Two months. Just sixty days.
But for me, it felt like a never-ending tunnel of suffocation and lessons — not just about life, but about people. And finally, the day came when I was leaving that hostel room that had become more of a cage than a shelter. I didn’t even look back while stepping out for the last time. No farewell, no nostalgia, just a deep breath and a silent promise: Never again. 😮💨
The girl who once walked in with stars in her eyes, naïve dreams, and the thought that living away from home would mean freedom — she was gone. A newer, stronger version of me was stepping out now.
And this new chapter? Oh, it started with Khushi. 💕
I had met her in college during the orientation days. Quiet, simple, yet so real. Not the flashy kind who'd talk behind your back and smile in front. Khushi was genuine. And over time, she became my only safe space, someone who never judged, never compared, and always stood by me. In fact, during those dark hostel days, she was the one who reminded me that this wasn’t the end — just a chapter.
"Why don’t we take a PG room outside the university? Together," she had said casually one afternoon, while sipping on her lemon tea in the canteen.
That one line was a ray of sunshine ☀️ in my stormy clouds.
We started searching. Online ads, random PG visits after college, talking to seniors — we did it all. Some rooms were too expensive, others too shady. But finally, we found a neat little place, 2BHK, with enough light, ventilation, and most importantly, peace. 🧘♀️
We could now breathe.
No shouting. No backbiting. No drama. Just us, our books, our dreams, and our friendship.
Living with Khushi was like having a second home away from home. She wasn’t just a roommate — she became my family. She helped me set routines, encouraged me to cook with her (even if we ended up burning the first few meals 🤭), and reminded me what real companionship looks like.
And as life took a more balanced turn, I took another big step — a part-time job. 💼
It wasn’t something I had planned, but I realized I couldn’t depend on my parents for everything. They were already supporting my tuition and education fees. But for rent, groceries, and our little weekend chai-maggi breaks, I wanted to contribute.
So I started working evenings at a medical store nearby. The uncle there was kind, gave me flexible hours, and slowly, I started enjoying this new routine — college, PG, work. Independent living had finally begun.
At first, it was tiring. I'd come home exhausted, barely able to cook or revise my notes. But Khushi was always there. She’d keep food ready, help me revise important points, and sometimes, just hug me without saying anything. And that was enough.
Those two months in the hostel had taught me what kind of people to avoid.
These new months outside the hostel? They were teaching me how to live.
Weekends were our little escape. We’d go grocery shopping, try new street food, sit on our small balcony with music and chai, and talk about life — our dreams, fears, and future. There was laughter, sometimes tears, but never any lies. That was the best part.
I remember one evening, I asked her, “Do you ever think we’ll end up like those hostel girls?”
She smiled and replied, “Not unless we forget who we are.”
That one line stuck with me.
As weeks passed, our bond grew deeper. She helped me with practical files, I taught her anatomy notes. We decorated our little room with fairy lights and Polaroids. It was messy but ours. 🪄🏠
We even made a tiny "No Drama Zone" poster and hung it on the door.
Sometimes, I’d pass by the hostel and spot my old roommate. Loud, fake laugh. Surrounded by people but still somehow… lonely. And I felt nothing. No hate, no bitterness. Just a lesson learned.
If I had never met her, I wouldn’t have valued Khushi this much. If I had never suffered, I wouldn’t have recognized this peace.
Life was finally falling into place.
And the best part?
I wasn’t surviving anymore. I was living. 😌🌼
Looking ahead, I don’t know what the future holds. Exams are coming, responsibilities are growing, and adulting is still scary. But now, I know I have someone who’ll always keep me grounded. Someone who brings peace in the chaos. ☕💖
Maybe this isn’t a fairy tale. There’s no prince, no castles, no magic.
But this — this life, these moments — are my kind of happy ending.
Or maybe...
It’s just the beginning. ✨
---
Lessons I Learned So Far:
1. Freedom isn't about living alone — it's about living with the right people.
2. The wrong people will break you, but the right ones will build you back stronger.
3. Real friendship doesn’t come with conditions.
4. Peace > popularity. Always.
5. Be independent — emotionally, mentally, financially. Even small steps matter.
6. Never ignore your intuition — it always knows.
7. Your past doesn’t define you. Your next decision does.
---
To be continued... 💫
