It was during this trip and after 15 months of being away from Chennai that I met up with most of my running friends (the Dream Runners) and a few of my hiking friends – my partners in crime (the Chennai Trekking Club). Though I knew I’ve missed them, the intensity of it hit me after spending quality time with them during this trip. My running buddies almost succeeded in dragging me along to the Mumbai marathon in Jan (except, there wasn’t a free bib available) and my hiking buddies nearly whisked me away on a trek to Kodaikanal (except, I played spoilsport).
During the day, I was alternating between eating sumptuous meals, sleeping like a piece of meat, reading my favorite Michael Connelly novels and socializing. I was petrified of nights because of my jet lag and the haunting thoughts of uncertainty in my career progression. I slept barely for a few minutes only to be woken up with palpitations and an acute feeling of anxiety. As I sat up in bed I’d catch a glimpse of the Cold and Dark room of mine in London swiftly making me tear up. I hated having to return to London as much as I hated the crying. It’s been a steep learning curve in London during the past several months – though it has been one of the best phases of life, by far it was the toughest. My parents were worried sick and made me promise a relocation if such paranoia followed me to London.
I was crying on my return flight evidently resisting my impending return to London. I missed my family, I still do. I think a part of me would always remain in Chennai at ‘home’.
Now here comes the part that’s hilarious! My flight lands ahead of schedule and I walk down to the nearby Costa at Heathrow Terminal 4 to grab a cuppa tea as I await the arrival of my cab. After my first sip of the familiar ‘English Breakfast’ tea, I register the background noise – music from Costa and the non stop chatter from people around. Though I am alone, I don’t feel quite that alone! Slowly I feel my spirits soar to a ‘sky is the limit’ state of mind. I’ve read somewhere that ‘If a man is tired of London, he is tired of life’. Never before have I acknowledged falling in love – over & over again. That must surely explain the dizziness that held me mesmerized with a sheepish grin plastered on my face. I fell hard for London, yet again! !! One month of life in London and now I’m hoping I’d get a job profile to my liking to keep this love affair thriving (of course, I’m happy to move back – I still do maintain that). Love for London is certainly glorious!
