Home Away

I had a very bad day. I was disappointed, I cried, and I craved a cup of hot filter coffee that Amma prepares—the kind that makes all my pain vanish. But life has its own ways of teaching us responsibilities and other unspoken lessons in unimaginable ways.

Hi! My name is Jeevitha. I recently moved to Bangalore, expecting my life to be like the Namooru Bengaluru song from Bangalore Days. I know, I know—expectations hurt. And I’ve experienced it. I mean, I’ve experienced it to an extent that I completely agree with it.

Moving out at 23… hmm. I don’t know what exact emotions I’m going through, but what I do understand is that it’s definitely not easy—at least for me. I grew up in Chickmagaluru, a beautiful town known for its monsoons, hills, waterfalls, and most importantly, coffee. Coming from a place so quiet and serene to a city that is the complete opposite—is that easy?

Back when I was in Chickmagaluru, I always wanted to move to Bangalore. I thought my life would be sorted if I did. After all, we always feel the grass is greener on the other side. I assumed adulting was as simple as moving out, staying in a PG, working, going out with friends, and enjoying life. Little did I know that these would be the hardest parts of moving out—because there’s a sense of void in everything I do.

Now, you might think, Oh, she’s complaining. If it’s so difficult, then why not just go back? But, but, but—I’m not complaining. I’m grateful for each experience. Sometimes, finding a home away from home isn’t easy, and I’m still in the process. Yes, I do have the option of going back, but I won’t choose it. I believe experiences and the process are the best tools to carve a life, and I want to hold onto those two important tools. Maybe I’m taking adulting too seriously, or maybe I just want to be truly independent. Or perhaps I’m following my dreams—because no one else will follow them for me.

The void is still there, but the emotions of waiting, booking tickets to go home, packing bags the night before, and Amma asking, "At what time are you coming tomorrow? We are waiting."—they fill that void in no time.

Lucky are those who have friends in a new city or are open to making new ones or the ones who find friends in themselves. Thank God! I have my home away from home here, filling that void with love and care.

The comfort and warmth of home are unmatched, but do we get a chance to create it elsewhere? The answer is yes! Completely? Maybe not. Or maybe, yes.

The art of being grateful, learning, and experiencing can change things magically. The will and effort to chase that one small dream—the very reason you moved out—are your guiding light. Trust the process. The failures, the pain, the emptiness, they are just reminders to slow down and never give up. If not today, maybe someday.

Hey, hey! Guess what? I now know how to cook, wash clothes, and organize things all by managing to work and following my passion exactly like amma who never gave up on her dreams and passion.  My home has got a younger version of my mom! But back home? I’m still that lethargic person who needs Amma’s kaithuttu and a solid 15-hour sleep.

Chalo! I’m going home tomorrow! Time to pack and tell Amma what I’m craving.

Bye! 😊