It was already my third day in the town of Santiniketan. Finally, I was going to visit Santiniketan -- Vishwa Bharti. It was a dream come true. It was time to put all I had thought in action. I hadn't slept like this in months. To have a sense of deep purpose is an amazing feeling. Though I was a little late, I talked to one of my friends. It was funny though. I don't remember what I talked much. Sorry for being selfish. However, all I remember is that my voice was coming back. I was sounding like myself again. We really don't understand the importance of basic familiarity and comfort until we experience otherwise. I got ready. I was comfortable with everything around me by now.
I reached Vishwa Bharti University. I was lost. I called the professor with a little hesitance. He was very sweet, kind, and helping. He took me the Japanese department on my request. He called one of his ex-students so that he can show me around. He went back to his work. I was sitting in the Japanese department. It was quite some time, and the student had not turned up. I decided that I shall go around myself. However, the teacher in the department did not agree. He was deciding to send his students with me. We were about to leave, and that student who was supposed to show me around showed up. He had a bike. The Japanese language teacher told him to take care of me, and followed what was told to him to the word. To quote a medical phrase, I was in safe hands. He showed me various paintings, sculptures, drawings, buildings, and so on. He told me about the history and experiences behind so many places in the university. It was a totally different experience of viewing the university from the eyes of a student.
I felt like I belonged there. It was calm, serene, and thought provoking. I experienced a sense of guided freedom there.
Then, we decided that I should have lunch so that he can keep his promise of having lunch with his friends. We decided that we will see the other places the next day.
I knew that I won't be able to see a lot of places the next day. So, I decided that I will visit Amar Kutir, the handmade goods founded by followers of Rabindranath Tagore. It was an enchanting experience. The wind blowing there reminded me of a lot things from my own native place. It was like something that I knew for years together. It was like finding comfort of your home in a foreign land. I bought a lot of small gifts for my friends. Thinking about all the people I am connected to made me feel very nostalgic. Buying those small souvenirs was something that I never expected. I used toto (E-riksha) for this trip. While returning to my lodge, I went to the tea stall. I had tea, got hot water from the lady and came back to gargle. By now, my voice was much better, and I was already feeling very lucky. As a child, I read and read about Rabindranath Tagore. I dreamed about coming to Santiniketan once. Today, I myself was completing my dream. This felt good. It was no one else but I myself who worked hard to realize my dream. I had a sense of accomplishment.
The uncle of the lodge manager invited me for breakfast the next morning. I was all set for my last day at Santiniketan. I was actually feeling a little sad that I was leaving. Its difficult to form good attachments and it is much more difficult to leave them behind and move ahead. However, to explore further one has to let go off the comfort. It is quite funny that my comfort was something that I did not know at all just thee days ago.
I woke up early and prepared for my trip that day. I went for breakfast. It was quite heavy. I was welcomed with such warm heart that no one would have believed that I was going there for the first time. Then, I went to the Uttarayan complex which has Museum and residence of Tagore. It was a long and nice visit. Many security guards helped me understand the information as I couldn't read Bengali. They were very happy that someone has come there from a far place to understand what Santiniketan is. The moment I showed interest, they willingly helped. I was quite touched.
I bought some books and other things as souvenirs. I felt happy. I was somehow content with my first visit but was thinking of coming again. I again met Meghnad who showed me more places in Santiniketan. It was time to catch my train back to Kolkata. I said bye to the manager, the bellboy, the tea lady.
Then, a handle of my bag broke. I took help from a porter. I met a Japanese lady while going back. It was a very good beginning. I went back to the guest house. It was almost 10 by then. I just wanted to sleep. I had a task of buying bag the next day. It was going to a task indeed. I was tensed yet relaxed. I was experiencing a weird kind of confidence. I was satisfied yet wanted more. One of my best friends called and yelled at me for not keeping everyone informed. I was at home. My mind was racing yet I experienced a deep calmness.
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