Time travels fast. I have been in my own country for more than two weeks, and it is time to go back to Delft on the 14th. It is pleasing to know about my floor mates across seven seas. Delft, when I left, was in a paradise environment, something not common with Dutch weather.
Back in India, it is hot, hot, hot. With temperatures rising above 35 degrees Celsius, it is not an easy place to live. And coming back from the pleasant environment of Delft, it is even harder. The train journey from Mumbai to my small village, in the southwest of India reminded me of my humble beginnings. I felt a sense of pride in my achievements when I remembered some hard times. My father, a simple person who has not yet crossed the boundaries of our province, is very happy when I tell him about people from distant lands. However, it is equally difficult for my family to understand the boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. According to them, if you are in love, you should get married irrespective of economic or age-related issues. It is as simple as that. They asked me how it feels when the flight takes off, how it feels when the first particles of ice touch your face, and how it feels to be there with students from different countries. I have mostly educated and entertained them with amusing yet true stories from the West. I told them about the system of canals, waters, big churches, and tall Dutch people. I also showed them some of my photos (sober ones, mind you).
The time has come to go back to Delft and resume my research. The place in Delft seems inviting.