Aditi arrives in Bengaluru, encountering family dynamics and the challenges of independence.
Aditi arrived in Bengaluru on a rainy morning, the train pulling into the station nearly an hour late. Her journey began with excitement and uncertainty as she navigated through the familiar chaos of the railway station. As she dragged her luggage along, she observed the throngs of people, noting that many appeared to be young professionals or college students. However, her attention was drawn to the strikingly handsome young men who passed by, making her wonder why none had shared her compartment.
Lost in her thoughts, Aditi was jolted back to reality by a loud honk. It was her uncle, Das Uncle, who had come to pick her up. Despite her stylish name, her family insisted on calling her ‘Ammu,’ a reminder of the familial bonds that often overshadow individuality. This was Aditi’s first in-person meeting with her relatives, having only seen them in photographs before. She recalled a conversation with her family, where her Achan mentioned Das Uncle, and her Amma had emphasized the importance of having family support in a new city, especially for a daughter.
While there was an initial suggestion for Aditi to stay with her uncle’s family, it was ultimately decided that she would live in a hostel nearby. Her Amma believed it would be better for Aditi to maintain her independence and avoid getting too close to family acquaintances. Accepting this decision without complaints, Aditi understood that this arrangement could help her embrace the freedom she sought in Bengaluru.
As they drove through the bustling city, Uncle inquired about her journey. Aditi assured him that everything had gone smoothly, though the train’s delay had been a minor inconvenience. Uncle dismissed her concerns, expressing that family support was vital and that small gestures, like picking her up, should not feel burdensome. He spoke fondly of his daughter, Shalu, who was busy with her studies, and shared anecdotes about Bengaluru’s notorious traffic, trying to ease Aditi’s nerves.
Upon arriving at their flat, Aditi was welcomed by her aunt, who had prepared a meal of hot idlis and sambar. The flat was modest but cozy, with a balcony adorned by a thriving curry leaf plant and other vegetables. As she settled in, Aditi noticed the neighboring apartments, one seemingly empty while another bore signs of a bachelor’s lifestyle. Engaging with her aunt, Aditi learned about her family dynamics, including her aunt’s reluctance to work outside the home and her past experiences with tutoring children.
After lunch, they planned to visit Aditi’s hostel, which was conveniently located just a short distance away. The atmosphere was warm as Shalu returned from her tuition, quickly forming a connection with Aditi through shared laughter and conversation. Though the hostel admission process was smooth, the experience marked the beginning of Aditi’s new life in Bengaluru, a journey filled with personal growth and the challenge of balancing family expectations with her aspirations for independence.
