This is the longest I have stayed in one town, the longest in any single home and the longest at any job (after marriage) hence I am feeling a bit wistful. But I am happy too, I am excited and thrilled to meet my family and friends after a long gap of three years…I am excited to see how much India has grown and progressed. I am scared too…(I know you’re thinking, Oh lord..this woman just cannot make up her mind about how she feels)…mainly because I feel I will need to learn a lot of new things and unlearn a lot of things. Having been cut off from India, the image of India in my mind is of how it was 3 years ago.
Things I will need to learn and unlearn…
1) Stop smiling at strangers on the street ( I am not loony) : Zephyr’s post is enough of a warning ..she has found out that people do not return her smile.
2) You cannot hop skip and jump on the pavement/footpath while listening to Music: Most times there won’t be a footpath
3) People honking the horns of their vehicles as if their life depended on it is an everyday norm.
4) No need to wash any utensils, the maid will help you out in that chore..yipeeeeee
5) No more ironing of clothes…double yippee (I hate this chore)
6) ‘Mitti ki Bhini Bhini Khushboo’ (Smell of damp earth after the rains) yummy…missed it so much.
7) Garam Garam Phulkas – Maa ke Hath ka Khana (Mom’s Cooking)
8) No sweaters, jackets and boots- Hello dust and pollution…
9) Shops are open till late and do not close at 5 pm.
10) Restaurants will serve authentic Indian Food…dying to bite into a Rossogulla (Indian Sweet).
11) Will not look forward to Summer anymore..but look forward to Winter.
12) Get used to the sound of fans whirring overhead and dispelling air around.
13) No need to shut windows and check if they are locked each night before going to bed.
14) Wear open toed sandals, no socks…cracked heels.
15) Cheaper haircuts, facials and manicure- I am loving it…
16) Too many people….claustrophobic…
17) Yummy roadside food…
18) Meeting friends…
19) Jobless…for the time being…
20) Mosquitoes.
21) Vehicles will not stop for you when you want to cross the road.
22) Cannot curse in Hindi…everyone knows the language :)
23) Milkman, laundry Man, Maid…everyone ringing your doorbell (I actually did not miss this in UK, it was a pleasant change).
24) No need to use the dryer to dry clothes..just hang them on a line…
25) The most important – Meeting family…and getting pampered by parents and in-laws.
I guess, the list is endless..
My heart is heavy too…I am saying goodbye to people who have been kind and generous to me. They have been like a family in this far off place and I will miss them. I will never forget the lessons life taught me in this country and helped to become a person I am today.
There's nothing that's so final about leaving
Even though I know that's what you've heard
Just like forgive, forget and try again
Goodbye is just another word.
- Lobo
Hey.. I am happy for you and I am not as confused as you are to say that :p
Welcome back!