After nine months of relentless work in a completely different world, breaking the usual rhythm of my discipline, cooking endlessly, watching serials I never thought I would, improvising with whatever was available, and building friendships that felt serendipitous, the long-awaited moment finally arrived. I could spend two precious weeks with my family and close friends.

Getting holidays while on-site is always a formidable challenge. After nine months, I managed only five leaves. Thankfully, Japan’s Golden Week, a government holiday, came to my rescue. By combining both, I orchestrated a two-week escape.

On 25th April, I left Japan amidst torrential rain. After more than eight hours of flying, I landed in India. My mummy, papa, and uncle were waiting at the airport, and seeing them after such a long time was profoundly gratifying.

We first stayed in Chandni Chowk for two days. Shopping was endless, and I indulged in Mughlai dishes with voracious delight, eating as if I had been famished since birth. On the 27th, we traveled to Mirzapur, my native town nestled between Allahabad and Varanasi. I had already planned the food menu for my stay, but my father, eager to see me eat, embellished it with countless extras. My mother, a culinary virtuoso, cooked so much that I ate beyond my limits and inevitably gained weight in just two weeks.

I carried small gifts from Japan for my relatives and distributed them the same day. Some were elated, others less so, but such is the capricious nature of human expectations. The summer heat was merciless, and I vowed not to step out during the day. Yet, circumstances made it unavoidable, and I ended up venturing out repeatedly. In those fleeting days, I met more than fifty people, and time dissolved like quicksilver.

Leaving Mirzapur for New Delhi was bittersweet. I felt melancholic about parting from my loved ones yet exhilarated to reunite with my cherished friends. I met Nitish, Rakesh, Priya, Vinita, Vimal, and my teammates. Our days were exhaustive yet incandescent with joy. I spent enchanting hours with Nitish, Rakesh, and Priya at Barista Café, where time seemed to vanish at supersonic speed.

I revisited my previous company, reconnecting with old colleagues and my boss, and together we relived treasured memories. Later, I met my college friends in Noida at our legendary adda, The Great India Place. Preeti and Jyoti joined, and we shared moments of nostalgia. Yet, I realized that time had metamorphosed. Many friends were engrossed in their own pursuits. Relationships evolve, and I accepted this truth, resolving to preserve them as best I could, leaving the rest to providence.

On Saturday, I returned to Chandni Chowk to meet my uncle, who had traveled from Mirzapur to see me off. We wandered the bustling market in search of something elusive, only to return empty-handed before heading to IGI Airport.

Thus concluded my working holiday in India. I boarded my flight back to Japan, carrying with me a kaleidoscope of memories, of family, friends, food, and the ineffable warmth of home.