Home

During my recent long trip to India, I realized I finally have the answer to the question (for now) about where is 'Home' for me...

'Home' for many is by default the place of birth/country of birth/ and most often ONE place that remains rather constant. This does not apply to me. 

At this point and phase of my life, I have two places I call 'Home.' 

1. Bangalore, India 

2. Wiesloch, Germany 

Incidentally neither of these places happen to be associated to my birth. They just happen to be places that make me FEEL like home. 

I find comfort, I feel safe, I feel a sense of belonging contributed by very many factors. 

I was born in Delhi, India but I do not have any affinity to the city anymore. 

I was reminded of the very relatable TED talk of Pico Iyer about this topic. 

The fear

Living far away from elderly parents, if there was one fear that played in my mind, it was that of not being there for them in their last moments.

Perhaps its true when some people believe that your fears often come true cos it uses so much of your energy. Thats what happened. I lost my dad on 7th november, while I was 'busy' with my professional commitments.

That morning when I woke up and got an SMS from him, he told me he wasn't feeling too well. As I was running late for my commitments, I replied, "i'll call later."
The 'later' never happened!

The voice and words of my neighbor informing me of his death on the phone still wakes me up at night. Its etched in my brain forever perhaps.

Its really hard to loose someone that cannot be replaced. The truly 'unconditional' love I received from all along will be something I cherish forever.

Here's to growing up and overcoming (yet another) fear in life.