To Home

 Yesterday, I was chatting with a friend about our plans for the upcoming three-day continuous holiday. She shared that she would be travelling to her native place along with her family by car. I noticed a sparkle of happiness on her face as she spoke—it was clear how much she was looking forward to visiting her hometown, spending time with her loved ones, and reconnecting with relatives and friends.

Her excitement reminded me of my own past. I still remember the first time I left my home in 1985, when I joined my diploma course at the district headquarters. My native place is about 56 km away, but I stayed near the college and used to visit home once every 15 days. My first stop was always my family, followed by meeting my friends.

Back then, we had a close-knit group of 12 friends. Today, some are settled in Bangalore, Anantapur, and Hyderabad, while a few have remained in our hometown, working in their own fields. Whenever we happen to meet in my native place, it’s like stepping back in time. We usually gather at the town center and then walk about 2.5 km together, talking, laughing, and reminiscing for four to five hours straight.

Even now, whenever I plan a trip, I make it a point to inform my close friends. We meet, take long walks, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and share endless conversations before heading back. I feel blessed that none of my friends have the habit of smoking or drinking—it keeps our time together pure, warm, and full of joy.

But I stayed near the college and used to visit home once every 15 days. My first stop was always my family, followed by meeting my friends.

Back then, we had a close-knit group of 12 friends. Today, some are settled in Bangalore, Anantapur, and Hyderabad, while a few have remained in our hometown, working in their own fields. Whenever we happen to meet in my native place, it’s like stepping back in time. We usually gather at the town center and then walk about 2.5 km together, talking, laughing, and reminiscing for four to five hours straight.

Even now, whenever I plan a trip, I make it a point to inform my close friends. We meet, take long walks, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and share endless conversations before heading back. I feel blessed that none o…

Even now, whenever I plan a trip, I make it a point to inform my close friends. We meet, take long walks, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and share endless conversations before heading back. I feel blessed that none of my friends have the habit of smoking or drinking—it keeps our time together pure, warm, and full of joy.

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