Moving to a new city alone after spending 22 years in one city is a lot difficult. That too when city is 'Mumbai' ; yes 'Aamchi Mumbai'. How can you in your dreams think of leaving this place & going far away to set up your career without your family & dear ones !?? 'Pune' happened to me ! After completing 2 months in Pune, I've learned certain things, though some are too funny to give you a laughter. ;)
Few Lessons :
i) I am on a journey of nonstop growth. And, Life is never easy for those who dream. I understood that the hardest times in life to go through are when you are transitioning from one version of yourself to another.
ii) Buses in Pune never wait for anybody, even if a Lady or a Man is still in a position to catch a bus, the bus drivers don't care. Half of the people are one foot inside and are adjusting themselves, they still don't care. Worst, even if someone falls, they don't CARE either !
iii) Languages in our India plays an important role. Don't they? Whatever you need to ask, "Ask in Marathi." The other languages you speak, the people won't entertain much of your questions. Basically you won't get the full appropriate information you need. The moment you interact in 'Marathi' , they feel great and go their miles to help you.
iv) One great thing that can happen to anybody - Time for one self , right from cooking alone, dining alone, watching movies alone, dancing alone, walking streets alone, sharing little joys & sorrows alone.
v) Staying with bunch of women in a 3BHK with different characters, from different states, different perspectives and thoughts, while sharing a common house. It's not easy though, its a big challenge. Your abilities of perseverance, patience being put into test each time, you'll observe some of your room mates try their every single attempt to poke their noses and do their best to break you internally. To make it more easier, it's like a 'Bigboss' game, the one who survives the most, will be a winner at the end. ;)
vi) Now comes the money part, when after 22 years the very first time you step into the market alone for buying veggies, and you realize that your knowledge needs to be updated about the quantity and the prices ! You don't feel like spending much. Why? Because you're into a dilemma that your hard earned money is getting used to do the required purchasing each time.
vii) You tend to miss Mom's food especially when you can't cook like her, you hurt yourself everyday while cooking & keep getting those scars on your hand. And that ok-ok self-made food is all what you get to eat. :( No doubt, eventually you turn out as a best cook around after tons of failed attempts. :D
viii) Pune is less polluted compared to Mumbai, it has a moderate and a bearable climate, beautiful nature & places. 'Lavasa City' being my favorite one. 'Lonavala' & 'Khandala' being nearer is a perk too! Good tourist places and best for weekend trips ! :-)
ix) You get up, and cook on your own to feed your own self. And, few eatables like Cornflakes, Maggi, Chocolate Sandwiches, Omelettes becomes your ultimate necessity for survival, but only for the first initial days when you feel like cooking is just not your thing. And, you're happy to feed yourself with such stuffs. In fact you feel proud that you're at least consuming something. ;) :p
x) Finally you realize the city is not that bad, sometimes change is all you need to accept in your life. And surviving is not that important, living is what it matters. Live your hearts, get hurt, cry easily, laugh loudly, make the most of your life & make each moment worth it! Keep taking challenges & flourish yourself.
Always remember, if you are struggling, it means you're progressing.
Be a spark, not a light that dims away after a jerk of air.
