February: A Month of Duties, Books, and New Beginnings

Duty Calls: Election Duty at Akshardham

February started with my election duty, but this time, I was spared from polling official responsibilities. Instead, I was assigned reception duty, which mostly involved waiting for polling parties to arrive before we could begin our work. It was a slow process, but the experience was enjoyable, especially since I got to work at Akshardham Sports Complex—a refreshing change from the usual routine.

A Visit to the World Book Fair

The World Book Fair kicked off in the first week of February, and I made sure to visit on February 9th. Even though I didn’t buy any books, I made a list of interesting titles that I plan to get in e-book format soon. Exploring the vast collection and discovering new reads was a delightful experience.

On the same day, I also had the chance to meet RSKZ during a lunch break, right after my book fair visit. It was a great catch-up session.

A Day of Friendship and Support

February also brought a heartfelt moment when Prashant and his family visited Delhi. Later, we all went to meet Prashant’s mother, who is undergoing chemotherapy treatment. It was a moment of reflection—seeing someone battle through tough times makes you appreciate life more deeply.

Health & Fitness: Back to the Gym

I have been more consistent with my gym routine this month. After struggling in January, I’m finally regaining momentum. Fitness has always been important to me, and I feel a sense of accomplishment as I get back on track.

A Possible Move: Preparing for Change

With my promotion likely, I am almost certain that I will be transferred out of Delhi. While change is never easy, I am mentally preparing myself for a move to South India. Perhaps, this transfer could mark the beginning of a new chapter in my personal life.

Looking Ahead

February was a month of responsibilities, meaningful meetings, and personal growth. From official duties to book fair explorations, from spending time with friends to hitting the gym, every moment added a small piece to the puzzle of my journey.

As I step into the coming months, I remain open to new opportunities, new places, and perhaps, new beginnings.

January: The Lazy Month of Chill and Hibernation

Embracing the Winter Slumber

January has always been the month of hibernation—the cold, lazy mornings making it almost impossible to leave the warmth of the bed. This year was no different for me. The biting chill kept me from waking up early, and as a result, I skipped the gym on most days. The motivation to stay active just wasn’t there, and I let the winter blues take over.

The Promotion Dilemma and Sleepless Nights

While January was physically lazy, mentally, it was anything but. The thought of my promotion in the bank became a source of stress and anxiety, affecting my sleep. The much-anticipated promotion interview on January 7th turned out to be a rather unpleasant experience.

I felt as if I was personally targeted during the interview. The panel seemed to deliberately avoid my specialization, asking me about unrelated topics instead. It left me feeling bad—pushed into a corner where my expertise held no value. This experience triggered a flood of negative emotions about banking, reminding me why I had taken reversion eight years ago.

A Crossroad: Stay or Move On?

The emotional turmoil forced me to rethink my future. I found myself at a crucial crossroads:

1. Should I resign and look for a better job?

2. Or should I take the promotion and at least move ahead rather than remain stagnant?

It took me a few days to process my thoughts and accept that it was time to take the next step. Whether within the bank or beyond, I knew I couldn't afford to stay stuck in one place any longer.

A Positive Start: Cycling Again

Amidst all the uncertainties, there was one silver lining—I finally started cycling on weekends. It's been years since I last rode a bicycle, and rediscovering this simple joy brought a refreshing change. The cool breeze, the open roads, and the feeling of movement helped clear my mind, even if just for a while.

Looking Ahead

January was a month of introspection, dilemmas, and small but meaningful steps. While I struggled with my career decisions, I also rekindled a lost passion. As I step into February, I hope to find more clarity, make firm decisions, and embrace progress—whether in banking or elsewhere.

For now, I take one day at a time.

Have you ever felt stuck between staying in your comfort zone or taking a risk? How did you deal with it? Let me know in the commentsq!

2024: A Flowing River of Growth, Challenges, and Memories

As the sun sets on 2024, I find myself reflecting on a year that has been nothing short of a flowing river—calm and serene at times, but also turbulent and challenging, shaping me in countless ways. I offer my gratitude to the Almighty for this incredible journey, filled with growth, learning, and a mosaic of cherished memories.

The Journey Begins

The year began with a focus on physical and mental well-being. Inspired to make fitness a habit, I embarked on a 21-day challenge to build a gym routine. Little did I know, this commitment would transform not just my body but also my mind, instilling a newfound confidence to face life's challenges.

Professionally, I spent much of my early year in the corridors of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), diving deep into the realms of forensic analysis and investigations. It was an invaluable experience, one that added a new dimension to my knowledge and skills.

January: Dreams Revisited and Challenges Acknowledged

January was a month of nostalgia and excitement. A memorable trip to Mumbai allowed me to relive the magic of the city of dreams. From exploring Elephanta Caves to watching the sunset at Bandra Fort, the city gifted me moments to treasure.

Returning to Delhi, I witnessed the historic inauguration of the Ram Lala Temple in Ayodhya by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, life balanced the highs with challenges—a freak accident on the football field left my friend Renjith with a serious leg injury requiring surgery.

April: A Southern Sojourn

The warmth of April brought travel opportunities to Coorg and Coimbatore. Coorg’s colonial charm and lush greenery contrasted sharply with Coimbatore’s blazing heat. A visit to the Adiyogi statue was a spiritual highlight, leaving me in awe of its grandeur and grace.

May: Duty Under the Scorching Sun

May tested my endurance as I served as the Presiding Officer during elections. With temperatures soaring above 40°C, the 50-hour non-stop duty pushed my limits. Yet, completing this responsibility felt deeply rewarding, even as my body protested afterward.

June: New Beginnings and National Pride

June marked a professional transition as I moved from Canara Bank’s Mid Corporate Branch to the Large Corporate Branch. Adapting to new challenges wasn’t easy, but it brought growth and valuable friendships.

On a national level, India celebrated an iconic victory—clinching the ICC T20 World Cup after a decade-long drought. The joy and unity this brought were unparalleled.

August: Bonds and Losses

In August, I attended an RSKZ reunion at Remya’s place, celebrating Shloku’s birthday. It was heartwarming to reconnect with old friends.

However, this month also brought sorrow as we bid farewell to Kuttu, our beloved dog. Memories of his playful antics and majestic presence remain etched in my heart.

September: Festive Joy

Onam in September was a family affair, celebrated with floral designs (pookalam) and a sumptuous sadhya in Dwarka. Being surrounded by loved ones during this traditional festival filled my heart with joy.

October: Festivities and New Connections

October, the month of Diwali, lit up my life with new friendships formed at the gym. Ankit, Shweta (gym wali madam), and Narayani (gym wali sister) made workouts enjoyable and motivating, especially with their focus on abs and core exercises.

November: Mysore Magic

November took me to Mysore, a city that captivated me with its charm, vibrant Navratri celebrations, and the grandeur of the Mysore Palace. The warmth of its people and its picturesque beauty made it an unforgettable experience.

December: Culmination and Reflection

December was a month of accomplishments and quiet moments. I completed the final CBI report, collaborating with senior officials and prosecutors to ensure thoroughness. The lessons from this assignment will guide me for years to come.

The final days of the year were spent at home, watching heartwarming Pixar and Disney movies, and reconnecting with an old friend, Gaurav, after three long years.

Lessons from the River of 2024

As I stand at the riverbank of 2024, I realize this year has taught me resilience, responsibility, and the importance of unwavering faith in oneself. It has prepared me for the challenges of 2025—a year I believe will redefine the course of my life. My heart tells me to follow the path of righteousness, not just for personal gain but for the betterment of my family, friends, and humanity.

Here’s to a future where every challenge is an opportunity and every moment a chance to create something meaningful. Everything happens for the good, and I am ready to embrace what lies ahead.