How to Remain Young Forever

Dear Upa,

                 It’s been a year.

Today, last year, was my last day in Mumbai. 

Okay, okay. In this one year, I made exactly 10 trips to Mumbai and back. I counted. So I didn’t really give anyone much of a chance to miss me, or myself much of a chance to miss home. Nevertheless, it’s a big deal. I barely even remember life before the 10 years I lived in Mumbai. Frankly, I’m not even sure how much of these 10 years I remember. I don’t even think I remember what I did last week.

I guess I’m just a really lucky person, because even though it was very hard, I frankly had it quite easy. I went to Mumbai a lot of times, and you guys came here too. I mean, look at you. You had never been to Delhi before I shifted here and now you’re coming for the third time. I really am very lucky.

Anyway, my point is, one year ago I was a very different person, and I know it.

A year ago I would have laughed if someone told me I would voluntarily perform at a poetry event in front of strangers or would voluntarily go to the dentist, or would voluntarily go running, or even voluntarily study by myself just for the sake of studying. But I did all of those things in the past week. I’m still afraid of the same things, but I’m more confident about myself now. Not very, but the bar wasn’t very high to begin with. In this year, I’ve done a lot of growing up.

Right now, I’m drinking grape juice from a wine glass because my parents were having wine and I don’t like the taste and I didn’t want to feel left out. I guess I have a lot of growing up left to do, but if you ask me, I’d much rather remain Young Forever.

Are we even apologising for making random BTS references anymore?

Bye for now, 

Aditi.