Chapter 1: Stepping into the Unknown

Last summer, following the completion of my sixth semester on June 15th, I decided to embark on an adventure into the unfamiliar. I packed my belongings and left the security of my hometown for Mumbai, where I was set to begin an internship at a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU). This was not merely about the internship; it marked my first significant step into independence, and honestly, I was uncertain about what lay ahead.

We arrived in Mumbai on June 16, 2023, just one day before the internship was scheduled to commence. My classmates and I hadn’t given much thought to our accommodation. We assumed we could easily find a place. This assumption turned out to be a significant oversight. We soon discovered that securing a residence in Mumbai was far from straightforward. Everywhere we went, landlords were demanding an 11-month lease, while we only needed a place for a month. The mounting pressure was palpable as each option fell through. In a city filled with millions, we felt entirely stranded.

Ultimately, we settled on a place in Thane, thanks to a friend’s relative who had an available home there. It wasn’t ideal—especially since our internship was in Chembur—but at least we had a roof over our heads. We five students pooled together ₹25,000 for rent without any deposit (shh…) and began the arduous routine of commuting, spending three hours daily crammed into the notorious Mumbai local trains. I had previously experienced a local train ride with my class the year before, and while it was chaotic, we navigated it as a group. Now, even surrounded by my classmates, it felt disorienting—like I was just a tiny part of a vast, rushing sea of people.

While my classmates ventured around the city on weekends, I chose to explore on my own. It wasn’t that I disliked them; we simply didn’t connect on the same level. Thus, I embarked on solo adventures, a new experience for me—both daunting and exhilarating. I visited remarkable places like ISKCON, the Pagoda monastery, and the Taj Hotel, all of which left me in awe.

As a child, I had always been shy and lacking in confidence, often relying on others for comfort. However, here I was in a sprawling, unfamiliar city, learning to navigate life independently. Each solo excursion incrementally bolstered my confidence, demonstrating that I could manage challenges on my own.

Despite the hurdles, there were delightful moments that made the journey worthwhile. For 17 consecutive nights, we concluded our days with falooda—a sweet treat that became our little ritual, allowing us to unwind after long days. These shared experiences helped forge bonds, even amidst our disagreements. The falooda symbolized our collective journey and reminded us that we were in this together.

Reflecting on those weeks in Mumbai evokes a blend of emotions—frustration, joy, growth, and a touch of confusion. The experience was far from flawless, but it imparted valuable lessons. I learned that confidence isn’t a sudden revelation; rather, it’s cultivated gradually as we confront new obstacles. I recognized that everyone perceives the world differently, which is perfectly acceptable—you don’t have to be on the same wavelength to coexist harmoniously. Moreover, I discovered that even during tough times, small joys, such as enjoying a late-night falooda with companions facing similar challenges, can be found.

My time in Mumbai transcended the internship; it became a transformative chapter in my life. It propelled me out of my comfort zone and, in the process, helped me uncover strength and confidence I never knew I possessed.

Chapter 2: Gaining Confidence Through Solo Exploration

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