Here I am, relishing the last trip of the year with my man and a friend who is really close to my heart. There are a few unknown people who may become friends tomorrow. My heart goes out to all who are missing here. Sipping onto a hot Ginger Lemon Honey, with the chill running down my spine, I reflect back to the year that has certainly been at its extremes. I have been on both sides of happiness and grief. However, the overall takeaway of the year was gratitude.

As the world had slowly begun to open up, the fear also got real.
While the vaccinations finally started to roll through, the virus also took a toll on humankind. There was panic throughout the nation. Lack of medicine, oxygen and healthcare facilities resulted in a long queue at the crematorium. The Covid hit our houses and started taking the lives of our near and dears. Two beautiful souls left the world too early. The one who survived thanked the Lord, got jabbed and moved on.

We began our year at the holy land of Vrindavan. This was one of the first impromptu trips of the year I must say. Since the day we met, Gaurav had always wanted me to take there; and bestow the lord’s blessings on us, our relationship. It was like any other Hindu religious destination. I still did not understand his love for this place but I respect his faith. The last year lockdown and distance had taught us a lot and we made sure that we spend more time together.

Coincidently, the trips this year were religious and each one was memorable. As mentioned earlier, we started with Vrindavan. Later in April went to Leh and walked on the frozen Pangong lake. It was Gaurav’s first trip to Ladakh and we were blessed with our first snowfall together at the Khardung-La pass. It was like a dream come true. Towards the latter half of the year, we went on an impromptu trip to Rishikesh. Even did the much-awaited trip to Mata Vaishno Devi with our two mothers on Gaurav’s birthday, which can’t be expressed in words. We were scared as this was the first time both mother’s met and that too on a trip. Touchwood, it went well. I even travelled to Cheerapunji, Mumbai and Goa for work. Trust me, the travel is not the same anymore. You travel with constant fear and a lot of surveillance.

Besides this, the year seemed pretty much the same. We gracefully aged another year. Completed three beautiful years of our relationship. Few relationships were made and few took a setback. Shared some laughs, meals and drinks with the people who matter. Made a few more friends and learned a few more life skills. The kids were growing up, learning new words. People were losing jobs, many moving on to new opportunities. I had a similar call when I found my purpose at my older workplace and decided to bid adieu to Hogarth, by the mid of the year and joined McCann. And glad that I could keep onto a few promises and traditions.

The best takeaway of the year would be my 3 co-authored published books which still seems surreal. I always dreamt of publishing my own book, and this year allowed me to lay the stepping stone. Each book was unique in nature – the first had my life journey so far, the second had my emotions and the third was a dedication to the man I never thought I would cry for. A very special mention to Sudip, who religiously proofread all my articles.

In the end, I can only thank each and every individual for the love, respect and support; which I received throughout the year. I would look forward to the same in the coming years. Life is all about extending that one little hand for support, for whosoever requires it. Spread your arms and give a tight hug to the one who needs it. Sit down and lend your ears to someone who needs to be heard. The world needs a lot and there is something little that you can offer.
Be mindful of what is around. Be grateful for what you have.

Be Blessed and have a great new year ahead.
Much Love to all.