“It was my final exam and I had a flight to board the next day. Even though I come from a dysfunctional family, I was excited to go back home. When I halted at a relative’s place, I had this constant sinking feeling in my stomach. Nonetheless, I made it home with a smile which instantly turned to unstoppable tears and confusion. My mother had passed away a day before I arrived and no one told me.

I am a 22 year old from Patna whose childhood had more downs than ups. From abuse to being sexually harassed to being all alone, I struggled consistently. But I got my grit from my mother. My family moved around a lot and I could never really establish an identity for myself. My first big step in life was when I went out of my comfort zone to pursue my graduation in Hyderabad, a city where I wasn’t aware of the culture, language, or anything else. I joined a PG and attended college where I met a myriad of people. People who showed me that speaking of your battles and scars is the only way to overcome them, people who inspired me to be myself, people who loved me and taught me that being happy is easy. Here, I met some of the best people ever.
I still remember when a girl from my class was narrating her story to everyone present, she was loud, outspoken and a bundle of joy. Hyderabad taught me that I am not alone.
I soon started writing and performing poetry. The response I got from people was overwhelming because the words I wrote were straight from my heart and what better than people connecting with them? The woman I am today is because of Hyderabad. It made me a better human being and it feels like home. When my mother passed away, the people here helped me push through. If I was still in Patna when this happened, I don’t think I could’ve come out of it.

Hyderabad’s joy tends to rub off on you over time. Right now, I am happy. Remember that your past, your bad experiences, they don’t define you. You have the power to be yourself and be happy. Be your own person and never, ever stop believing.”

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