So, there was this time when I said, "I love Pune so much, it's like my forever home. I grew up here, studied here, fell in love here, experienced both joy and loss here. I even bought my first car in this city. I worked my butt off to make a living and went through the ups and downs of the private job sector. I had my first taste of alcohol right here, partied all night with my buddies, and went on long scooter rides. But then, out of the blue, I decided to leave Pune and go somewhere else for job opportunities. It shocked everyone, including me.
Leaving behind so many things wasn't easy. I had to overcome my fears, become independent, and let my family stand on their own feet. I also had to leave the guy I loved, who had become dependent on me. It was a tough choice, considering how much time and effort I had invested in that relationship. But when I realized that I wasn't inspiring him to succeed in life, I knew it was time to leave the city. I had a lot of doubts and uncertainties, but deep down, I knew it was the right decision.
Moving to a new city meant starting from scratch. I had never lived alone before, and I had never left my hometown. But I had to do it because it was the best thing for everyone, including myself. It was all about self-love. I decided to stop blaming myself for everything that happened and embrace the concept of being my own partner. Falling in love with myself again wasn't a bad idea at all. So, self-love it was and still is. It took some time, but eventually, I got back to my usual self.
One fine morning, I packed my bags with just the essentials for a 15-day stay because the new city was just a short drive away from home. My mom came along with me for support. Luckily, I found a cozy, fully furnished studio apartment in a good neighborhood. Phew, that was one thing sorted. The first night in the new city was just okay. I started having second thoughts like, "Did I really need to leave my beloved Pune? Why did I leave home and the comfort of my city? Now I have to spend extra money just to survive. Is money really that important?" I had to brush off those thoughts and get on with my life.
I began learning the ropes of my new job, and with time, I got used to the daily routine. However, my mom was still by my side during those initial weeks. But when she had to leave for an urgent appointment, reality hit me. I would be all by myself. It made me anxious, but I had to stay calm and not let her see my inner struggle. After bidding her goodbye at the bus stop, I returned to an empty house with only me and my laptop. That's when the tears started flowing, and I couldn't stop them. It was just me who could console myself. Learning how to comfort myself became my first lesson in living alone. And let me tell you, falling sick with no one by your side is another kind of heartbreak I faced in the following days.
The next couple of days were a bit rough without my mom's presence and her delicious food. I had a hard time focusing on work because everything felt overwhelming. The workload, the endless list of things to learn, and the silly mistakes I made at work led to a scolding from my boss. There I was, tears welling up in my eyes, feeling choked, staring at my laptop screen, ready to burst into a sea of tears. That day, once again, I cried, but this time, I had to wipe my own tears because no one else would do it for me. Living alone definitely had its cons.
But I pulled myself together. I started spending my days differently. I discovered a park nearby and began going for walks in the morning and evening. It was a great escape from my eight-hour workday staring at a laptop screen. Taking laps around the green park became the highlight of my day. I observed people and even struck up conversations with an old man who came alone to the park. He said I reminded him of his granddaughter who lived in the US. It was heartwarming to see the old man smile whenever he saw me. I also made friends with a lady around my mom's age, and we chatted about cooking, nearby places to visit, and her kids. I told her I will call her "Sushma" instead of saying using "aunty." She had a big smile on her face when she heard that. Talking to strangers and hearing their stories added to my overall experience. I cooked for myself and enjoyed my morning and evening tea alone. Evenings were spent grocery shopping and having small talks with the shopkeepers and vegetable vendors. Later, I would scroll through Instagram and binge-watch YouTube. I eagerly waited for the weekends to go back home and be with my loved ones. Though the first visit home didn't go as expected because my sister had taken over my bed, using my blanket and pillow, which annoyed me to no end. It sounds strange now, and I laugh about it. I just wanted to go back to my new home. So yeah, I agree, I liked the new place.
A month went by, and I got used to the routine. Weekends were now spent in my new home, which I proudly called my own because I had earned every penny to make it mine. Spending time with myself was rejuvenating. Every moment was a journey of self-discovery. This was my newfound love. I could listen to the music I wanted, cook without judgment, and enjoy a dessert all by myself. Of course, there were days when I regretted my decision, like when I encountered lizards in my apartment or when I had to hold my urge to pee at night because of those creepy crawlies in the bathroom. But I'm still working on overcoming that fear. Apart from those fears, let me tell you about this one Saturday when I craved doughnuts. You might think I'm crazy, but I walked 2 kilometers just to buy two doughnuts that I devoured all by myself. The happiness I felt in that moment cannot be measured.
I had a few friends visit me on weekends, and we explored the city like hippies. No worries, no stress, just enjoying new places, restaurants, art museums, roads, and shopping destinations. And let's not forget the adventure of traveling in public transport, which is no joke in this city. It was all worth it, and now I could totally relate to my friends who had moved from different states and settled in Pune. So here I am, the new me who can thrive on my own. I know how to make the most of my free time, travel solo to different cities, and not let loneliness get to me because I choose to be alone. I'm alone, but not lonely, because I'm self-partnered, and I know how to pamper myself.
That's the story of when I moved from Pune to Mumbai in 2019 and stayed there for a year.
