Journey Through Time: Reflections from My Earliest Memories to School Days

Excerpts from my diary written in 2021.

My journey begins in the warmth of waiting for my father to return from work, sharing moments with my mother in our modest home. The red shoes gifted by my Valiachan (dad's elder brother) were my first treasure, while time spent with Lili Bibi and Vava (Dilip Uncle, Bindu Aunt, and Sindhu Aunt) filled my childhood with joy.

Growing up an only child, my toys were my universe. Hours were spent in their company, meticulously organizing them, which perhaps sowed the seeds of my preference for order and solitary contentment. My comfort zone was limited to family and close relatives, as I found myself uneasy around outsiders, particularly the North Indian (mostly Punjabi) neighbors, whose behavior often felt discriminatory. This early exposure to racial insensitivity partly shaped my preference for a 'smaller world'.

Transitioning to Kerala school opened a new chapter, where I met friends like Vineet, Jilson, and Mahesh. Our similar backgrounds forged a bond that felt like family. Influential figures during these formative years included Bindu and Sindhu Mausi, Aji Mama, and Lili, with my father's support being my pillar during challenging times.

Moving from Mayur Vihar Phase 2 to Phase 3 marked my journey towards independence, carrying forward the values instilled during my initial years. My love for reading, from general knowledge books to Archies comics, shaped my worldview, steering me towards Western educational values and thinking.

In my later school years, a desire to excel in sports emerged from my earlier physical inactivity due to asthma. This ambition drove me to significant achievements in football, cricket, and athletics, with winning a 100m race against Joju in 2007 standing out as a memorable highlight.

Life's philosophy has always been about practicality for me, leading to a disinterest in conventional education. Instead, I thrived in school through active participation in cultural programs, sports, and leadership roles, enjoying the spotlight and the sense of celebrity it brought.

No recount of school life is complete without mentioning crushes. Despite my popularity and the attention it brought, my pursuit of Pooja taught me hard lessons in patience and the complexities of relationships. It was a journey of growth, albeit with its share of heartache.

A missed opportunity in love was my friendship with Sridevi, whose simplicity and charm were overshadowed by my more flamboyant side. Despite the advice of friends and a brief attempt at expressing my feelings in 2012, it remained one of life's "what ifs."

As I continue to navigate through life's tapestry, these reflections serve as reminders of growth, lessons learned, and the enduring impact of early experiences and relationships.