Thursday, April 9, 2009

Too close for Comfort.

The day of moving houses i.e. And while its a conclusion we were always aware of (Living in a Company Flat) there's something about living in a house for over 10 years, that makes you both one. At the risk of sounding silly, my home was my friend. My room, although shared with my brother, felt cosy and comfortable since it was liberally sprinkled with my favorite things - Books, DVD's, Photo Frames, A Large Window overlooking the sea and bright fluorescent stars on the ceiling.

The Familiar walls, winds wafting in through a familiar sequence of strategically opened windows and doors to best allow the cross ventilation through, the shade of the paint on the walls, the small Black and white of my Parents when they were 25... irreplaceable, invaluable and unforgettable.
We're better off than most Mumbaikars grappling with the insane property rates, since We're shifting not so far from where we lived before (Into our own house this time), and I can still qualify to be a Sobo (South Mumbai)'ite if I stretch the Boundaries a bit =) so I've got little to complain.

Yet, As i walked in home from work yesterday, the disappearance of all the antiques in the living room, the lamps on various corners and a few paintings left me startled. I'm not used to seeing my house naked like this. Walls bare. A few remaining paintings, presumably too large to fit into boxes dad was using then, hang in solitude, trying to infuse some cheer into a fast emptying home.
An antique Rose wood cupboard, redolent of liquors, spirits and daddy's collection of Decanters and glasses for every drink, stands bereft of its contents, with scotch tape and other wrapping/packing material strewn about carelessly. This Cupboard is not used to disordered contents. Each Decanter, Glass and Bottle were arranged with paternal care.

My room misses a bed. It got shipped away. Strange how I wouldn't trade the familiar juxtaposition of furniture for the extra walking space I apparently always craved. Suddenly all those things Ive wanted to change seem insignificant, ridiculous even to be considered a shortcoming. The view was the best though. I'm lucky in that respect, Ive lived by the sea for 20 of my 25 years. And when I say By the sea, I mean it literally. Until now. Luxury could afford us a house in this side of town, but asking for a sea view would be stretching it.

Its going to be SO hard. Today as I go home, I shudder to think of what else will be missing, which other parts of my home will lie in a box, and how we're one day closer.

Coupled with the sadness of leaving this house, comes the excitement of the other house - bigger, nicer, and finally OUR OWN. Last evening I went and bought a Northwest Fan Regulator 400 W, the example of which I quote to signify the detail in which we are involved in the making of this house. Kudos Dad.

13 comments:

Aniket Thakkar said...

Well congratulations on the new house which you call "Home" in every sense of the word now.

And I miss all the house's I grew up in (We have shifted thrice) I even miss my hostel rooms.

Something about them still makes one nostalgic.

I became so sad in the last episode of friends when they just show the empty apartment... it was like an era coming to an end.

snow said...

I can so relate to this post.. we've moved so many times that i've lost count lol like any change in life i suppose, u always miss what u're leaving behind.. but hey, ur new home :) yay! :D we want a new post -- 'a moving in' post!

Aditya said...

Damn. I can'r even relate. I have lived all my life - but the last six months - in the same house, and my parents are still in that same place, and when I go back, it will be to that same bed.

All the best, S. Hope your new house satisfies you as much as your old one did.

dipali said...

I have uprooted myself and family fairly often, so I can empathise. All the best for the move, and may you all have a wonderful life in the new house.

eye-in-sty-in said...

it'll be ok..! :-)

Ashutosh said...

Interesting read...You've described your experience very well...Almost feels like I'm in your shoes rite now..keep them coming!

Abhishek said...

yay yay... Good going..Do send me pictures when you move in!!!

Imp's Mom said...

I know what you mean... felt the same way when we moved too...but don't be too sad, you will be making new memories too :)

Congratulations on your new home!

CrazyDiamond said...

I suppose I know what you mean...dad is in the army and we used to keep moving every 2 years...But I'd actually look forward to it. The packing the unpacking etc.

And you're moving within the same city dude. 4 months from now, you'd be laughing at this post. :)

SD said...

You will be at home in your new home soon enough! Though I know what you feel......

Renovatio said...

Congrats on the new home. I'll be house hunting in that part of the country fairly soon myself, once I finally land a job. I spent some time living in Matunga, walking distance from the station, but I doubt I'll want to stay at that place anymore, that little Mahim-Bandra stretch is a pain to drive through.

Serendipity said...

Thanks everyone :)

and CD - My dads ex-navy!

Magical Homes said...

Hey Congrats.

And really, there's nothing like your own home!