Growing up, I always heard people say that there comes a moment in life that completely changes it—like

a 180-degree shift. The hopelessly optimistic me never thought that moment could be both positive and
negative. But given my 18 years of life and the lessons I’ve learned the hard way, this moment was no
exception.

December 24th, 2024, isn’t just a date for me anymore. It’s a day I’ll remember for the rest of my life. It
changed everything—my life, my perspective about people, and so much more. But if there’s one thing
that didn’t change, it’s my faith in Hanuman Ji. Even in the middle of everything, when I felt like I was
falling apart, it was this unshakable feeling that someone was holding me together. No matter what, I
knew Hanuman Ji wouldn’t let anything happen to me. And of course, there was Mrigank.

The whole thing is still so vivid in my mind. Even now, when I close my eyes, it shakes me to the core.
But you know what’s funny? Even then, I was laughing. Laughing because of how Mrigank was reacting
and behaving. Honestly, every girl has this one insecurity—whether they admit it or not—especially in
the beginning of a relationship. The need to be perfect, You want to be perfect. Perfect in the way you
look, talk, act, and even... sexually. Even if your partner makes you feel super secure, that thought still
lingers: I have to be better than everyone else out there na.

That day, my first thought was, What will he think of me now? Have I ruined a beautiful moment for us?.
But the way he handled everything... I don’t even know how to put it into words. My parents have a
beautiful relationship, and my mom always used to say, When you truly love someone, they become
everything to you—your father, mother, friend, sibling, everything. It never made sense to me before.
Like, How can you see your father in your partner? But that day, I got it.

The way Mrigank took control of everything, the way he scolded me for opening my eyes again and
again, the way he made me feel like he had everything under control— i saw my papa in him and
confided in him like a little girl completely. I fell in love with a boy, but in just one day, I saw him grow
into a man.

I’ve always been confused about what love really means. But now, I know—he is the definition of love
for me. We’ve only been together for about 1-1.5 months, but the level of emotional intimacy we’ve
reached is something else entirely. From holding my urine bag to brushing my teeth—these might sound
like small things, but they’re not. I’ve seen people in long-term relationships shy away from doing such
things. Not that he didn’t have his own breakdowns—he did, several times. But we’re so blessed that
Hanuman Ji has given us an incredible set of friends who stood by us like a family.

I’ve always been lucky with friends, but this experience made me realize just how important they are.
Ritika was the first person I called because I knew she was a safe space. She wasn’t going to judge me.
And when I told her I needed her, she didn’t think twice. Even with an exam the next day, she came. She
scolded me, wiped my tears, and made me feel like nothing could go wrong because she was there.

Then there’s Nishika. I couldn’t call her, but she showed up anyway. No hesitation, no second thoughts—
just there for me.

Shree is another one. I always thought of him as a friend, but I never imagined I’d be comfortable enough
to share everything with him. Yet, when I broke down and told him everything, he just listened. He said
things that might seem small to others, but to me, they meant everything. Even in that situation, they all
found a way to make me laugh.
Rayan deserves a special mention, I haven’t had the chance to thank him properly, but the way he stayed
at the hospital, running around, supporting Mrigank—he was exactly what Mrigank needed at that
moment. I had people around me, but Mrigank needed someone too. Rayan and Shree were his anchors,
ensuring he didn’t crumble.

Coming back to the hostel felt like it was going to be impossible. I thought I wouldn’t be able to handle it.
But these idiots—my people—they made it feel normal again. Riya, for example. She showed no
emotion, scolded me non-stop, but then she’d turn around and clean my room, wash dishes jisme keede
lage huye the , and take care of me like an elder sister. Nishika was just as amazing. I could see in her
eyes how worried she was when I was lying in that hospital bed. From feeding me gajar and Maggi to
making sure I was comfortable every step of the way, yaha baetho ye kar lo wo karlo, ye khalo wo kha lo,
i loveeee youuuuuuu

Yash, though not there in the moment, stepped into his “big brother” role on our way home, making sure I
was okay and not letting me lift a finger.

And then there’s Rishika didi. She was the first person to know everything. I troubled her so much, asking
her questions about every little thing, and she handled all of it with so much patience. Talking to her felt
like talking to my own sister. I have so much love and respect for her, and I’m 100% sure she’s going to
be an amazing doctor.

Maasi was my pillar. Maasi fed me, cared for me like my own mom, and just made me feel warm and
safe. Mausaji, along with Mrigank’s bhaiya and bhabhi, went above and beyond for us. I don’t even know
how to thank them enough.

This chapter of my life—though it’s over—will always be one of the most significant. It taught me so
much about the value of relationships and how life is really nothing without them. We’re still dealing
with the consequences, but I know we’ll get through them too. The lessons I’ve learned and the people
I’ve been blessed with will stay with me forever.

To everyone who stood by me: From crying inconsolably in front of you to laughing my heart out, you’ve
seen me at my worst and my best. I can’t even put into words how grateful I am for you all. Thank you
for being my home.