HOME(s) SWEET HOME(s)!!!

There's nothing like coming home isn't it??Since there are many places I call home I'm lucky enough too feel it many times.However coming to my parent's apartment in the UAE where I grew up is always special.

From the time my flight touches the Arabian soil I feel rejuvenated.This is where I spent my childhood,my growing up years.This place gives me so many memories of times spent here with family and friends.The days of school and waiting for the bus with friends.Trying to be cool among friends and in turn getting my parent's raised eyebrows pointed at me.Hanging out with pals in shopping malls and friends' homes.Weekend trips with parents.Fighting with my brother over the silliest of things.Ordering home delivery whenever we feel like.Waiting for the Dubai Shopping Festival even though its almost the same year after year.The way the city does not sleep even in the late hours of night.Trying out the various cuisines so easily available here.The vast variety of items in the stores.The various opportunities and facilities you receive at every step.Every little thing comes out as a memory bubble that makes me want to be back in this place again.

The previous day my driving instructor asked me whether I like India or UAE more.Somehow I could not answer that question immediately.I enjoy my life in India very much and I love the place and the new memories it has created for me over the past 7 years.It has helped shape me as a better human being I believe.

Having lived in both countries I have an advantage of knowing two so very different lifestyles.So I guess I'll just cherish this feeling of fondness I have for both the countries till I have a definite picture in my mind and till then enjoy the two countries to the fullest.

Where do i Belong??

Born in India.Lived in UAE in my growing years.Came back to India to pursue higher studies.This is a very common situation in our part of the world.And yes it definitely has its advantages and of course with it the disadvantages.Let me explain.

When I was doing my schooling in UAE I have come across many situations which made me feel like an outsider.Being only a permanent resident and not the citizen of the country one grew up in  is kind of awkward because no matter how long you have lived there and done the same things as the natives you are not the country's own.The Arabs there will definitely look at you as lower beings.So when I came to India I thought that even though I'll miss the highlights of my life in UAE, atleast I will actually belong to the place.However things were not as simple as it seemed.

Once I reached Indian soil I was not simply an Indian or a Keralite as I hoped I would be.No, I was labeled as an NRI,the girl who never lived in India and does not know what it is like to live in India.And let me inform you that it is not always a good thing to be put into that category.The percentage of people who believe that NRIs are not to be considered as one among themselves are plenty.In their eyes we talk different,sometimes we dress different,may have different interests etc.The attitude disturbed me for a long time.It didn't matter so much when I just used to visit India during the holiday season.Believe me living here is much different from simple visiting.

The dilemma-I didn't belong to UAE where I spent 18 yrs of my short life and I was not accepted in my own country.So where did I belong?Was I caught between two worlds?Where do I fit in??Was I always to be an outsider wherever I go??The thought was initimidating.

However  over the years things have worked out much better than I thought.Though it took considerable effort and time to make my own kinsmen forget that I am an NRI and just consider me as a Keralite alone,atleast I was accepted.Or so I feel most of the time.The feeling is inexpressible.I belonged!So I guess all's well that ends well.Isn't it?