LOST & FOUND

The bustling Secunderabad Railway Station hummed with energy of travelers coming and going, each with their own destination and purpose. Among them Roohi, her luggage by her side, waiting patiently for her train to Pune. Despite the chaos, around her, Roohi found a sense of peace in the familiarity of train travel. From childhood, she had cherished these journeys, the anticipation of adventure mingling with the comforting routine of the railway. 

As she stood on the platform, memories flooded Roohi’s mind, painting a vivid picture of her past train journeys. She remembered the excitement of boarding the train, the thrill of exploring new places, and the simple joys of camaraderie with her family. The thought of these cherished moments brought a soft smile to her lips, momentarily lifting the weight of the present from her shoulders. 

The arrival of her train interrupted Roohi’s reverie, prompting her to gather her belongings and board the familiar compartments. Settling into the berth, she observed her fellow passengers, each lost in their own thoughts and dreams. The rhythmic chug of train and the gentle sway of the carriage lulled Roohi into a state of introspection, her mind drifting back to the events that had shaped her journey thus far.

Roohi’s life had been a tapestry woven threads of joy and sorrow, triumph and tribulations. Born into a loving family, she had been raised with values of kindness, empathy, and resilience. Her childhood had been a time of innocence and wonder, filled with laughter, mischief, and the bondless love of her parents & grandparents. 

But life, as she soon learned, was not without its challenges. Marriage had brought with it new responsibilities and expectations, as Roohi navigated the complexities of blending into her husband’s family. Despite her best efforts to adapt and integrate, she found herself grappling with feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty, her sense of self gradually eroding under the weight of societal pressures and family obligations. 

Yet, amid the turmoil of her new life, Roohi had found solace in her career. With determination and perseverance, she had carved a path for herself, rising through the ranks to establish herself as a successful professional. Her work had been her sanctuary, a place where she could channel her talents and ambitions, away from the chaos and expectations of her personal life. 

But fate, it seemed, had other plans in store for Roohi. The arrival of motherhood had brought with it a new set of challenges and responsibilities, ones she had never been fully prepared for. The joy of impending motherhood had been overshadowed by the shadow of the pandemic, as Roohi found herself navigating the treacherous waters of childbirth and motherhood alone, her husband unable to be by her side due to restrictions and safety measures. 

The birth of her daughter had been both a moment of profound joy and overwhelming despair. As she held her newborn in her arms, Roohi felt a surge of love unlike anything she had ever experienced before, mingled with a deep sense of loss and grief for the life she had left behind. The weight of her responsibilities as a mother bore down on her heavily, threatening to engulf her in darkness.

In the days and weeks that followed, Roohi found herself teetering on the edge of despair, grappling with the physical and emotional toll of motherhood. Sleepless nights, incessant crying, and the relentless demands of childcare left her drained and depleted, her once vibrant spirit dimmed by the weight of her burdens. 

As she struggled to find her footing in this new chapter of her life, Roohi found herself longing for the simplicity and joy of her past. She yearned for the carefree days of her childhood, where laughter and play had been the order of the day, and worries had been few and far between. But try as might, she could not recapture the magic of those days, nor could she shake the feeling of being lost in the sea of uncertainty and doubt. 

It was in her darkest moments that Roohi found herself searching for answers, seeking solace in the depths of her soul. Alone in the stillness of the night, she confronted her fears and doubts head-on, grappling with the demons that threatened to consume her from within. And it was in this crucible of despair that Roohi discovered a glimmer of hope – a spark of resilience and determination that refused to be extinguished.

With newfound resolve, Roohi embarked on a journey of self-discovery, embracing the woman she had become and the challenges that lay ahead. She turned to yoga and meditation as a means of finding inner peace and strength, allowing herself to be guided by the wisdom of her own intuition and the support of her loved ones. 

Each day brought with it new trials and tribulations, but Roohi faced them head-on, drawing strength from the knowledge that she was not alone in her struggles. She reached out to others for support and guidance, finding solace in the shared experiences of those who had walked a similar path before her. 

And slowly, but surely, Roohi began to emerge from the darkness, her spirit renewed and her heart filled with hope. She learned to embrace the beauty of imperfection, finding joy in the simple moments of everyday life and gratitude for the blessings that surrounded her. 

As the train drew to a close, Roohi felt a sense of peace wash over her, a quiet assurance that everything would be alright in the end. She stepped off the train with newfound sense of purpose and determination, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead with courage and resilience.

And as she looked down at the toddler sitting beside her, a smile played on her lips – a silent acknowledgement of the journey she had undertaken and the strength she had discovered within herself. With a heart full of gratitude and spirit renewed, Roohi took her first steps into the unknown, confident in the knowledge that she never truly lost, but simple on the journey of self-discovery.