January 24, 2024
This dream might sound petty and inconsequential to many, but for a reticent girl who grew up in a conservative-yet-receptive middle class family, it is NOT
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” the words of a Chinese philosopher and a writer Lao-Tzu, rang true in the life of a girl who never ever stepped out of her house without the company of her friends or family. Her decision to take up an unexpected journey, despite facing opposition from within and without, transformed her life forever. It is her story. It is Trishna’s story in her own words.
As far as I remember, I never travelled alone. Never. Not without the company of my friends or family. But, I always loved the idea of travelling and exploring life all by myself. I harboured the dream of solo travelling and ticking it off my bucket list. I know this dream might sound petty and inconsequential to many, but for a reticent girl who grew up in a conservative-yet-receptive middle class family, it is not. It is like an anonymous junior artiste aspiring to win an Oscar – neither unachievable nor easy.
During the final year of my college, an advertisement on the notice board captured my attention. It wasn’t a regular one, it was about an internship opportunity in Sri Lanka, where the intern should collaborate with six other foreign nationals on a women empowerment project. I stood there for a long time, contemplating whether to take a picture of that advertisement in the first place or not. Such was my fear about travelling alone. But I wanted to be a part of that project. I spent days and hours convincing myself that it is absolutely ok to step out of my comfort zone and take up the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The clock was ticking and my fears were mounting.
The next morning, my technophobe mother came rushing to me with her new mobile phone and asked me to check out the quotes that she downloaded from the internet, trying to show-off her ability to learn something on her own. Lost in thoughts, I expressed my disinterest in checking the quotes and pushed her hand holding the phone aside. Not uttering a word, she patted on my back and turned around to exit my room. Just then, I realised how impudent I was and I immediately ran towards her saying “Mom! Sorry. What is that you were trying to show me?”. After giving a puzzling look, she beamed saying “Of Course!”
The quote seemed like an answer to the questions that were running in my mind. It read, “If an egg is broken by a force outside, a life ends. If an egg is broken by a force inside, life begins. Great things always begin from within.” That’s it. I ran downstairs, pulling my mom along with me, to talk to my dad. I sat them down and calmly explained about the internship programme, expressing my desire to join. Mom had reluctantly accepted my choice, but my dad didn’t. He was dead set against my decision to travel alone to a foreign country and live with strangers for a month. Not that he didn’t wanted me to, but he was concerned about the solo trip, just like any doting Indian father would fear about his 17-year-old daughter’s safety. He too had his own fears.
A week and a half later, I was standing in front of the airport, holding my luggage and still contemplating whether I’m inane or really zealous. I felt the resfeber – Joy, for taking a step, and Fear, about what lay ahead. Before entering the departure terminal, I turned around for one last time and bid adieu to my parents, who were both excited and worried about my unanticipated act.
I returned after one month, with a bag full of gifts, a book full of memories and as a being full of life-changing experiences, transforming me into a whole new person. My dad, who came to pick me up at the airport, said “Ah! There you are. the journey is finally over.” I smiled at him and replied, “It has just begun pa.”