Musings by Moksha

I turn 22 today!! Yes, it is very exciting Yes, I am still over-enthusiastic about birthdays However, now, with enthusiasm comes nervousness and a sense of unknown responsibilities. I am not a teenager anymore  You must be thinking that I crossed that threshold about four years ago but honestly leaving 19 and entering the 20’s seems the same  Technically I am an adult now but do I feel like one?  No In my head, I am not quite sure of what is expected of me right now.  Am I supposed to be this mature young lady who knows what she wants (okay maybe yes) or am I supposed to be on a learning curve where I get my experiences from failing at times and standing back up on my feet (also maybe yes because that’s life and no one’s perfect)? Two scenarios  Both equally appropriate  But who gets to make the choice? The society? My parents? My extended family? My friends? Or I get to decide that for myself? Modern age and a progressive world would say ‘it’s your life, y...

Born in Delhi to a Punjabi Brahmin family, I was lucky to get a first-hand experience of living with extended relatives and cousins. However, we soon shifted to Ahemdabad, Gujarat where most of my childhood was influenced by a different culture. Like it is said, that children pick up habits quickly, I imbibed the Gujarati traits which is why till date no one can believe that I actually am a Punjabi. I don't have a Punjabi accent, neither do I stand by the stereotypes of being a Punjabi. I don't think it will come off as something strange if I confess that I cannot even speak in Punjabi. Talking of stereotypes of coming from a Punjabi background, I do not eat non-vegetarian food, neither do I consume alcohol nor am I tall-built and broad.  Does any other stereotype come across your mind right now? Feel free to ask me that too and I am sure I'll refuse it too. Living in a nuclear set-up, it has always been just about my parents and my grandmother. Gujarat was one such place w...