Episode 79 : Home away from home

I heard this line quite often from my colleagues at Hickle Tech. It felt odd saying it last week to some of my friends and colleagues.

'I am going home this weekend.'

I was awake by 4.30 in the morning, expecting to see Basin Bridge Junction. BBJ has always been my signal that Madras Central is just a few minutes away. Perhaps it came from Mama Hyde, who would tell us to stop playing and get ready.

'Why?'

'We are nearing Basin Bridge Junction, that's why.'

And the familiar sound of the wheels as the train trundled under the bridge hasn't changed all these years.

But somehow, it did not quite sink in that I was returning home. It was like I never left.

Saturday afternoon was spent with the same ex-colleagues as I completed the final of the formalities. And the evening with the MBMC guys. It was like I never left.

Sunday was spent packing books, CDs and the radio receiver so that they could be sent to the new home. And putting aside things that I would take home with me when I return again.

On my way to Madras Central, I got a text message from one of my cousins in Bangalore.

'Bhaiyya, how is the place and do you miss home?'

I don't miss home. Maybe because the new place has been good to me. Or maybe I haven't left home long enough to miss it. If I left it in the first place.

I got off the train at Bangalore City Junction at 5.45 in the morning. I do not know if it was the familiar voice over the public address system. Or just me.

It was like I never left home to go home.