It was the spring of 2022 when standing on the platform and feeling the breeze caress my hair. I was glancing over the track and simultaneously over the thoughts flowing in my mind while waiting for train 19666 from Bhilwara to Jaipur on the 12th of March at 1:00 AM.
A few days back
Days were difficult enough to wake me up at seven in the morning, even though I was sleeping around four o’clock.
Ran out of ways to manage or make things better by distracting myself with various activities. I felt that it would take more than that. I needed something to bring change, something which could let me know more and something new about myself, something which could help me grow some love and respect for myself in my own eyes. And it would not have been possible without stepping out of my comfort zone.
It was not the first time that the idea of traveling solo had hit my mind, but this time not only things were different moreover inner force to do it was at its peak too. So much so that, I was able to convince my procreators to let me go for solo( or I might resign from my job).
Hence, before my plan would have turned out to be procrastination, I booked tickets with a rough plan to go somewhere far in the south to explore both the new places and myself.
Preparation and Planning
Now that I just had less than a week remaining to prepare for the upcoming journey of self-discovery. I planned to go shopping to buy various necessities I might need during travel while keeping in mind not to overload the bag. With two bags prepared, one for the clothes and essentials and the other for the laptop and things that need to be kept at hand on the journey, I was prepared to leave.
After some research on the internet about places I was going to visit in the next few days. Now, I had a rough map of the journey in mind, and with first place decided, I started searching for homestays & hotels to crash when reach. It was hard to choose from multiple options available considering I want something which is not only in my budget but also should be at a location from where I can visit the maximum possible places on foot and which provides good services.
A step toward the world of exploration
Finally, the day has arrived. Friday it was, and a usual workday. Several times, I checked to make sure nothing was missed. Though I was calm throughout the day, as dusk fell. I was feeling a blend of slight nervousness and excitement. After completing the last meeting of the day at 11 p.m., it was now time to leave. I packed everything, along with some eatables prepared by my mother, and did a final check on essentials like my wallet, IDs, cash, etc. I paid my obeisance to Lord Krishna and assured my family that I would be back soon.
Sitting on the back seat of the scooter I was watching empty streets, with my uncle driving me to the station. “Why did you suddenly plan to travel solo? He asked. Just like that only. To explore new places and to get new experiences. I replied. With many things running through my mind.
Uncle: Okay, then be attentive while traveling and take care, and let me know if you require anything, and be in touch regularly.“
Bidding goodbye to him, I walked towards the platform and waited there for a while. I could see the light from the train coming to take me on the journey of exploration and self-discovery…
