Aditya Singh

As soon as the month of May started

The heatwaves would kick in

Bringing with it the spirit of holidays

All I could think of was playing all day in the outdoors

But unlike me, others were on a different plain of excitement

This excitement which was alien to me

Was the experience of visiting one's hometown

I have heard stories of how the elderly greet their kin

With bright smiles on their faces and pure love in their hearts

Filling your stomach with their famous sweets and childhood stories

Not a minute goes by without you not greeting some new relativeThe atmosphere is extremely nostalgic, but to child - it's true happiness

You can tell by the look in their eyes that they all want to be there

Here too, a routine is followed, but unlike their houses - here, it does not feel like one

It is like a child's dream place

All you have to do is wish and it will be granted

This experience was so common and taken granted for

That we were asked to write about it in school without enquiring - did some of us ever even have that experience in our lives?

Today, looking back at all these stories

All I feel is regret, for which I do not blame anyone

The regret is of not being able to experience such unconditional love Such camaraderie without having to think twice about

Having missed the true spirit of one's hometown

Maybe that is why it has the word home in it

Even though you're miles away from yours