As the plane touched down in Kerala, India, my heart was racing with anticipation. Memories of my childhood flooded back – days spent playing in the backyard with my daddy, my momma’s warm embrace after a long day at school, and the aroma of her delicious cooking that filled our home. It had been two long years since I went to the UK, and the excitement of surprising my parents after such a long time was overwhelming, as I found myself replaying these old, cherished moments in my mind, and was eager to create new ones. This was my first time returning to Kerala since moving to Manchester two years ago.
Witnessing the changes in my old hometown
Two years is a long time to be away from a place and people that I love. As I stepped out of the airport, I was struck by how much had changed. The familiar paths I once knew so well had been modified, with new roads cutting through the landscape. My favorite restaurant – Bismi Hotel, a place where I had countless meals with friends and family, had a new face now – renovated and modernized. The parks where we spent our free time, once filled with laughter and the echoes of our childhood games, had changed too, with new structures built and unfamiliar faces all around. Even the uniforms worn by schoolchildren had changed, a small but poignant reminder of how much time had passed. But the change that really tugged at my heart the most was seeing my parents’ heads with a few more strands of grey hair – a visible marker of the years that had gone by, and the time with them that I had missed.
Reconnecting with family and cherished bonds
Despite these changes, the warmth of being back remained. My six-year-old daughter was overjoyed to be with her granny and grandpa who, despite their health concerns, seemed to forget all about their aches and pains when they were with her. Their laughter filled the house once more as they indulged her every whim, their pampering sessions filled with joy and love. It was heartening to see the bond between them, a beautiful continuation of the love they had once showered upon me.
My once healthy parents now have medicine boxes ruling their cabinets, a stark reminder of the passing years. I found myself wishing they could still scold me for my mistakes, just like in my childhood, and I even missed the punishments that once seemed so harsh. Now, even with so many choices available to me, I long for the days when they would pick the best for me – from the perfect bedtime stories to the most thoughtful gifts. But now, their focus has shifted – they give more attention to their beloved grandchild, even more so than to their own daughter and son-in-law.
Reuniting with old friends
Reuniting with old friends after two years was both heartwarming and bittersweet. Their appearances had changed – a few sported new hairstyles, others wore different styles of clothing, and we all seemed to carry the marks of time a little more. We all missed our lively gossip sessions and cozy coffee dates. Yet, despite the changes and time apart, I hold on to the hope that these friendship bonds will last a lifetime.
Cherished time with loved ones
Every moment with my family was precious – whether it was the short trips we took to our favourite spots, the delicious meals we shared, or even the small fights that ended in warm cuddles. Being back home, surrounded by the love and care of my parents, reminded me of the simple joys of life that I had missed. It wasn’t just about the changes in the landscape or the new shops that had sprung up, but about reconnecting with people who mattered most
I also cherished the quality time spent with my favourite people – my near and dear ones, including cousins, relatives, and neighbours. There’s a special joy in being surrounded by those who know you best. And of course, there’s the new addition to our family – the cat. As much as I love her, I can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy knowing that now she gets to spend more time with my parents than I do.
Emotional encounters in everyday moments
Even everyday activities like shopping brought a flood of emotions. Unlike in past years, my daddy and mommy seemed to know almost everyone in the market. Listening to the people in the market recount stories about “uncle” and “aunt” (my parents), I found my eyes welling up with tears. Each encounter reminded me of the strong community ties they had built in my absence.
The bittersweet farewell
As the end of my holiday approached, I found myself wishing more and more that I could stay with them forever, letting go of all other responsibilities and worries. But deep down, I know that the distance and the inevitable goodbyes make the time we do spend together all the more precious. As bittersweet as it may be, these moments of separation only make the reunions sweeter.
The toughest goodbye: leaving once more
The toughest phase of this journey approached too quickly – the time to say goodbye. As the rain showered down outside, I couldn’t help but feel that each drop carried the tears of my beloved Momma and Dadda. Boarding the plane and flying through the clouds, memories struck me with a force I’d never felt before, each one more vivid than the last. Between moments of sleep, I heard the announcement, “Ladies and gentlemen, we will be landing shortly in Manchester.” And with that, I realised that I’m no longer the same person who left Kerala. I’ve donned a new persona, ready to embrace this next phase of life and the responsibilities that come with it.
Yes, as I stepped off the plane, I realised anew that the once-pampered daughter had now transformed into a loving mother, a caring wife, a devoted homemaker and a responsible employee. But deep down, the essence of my Kerala home will always be with me, guiding me as I go with the flow of life’s journey.
