Believe in something beautiful again

“Just wait a few days, it'll be challenging but worth it,” they said. Although I hate to admit it, but they were right.


When I first came to Bombay I realised I had no one in the city who would be waiting to greet me. And it suddenly struck me how far I felt from home . I wish I could say I got here in a blaze of glory, wildly ready to take on the new city on my own, and that I didn't look back even once.

But, sadly I cannot.


The trap to call it quits and go back home lay in the line to creep in more than once, not going to deny it, it still does. Through this, everyone told me that I am just experiencing a switch to the regularity I am used to. It's not that I don’t believe them, I am just too distracted by my own feelings about everything around me to put much stock in their encouragement.


And here I am, steadily learning how to get around the city with Google Maps. I tried a brewery, found a spot to go to when bored, went street shopping and found local eateries where I could be served with food I love. I introduced myself to strangers, pooled cabs with them and cried in public without the thought of embarrassment. I have found my way home countless times from various places around the city. All of these little things feel like huge accomplishments even for the temporary home I am building for myself in Mumbai.

Each and every day, I am learning how to be on my own and how good a decision I made to get away from the security blanket I was in. Yes, there are those awkward moments when I’m alone at a certain place, and I find myself sitting idly looking around the room at all the people engaged in conversations. The temptation to pull out my phone, so that I can also engage in conversation with someone via text and not feel alone inescapably creeps up, and resisting that temptation is something I have not found a way to.

Sometimes, I think of introducing myself to a stranger, but I don’t, because it feels scary. But then I think, why shouldn’t I? I just traveled to a new city - made a journey to a place that is completely new to me. Can it really be that scary to walk up to a stranger and say hi? Pulling yourself out from your comfort zone is really hard, you literally have to box your way out. But, also keep in mind that in the end, you will learn how to be on your own and find peace in being alone whereas, pulling out technology will only dwindle the possibilities of knowing new people.

I do miss my family, friends and the culture I am from, but I know that the life experience and career exposure I am gaining from here are precious and worth spending a few years away, and I have absolutely no regrets about my decision to take this journey by myself.


To conclude, anyone who is standing at this point of life, is in for a ride of self-discovery. Yes, sometimes it's really tough. But if you're willing to keep your head up and your feet and mind free to suggestion, I think you'll find that the world can really be your oyster.

So, Close your eyes, fall in love and stay there!



–By Ankita Gupta