Of longing and belonging

Having recently returned from a quick trip to India for Seren's wedding, I would be lying if I said I wasn't homesick. And while the wedding went off well, the entire week was way too hectic and tiring for all of us. But the one silver lining was meeting family and friends after a very long time. The comfort of seeing familiar faces and the joy of catching up, probably at some level, makes up for those aching feet that have been running around for so many days.

As the immigration officer scanned my passport, he asked how long I was gone and what I had brought back. Pat came my answer - 'Memories, tons of them'. I still hang on to that warmth from my aunt's hug as she fondly whispered in my ears 'I only wish the best for you'. While she lovingly invited me for her son's wedding I couldn't help but recall those days when she herself came to our family as a new bride, having married my chitappa. I was probably around 9 or 10 years old then and I remember vividly the mehndi on her hands and the salwar she excitedly changed into as she got ready to play hop-scotch with me.

This trip I was engulfed with an overwhelming sense of belonging. Of having come home, despite being away for so many years, to people's welcoming arms just as though I had never left their side and I still remain that little girl they all know so well and recognize.

But the irony of it all is that as I went to lunch with my co-workers this afternoon to catch up on the latest office gossip and update them of my trip and the wedding- I felt the same sense of belonging- only different. As good as it felt going home, it felt just as good to joke and break bread with people I have grown so comfortable with over the years, despite the culture gap.

Today, its an unusual warm day here in Virginia. Temperatures peaked at 60 deg and everyone is jubilant at this break in weather. Its amazing how a week of warm weather during winter months can be cause for celebration. And as we picked a window booth and ordered our customary food and drink- conversation was casual, jovial and warmly inviting. I felt I was home all over again.