It’s good to lose your way sometimes…

13^th June, 2015. I don’t know how to start writing about this particular day. But, I know this that it was one of the most memorable days of my life. So, I’ll just go ahead and start from the beginning itself.

I don’t know what had come into me when I had decided to go alone for this exam. Since, the morning I had this feeling that today’s day will not go as planned. I woke up early and had decided that I’ll leave home early so that I get time to find the place. Yes, I was not sure about the directions. I had the address but this place was supposed to be near the metro station. So, I thought that I’ll easily reach the place or if needed, would ask someone for direction.

But, as I said earlier this day was nothing like I had planned it to be. My exam was at 12:30 p.m. and I was out of metro station at 12:20 p.m. I thought that I had plenty of time to reach the place as the ‘very nice people’ (2 family members and 2 stupid friends) had told me that it was just in walking distance from the metro station. They said that I had to turn from the red light but, in both the directions there was a red light. First I went in the wrong direction then I asked someone. That person told me that I had come the wrong way. I walked and walked in the other direction and finally reached, Kasturba Gandhi Marg. I thought that I had reached the place. I called my family member and guess what happened? Well, he said that I was walking in the wrong direction and I should come back home and would never reach on time now!

I felt so depressed in that moment that I just wanted to keep walking and walking. First time I go out on my own and I can’t even find a bloody place. The sun was bright and cruel. I was sweating profusely and as I looked for my handkerchief, I realized I had lost it somewhere. I felt like crying at this moment but instead I crossed the road. I kept on walking and 3 times I was about to slip. Finally, I saw a direction board on which it was written ‘India Gate’ and ‘Max Mueller Bhavan’. I turned around with a thought of going back home. I don’t know what happened to me in that moment. Suddenly, I wanted to touch that board. So, I walked back to touch that board. As soon as I reach the board, well…there it was! Yes, the place I’ve looking for. An almost square building, it looked like a bright shining star among the tall dark buildings.

In that moment I looked at the sky and wanted to shout out loud “seriously!!!!!!” This meant I was walking in the right direction before and would’ve reached the place. Nevertheless, I crossed the road and reached the other side once again. I went in and booked my test appointment for the next available date.

It was around 1:40 p.m. in the afternoon and still, I was moaning about the missed exam. I decided to explore CP in hope of uplifting my spirit. With an Ice-cream in hand, I floated from one book stall to another. None of the books held any charm for me today. And finally, I decided to have lunch. At lunch I was sitting alone and suddenly a young man (25 above age) asks me to join him. In the beginning I was quite skeptical and to be honest after the horrible morning hardly in mood to talk to anyone. Still, I join him.

He smiles at me and asks “Boyfriend late ho gya kya?”

I just say “No”

Then he looks at me and seriously asks, “Plan cancel kar diya kya phir usne? You look quite upset and angry!!” and add jokingly, “don’t be too hard on him”

This time I’m seriously regretting my decision of joining him. Moreover, what the hell was I thinking when I decided to join a stranger? “No, i’ve just had a shitty day!! And I thought that some lunch would definitely lift my spirits!” I answer irritated.

This time he doesn’t speak for about 2 minutes I guess. Then, he causally introduces himself, “By the way, I’m Narayan Bhatia.”

“I’m Nidhi”, I say nonchalantly.

“Do you remember me?” he asks.

This time I look at his face and jog my memory. But no, I’ve never seen him or heard his name before. Now, everything fell into place because people usually don’t talk to strangers that way. He thought I was someone else. I answer back “I think you have mistaken me for some other person, I don’t know you.”

Further, he tells me about the place he had seen me. As we talk, I realize that we’ve a lot of common acquaintances. As the conversations flowed, he reminisced about his college days and told tales of that time. In no time, the lunch was over and I was calling him “Narayan bhaiya”. I had literally forgotten about my crappy day. I was happy listening to him. He told me about his job and travels. In the end I asked him “waise, why were you alone?” and cheekily I go on to ask “Did your girlfriend ditch you?”

To my surprise he chuckles and smilingly says, “Actually, my Fiancé, not girlfriend! She had some urgent work so, she couldn’t come.”

As we walked outside, I congratulated him and he wished me luck for my future. We both parted with smiles on our faces. Suddenly, the clouds gathered and the heat and unhappiness brought by the bright sun was washed away by the clouds and torrential rain. The rain had rejuvenated my spirits and cloaked me in the cloud of happiness.

Well, I had never imagined that it would rain today or that I’ll make a new friend. This day didn’t go as I had planned but, still I had fun travelling alone and exploring places on my own terms. This was something new for me. Even after so many setbacks and a missed exam, I was calm and happy when I reached home. I still have a smile on my face as I reflect back at my aimless roaming in CP streets to my lunch with a stranger.

P.S. - I think that once in a while everyone should go out, alone! Take a deep breath. De-stress and de-clutter your life!! Let the world speak to you without any filters or interruptions. Be Happy and Be Safe!!

P.P.S - This day wouldn't have been possible if, my Net Card and Phone battery had survived!!