I am sitting in a taxi right now.

After two weeks of breathing in the heavily polluted Delhi air, I felt like my lungs could not take in any more of it. I glanced at the roads and posh buildings.
{Ah! Finally; home! Nothing has changed.
Don’t speak like you have been away for ages.}
I internally rolled eyes at myself.

The events of the past two weeks rolled in my mind. I had the busiest time of my life!

Each day I met a new officer, and explained my project to them. If they liked it, they recommended it to their senior. And I went through the whole explaining process again!

God! These government officials!

They were never satisfied by what we do. By the end of one week of endless explanations, I realised one thing. Instead of changing my presentation per the advice of each officer, I began researching on the officers.

Can you believe me? Each night I thoroughly researched about the official I was going to meet the next day. I tried to emphasise on different aspects of my project keeping his/her interests in my mind.

It was one hell of a task! I hadn’t got a minute to relax or think of anything expect work. {Not even Siri!}

Finally, the hard work payed off! I managed to impress the Minister himself, who immediately promised to implement my ideas into his upcoming social welfare scheme. The next day, he threw a big party to celebrate the launch of the scheme … which was aired.

The whole country watched me on T.V. and my face flashed on all the newspapers for the next few days.

The memory made me grin like an idiot. I still remember the excitement in my parents’ voice on the day the party was aired.

They were practically screaming on phone!

I abruptly stopped in my lane of memories and came back to reality when the taxi stopped. I smiled and paid the driver. After helping me get my luggage out, the guy smiled.

“I saw you on T.V. sir! I didn’t understand much of what it meant but you must have done a great job.” He smiled sheepishly, rubbing his sweaty palms on his trousers.

I laughed lightly and shook his hand. “Thank you!”

His face glowed with my gesture and he saluted before getting into the taxi and driving away.

Laughing, I knocked the door. But my happiness faded as soon as I realised no one was home. {Where is Siri?}

“Hari! You are back!” I turned around to find my neighbour grinning widely.

“Namaste Aunty! Do you know where Siri is?”

“She went to college.” The 60-year-old lady replied, with a concern on her face. “Wait I will bring the keys.” She went into the house and came back in a few minutes.

Meanwhile, I took in a deep breath trying to calm myself.
{She knew that I was arriving today. She should have stayed back to welcome me. I thought I would be welcomed by her beautiful smile but she …}

“Hari! Is everything fine between the both of you … I mean you are recently married and …”

{Why does she have to interfere?}

“Everything is fine aunty! Thanks for the keys.” I interrupted her and swiftly entered the house with my luggage.

Before I could shut the door, I heard her yell “Congratulations!” I gave her a small smile.

I took a quick shower and unpacked my luggage.

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So ... My college started again! Piles of work and studies piling on!

But I'll try to update as frequently as possible.

Until then ... Smile!