A Home Away from Home

One year back, things were so different. That feeling of getting plucked and planted in a parallel universe. From taking our first flight together, to now traveling different corners together, we have come far with one step at a time. 

With a multitude of questions swirling around my head during the flight, I recall feeling the adrenaline rush through my veins. I must admit today that I was ambitiously stupid; I didn’t even bother to research what life in the UK was like before boarding the flight. I was not emotionally ready to admit that I’m flying to a place which was known to me only in SRK movies where Rahul Raichand returns to India and how Nandini Raichand brings in Aarthi to welcome him!

As we landed in Heathrow, my stomach as always, craved for food and that taught me the first lesson in UK; there are no Indian foods awaiting me, I’m supposed to survive on a piece of sandwich with zero salt and zero spices. Offering three pounds for a sandwich was perfectly fine for me until I realised that one pound equals 100 rupees of Indian money. I realised I’m no longer going to witness Mahatma notes, rather should be accustomed with Queen notes (I felt sad, but the mini feminist in me was pretty happy to see a woman on notes than a man).

Finding a home to live in was the first challenge I encountered. I agree I’m an extrovert but not with people who can’t understand what I’m speaking! From downloading different apps for finding a property, taking appointments for viewing the property, filling a detailed application form writing with who, when and why we want the property to live in, sending that application form to the landlord and later miserably getting rejected for my applications gave me minor heartbreaks.

Resigning my job in India was the second challenge I embraced. I had a lot of dilemmas on that. Was I taking the right decision? What if I can’t get a job I desire for? What I’m I up to with an experience in teaching and developing that move as parallel lines? What if I fit nowhere? Making decisions requires courage, but it takes even more courage to stick to them and push forward despite warnings from your inner instincts. I can recall people telling me, “You can’t find a job there” with some ridiculous facial expressions (I wish I could show you how taunting those expressions were)!  From my first job in an Italian restaurant to now working in one of the London universities, the journey was not less than a roller coaster ride.

Making decisions requires courage, but it takes even more courage to stick to them and push forward, despite warnings from your inner instincts. 

I assumed myself I’m proficient in English until I talked with some British residents. Realising the fact that every nationality has their own version of English pronounced, I remember how hard it was for me to follow those versions, it still is at times (but far better than last year I promise).

One year brought me some new-old friends, while it taught me, not all friends are the ones I can count on. Yes, I do miss my family but I’m grateful that I have come across a bunch of people who makes me feel like family. I can see an evolving, independent version of myself who now stands up for herself. I’m grateful for the road we took. Cheers to one year! Far yet near, there are some connections who are always there as my well-wishers to whom I don’t talk often yet I know they are there, sending virtual hugs to all of you out there.

I hope this story left a smile on your face and didn’t ruin your time. Thank you so much my dear friend for reading this. I really value your time. I will catch-up with next story very soon. Until then, take care.

With love,

Manasa