A path less traveled by
This is a piece of writing I’ve done for myself, just a little celebration of golden month in my life. I’ve got the manuscript of this “trilogy” with me, just a little too long to post them all at once.
ALIVE
It’s over a month now. I place my palm in front of my face and I breathe. Hey, I survive. 
In the evening of September 6, Riza and I touched down at Mumbai with the rain drizzling and welcoming us to the alpha world city. When the car drove into the suburb through the bustling streets, the scenes took my breath away, literally. This is not Thailand, it’s extraordinary . Autos. If one night in your dream there are an army of autos(rickshaws) surrounding you in the traffic, that must be India, and yeah, that could be Mumbai.
It was dark. From the main streets the driver led us to our school where our hostel is located, through some narrow lanes with potholes and human beings. From that moment I believe this city is in fact inhabited by almost 21 million of Homo Sapiens, almost 1-Malaysia (population – 27 million). It’s almost impossible that you walk out from your room, your hostel, your school compound and you don’t cross path with someone else.
I remember the water was ice-cold. It’s our first shower in India. The first phone call I made is to Ms. Priti Miranda, the school assistant registrar before we went to bed. I am not really sure if my voice was a little shell-shocked but she asked if we were comfortable with our place. She told us to meet her in the office the next day. That was the first conversation, in proper English, comforting one, without any self-defined sign language. Right from my heart I can tell you that I was afraid. Fear grew inside me and I questioned myself of the decision I made to come to India. When we are weak, we question about everything we’ve done. I remember I’ve sent some messages back to Malaysia, other than announcing I have reached in one piece I’ve also wondered if I will leave in January, one piece. Total days to come, 147. Yeah, the number sticks with me because of some insurance I got for myself, you know, just in case.
Among the lessons learnt in India is about not being judgmental, especially at night. Stepping out of the hostel is refreshing, the next morning. Being a student again is something I have longed for. The sense gradually came to me that every difference you drive into your life, somehow will start with a cocktail of anxiety mix with fear. The pleasant Ms. Priti made me feel at ease, especially the way she reacted to seeing my ID photos. I know from that instance, we are going to be friends.
The first week rolled by peacefully, which I like to put it as lack of adventures. By the end of the week, USM sent Dr. Nabsiah to Mumbai for a brief visit and sent Riza away to Pune. Then I was alone. When you are singing solo, you are the driver of your life. You can either make yourself miserable by thinking oh dear, I’m too lonely and I’m gonna die or tell yourself hey, the world is yours now! Unbelievably, I found myself having this gung-ho spirit.
Man, this is gonna be one hell of a ride!
When we are weak, we question about everything we’ve done.- only the first time
The pleasant Ms. Priti made me feel at ease, especially the way she reacted to seeing my ID photos. I know from that instance, we are going to be friends. – what reaction?
what do you mean by “on the first time”?
Her reaction was kind of “disbelieving”… ah! I don’t know how to describe it in words, but I will show you when I return home!