As kids, most of us grew up watching the home alone movie series; hoped and dreamed of one day going on a Snowy Christmas family vacation, singing carols on chilly winter nights, enjoying the smell of fresh snow, making snow angels, snow man and indulging in some friendly family snow ball fights.  Wow, what a holiday it would be and I so wanted it to happen!

At the same time, my heart also desired of being home alone like Kevin, even if it was for a day. Experience the feeling of doing whatever the heart desires with no one around watching or correcting you. It sounded thrilling and super exciting. But there was a problem; my parents and sister would most certainly ensure that I’m not left behind or board the wrong flight or train.

Time passed by swiftly, I grew up and got busy with life and its various commitments so much so that I’d long forgotten of this childish desire . Until, very recently, one late evening, my husband made a spontaneously plan to go on a solo trip to Mumbai to spend time with his sibling. In the 14 years of our marriage, this was the first time he was being impetuous and had made plans that did not include Puchki and me. Before he could change his mind, I immediately booked his tickets.

A couple of days later, he seemed a bit lost in his thoughts, after incessantly bugging him, he finally gave in and revealed that he would want us to join him on the trip as well. I could not because of an earlier commitment but Puchki definitely could, so I went ahead and booked her tickets as well.

Oh God! The level of excitement was at its peak at di’s house, upon getting the news of Puchki joining him. There was a similar buzz at Nana, Nani’s & Masi’s house, they were overjoyed to know that they would be visiting them too, but, at the same time, seemed a little concerned on why I wasn’t joining them. 

As the days were nearing, there was a palpable excitement in the air. I made a list of things I wanted to do, some of which included, driving down to Sibang Café just to have a cup of tea, have Pizza while binging on Lincoln lawyer and Jack Ryan series, indulge in some retail therapy and if time permits write something and clean a few kitchen cabinets and wardrobes.   

Soon, the ultimate day arrived, after innumerable hugs and kisses; I waved Puchki and my husband goodbye. Woohoo! Finally, I was home alone not for 1 but for 4 nights and three days and I was determined to make the most of it.

Later that evening, after clearing the house, eating my dinner and checking on their whereabouts. I sat lazily on my bed, sipping green tea and browsing through social media one last time, before calling it a night. Just then, I received a message from one of my ex-colleagues, after about 5 years. She happened to read some of my blogs and really enjoyed them, she could relate to my Crick mania and my inner vulnerabilities. We had so much in common, but all this while, knew so little about each other. That night, she inspired me, filled my heart with a new zeal and I woke up next morning brimming with fresh ideas to write.          

The next two days, I spend my entire day and evening writing on multiple thoughts and scenarios. I was so engrossed, that I lost complete track of time and forgot about the things I wanted to do from my checklist. Oh! I was so enjoying, expressing myself; giving vent to my feelings and revisiting some of my old forgotten memories.

Now, with just a day left for their arrival, I decided to accomplish at least one of the items from the list, so I placed an online order for pizza and was all set to watch back to back episodes of Lincoln Lawyer. But there was a problem, in all the frenzy, I selected the wrong outlet, instead of Gurgaon, an outlet in Pussa road Delhi received the order and after an hour of back and forth, they finally cancelled the order at the 11^th hour, leaving me with no option, but to rummage through the fridge for some left-overs. Nothing could dampen my spirits; I made myself a nice hot cuppa and watched the entire series till the crack of dawn.

Finally, it was the day of their arrival, my Puchki and hubby dearest were returning. I was exhausted but with very little time to spare, I sprang into action, setting up the house, cooking their favorite Sunday afternoon lunch and getting ready to look my pretty self.

Just as I was done, their car entered the society gate, Puchki jumped out of the car and ran into my arms and in her most animated high pitched voice started to narrate the wonderful time she had in Mumbai, the love, attention and daily gifts she received from everyone, the places she visited, the games she played, the tantrums she threw. She came back home with a bag full or memories (in literal sense), which she could not stop gushing about for the rest of the week. And for hubby dear, he had a great time too, bonding with Di, B, Mee mee. Meeting up with Maa Paa, Sis, (celebrating her birthday) and our youngest precious niece.

It was so exhilarating, listening to their stories and not even for once, I felt that I missed out on their fun. I was overjoyed; my innocent Puchki bonded beautifully and got a taste of love equal to that of her mother’s.

Whereas for me, my home alone experience made me realise that ‘nothing can bring me happiness, but my own self’.