Hiraeth – a word that I had only recently discovered, yet it perfectly encapsulated the feeling that has consumed my adult life. My childhood was fairly typical – growing up in a Delhi colony, attending school, playing games with friends and striving for academic success in the competitive world of engineering. But even as I followed society’s expectations and embarked on a career path post-college, there was always a lingering sense of nostalgia within me. It seemed I was constantly longing for a past that may have never truly existed.
I found myself yearning for simplicity and perfection, often escaping into memories that brought me temporary comfort. Perhaps deep down, I was dissatisfied with how my life had turned out and this was my mind’s way of coping. However, everything changed when I met her. With her by my side, my mind was finally at peace, and I found joy in the little things in life. She was not just my partner but also my friend, guide, and confidant – fulfilling every role effortlessly.
And now she’s gone, leaving behind a void that engulfs me with a ferocity beyond measure. The familiar restlessness and yearning resurface, but this time with an ache for a past that actually did exist – the memories I shared with her. An ocean of emotions churns inside me as I float aimlessly, lost without my anchor in life.
Musafir 
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