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The Best Year Of My Life

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Early 2015, Cal and I decided that it was about time we moved into a place of our own. For various reasons, some good and some bad, we decided to look out for a space of our own and move before our second anniversary in March. Since both of us work full time, there was hardly any time to go out and look for places to rent. The first day we contacted a broker and went and took a look at a couple of houses. They were really small and uncomfortable, while the rent was huge. We were disappointed and yet determined to move out. The next day Cal got a call (he had left his number on a popular real estate site) from a house owner asking us to go take a look at their house. With zero expectations, we walked into an apartment complex which was very close to the place we both worked. After five minutes, we had decided that this was the place that we would take up. Couple of days later, we spoke to the owner and had a deal drawn up. And on February 9th 2015, Cal and I moved into the place that we call home today. And we did this with a month and a half to spare, from the initial plan.

Cal and I are simple people. We do not like too much drama. We decided to set up this place the way we wanted to always. Earlier, all we had was just a room that was so claustrophobic. But here, the whole house was ours! But it was not easy. Since we found the house earlier than planned, we had to sort out our finances quickly. Thankfully both of us work and we managed to get through the hiccups. And almost like a sign and blessing at that time, all our pending incomes like tax returns and free lancing money all came in together at the right time. It was just us who were doing the whole thing and we were so glad. My writing had given me enough vouchers, that enabled me to buy all the items of the kitchen from it. I feel so proud when I look at my kitchen today. Every single item there holds an emotion for me. The same time a lot of writing assignments came my way and the extra income was more than welcome. Cal and I sat down and planned on how to set up our home.

Some of you might think that we were foolish, investing so much on a rented place. But for us, this was much needed. We had been to hell and back over the past few years, and wanted a place to just peace out. We took care of the house like it was our own and planned everything around simplicity. We did not invest in all the appliances right away. We bought one thing at a time. We wanted the place to be young and colorful, so we picked up a lot of posters and got it framed. Today it forms our happy wall. It has Calvin and Hobbes (obviously), The Simpsons, The Beatles, FRIENDS, The Joker, Motivational Quotes and some food related stuff. The Godfather and a few other quotes adorn the other walls as well. Every time I look at it, I feel so happy. Every piece in the house was hand picked by us and it was not easy. We wanted only the best for the house. After a couple of months, almost everything was set up and our house became a home.

It has been a year since we moved into this place and yet the feeling is same. We feel so happy whenever we step into our home. From the day we have come here, everything fell into place. My health improved and both of us were beginning to look so happy. In fact some of my friends at work thought I was pregnant because apparently I was glowing. Ah, what magic some peace of mind can do to you right? The domestic goddess in me was super happy to be in the kitchen to whip up tasty and hot food every day. I enjoyed doing every thing. For the first few days, both of us just breathed freely and enjoyed every moment of our time. It felt like the beginning of marriage and we were feeling like lovers again. Every couple need their privacy, where they are not judged for every action of theirs. And by privacy I mean the time they spend together talking, cooking, eating and just doing nothing. Sex is on the list too, but is not the only thing.

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As Cal and I both hate dependencies, we did not hire a maid or a cook. We do everything in the house ourselves. Cooking, cleaning, washing, sweeping, mopping; yes, all of it. All this along with our demanding jobs and our passions on the side. It has been one hell of a roller coaster ride and yet so fulfilling. We felt so at ease here, that we stopped taking vacations. Our home felt like a holiday home and we were enjoying every bit of it. Since we have moved here, things have only been good for us. Some people thought that we wouldn't be able to handle a house and its demands. In fact someone even told me that we would struggle and would not be able to manage the finances and chores. I just laughed then. And I'm still laughing.

Cal has been the perfect partner in every way. I fall in love with the man again and again every single day. He never lets me do anything alone and is always around to help me. He loves to cook too, something he couldn't do earlier. But here, I have taught him a lot of stuff and he enjoys his time in the kitchen as I watch in admiration. Earlier, home was a place we ran away from. Now, home is where our heart is and come back to it everyday. There is a part of us in every corner of our home and it helps that we started a life in this house with the most simplest foundation of all. Love. Love for each other kept us strong through the rough patches and helped us come out more stronger. The past year clearly has been the best year of my life, where I found freedom again with the man I love. Professionally, this place has seen a epic rise in both our careers. Maybe a clear mind helped us work and perform better. Our passions finally took flight and we are doing really well at it. Personally, it has only brought us more closer and given us immense happiness in the form of love and other things.

People want luxury and other materialistic comfort. But I have seen how some piece of mind can do wonders to one's life. I'm happy to have finally found it in a place with the love of my life by my side. The place which we call our home.

Comments

  1. This is such a cute post. It could be a Valentine special as well!
    I never had to share a home after getting married and perhaps that is why I don't realise the value of it. The first year was indeed awesome - new experiences, sharing responsibilities, and so much more!

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    1. Thank you so much!

      Just being the two of us is awesome too!

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  2. Aww! I don't think I can say anything else for this beautiful post. Haven't read something so beautifully heartfelt in a while. We're still to invest in a place of our own, but well, finances :)
    Lovely to know you, Soumya :)

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    1. Thank you so much Sid! :)

      We are also thinking of should we or shouldn't we, thanks to the expenses of real estate of late.

      Right back at ya, my dear friend :)

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  3. Touchwood!
    Loved your post and I agree to the fact that peace of mind works wonders. When I first came to Bangalore, an older cousin told me to find a house in which I would love to walk in after a long day at work and I stuck by that advise. The place where I live in is small yet cozy. I love it for the sunlight, the balcony, and of course that it welcomes me the moment I unlock the lock after a hard day :)

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    1. Oh yeah, that advice makes so much sense!

      My home does the same for me too. The minute I step into it I forget all my worries. Peace of mind is awesome :)

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  4. Peace is the best thing you can have in your life! If you have it, it means everything is going almost perfect!

    Here, the best thing is that both you and Cal think likewise. Lack of this 'magic' causes lots of problem in a relationship. Home is indeed a magical place no matter rented or what. It is the place where you share the bliss of togetherness. Create memories. How can you not keep it like your own? Few years back, I met someone who said "Oh, who does cleaning and all that. It's rented, anyway" and I was like...what?

    Stay happy, stay blessed...always!

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    1. Thank you so much Tarang. I'm so glad to have found a wonderful partner in Cal.

      Sadly some people think that a rented house means they can dirty it as much as they can until the owner intervenes and decides to clean it up themselves.

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  5. So well said. Relate so much to the home feeling like a vacation spot. Same for me. Happy you are at a place in your life where contentment spills.

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  6. That wall of yours looks so lovely! And Congratulations for completing a year in your home :)
    Here's to many more :)

    Cheers

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  7. You said it, Soumya. Home needs to be our own personal sanctuary - that might mean different things to different people, but still, there is nothing like coming home and doing - whatever you want - just whatever. That kind of freedom is so precious!

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    1. Oh yeah. I would not give up on that for anything.

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  8. I am so very happy for you, Soumya. Good things happen to good people and I believe this firmly. Very rarely do I get drawn to people the way I do to you and for that I am grateful. The way you speak of the house is so beautiful and lovely. Time for me to plan a visit, to check out that wall if nothing else :)

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    1. Awww how sweet are you <3

      You are always welcome. Now it us just up to you to take out some free time :)

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  9. I love your happy wall! So cute!
    And I agree, you need that freedom, that privacy, living on your own can teach you about yourself, help rediscover your partners in a new light.
    We took this same decision and shifted to a rented place in 2014. I still remember the feeling, how we called it our own and decorated it. Loved the space and independence it gave us. This was a beautiful post which made me relive some of my happy moments too!

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    1. Thank you Aditi!

      Isn't that feeling so awesome? :)

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  10. Beautiful ! Home is the perfect place to be and I agree! I have emotional bond with mine too!

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  11. Your post made me smile. We bought our first home for the very same reasons and we loved every minute we spent in that house - turning it around from a house to a home. Precious memories :)
    (Though I did have a maid. heh.)

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  12. This post exactly fits into something I was looking for. Happiness along with personal privacy and space is soemthing everyone needs, but at times the couple or the person gets misjudged to be selfish, and authoritative..Anyways happy to read the happy you :)

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    1. I think we all should be selfish when it comes to self happiness. If you are not happy you can never make others happy.

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  13. Loved the positive vibes, the feeling of being content, the pure joy and love for your home and being with Cal shines bright in this heartwarming post.
    I have had a similar experience a few years back so I know how wonderful it feels to be doing it all at one's own pace without any dependence.
    Congratulations on completing a year in this wonderful home, wishing many more happy, fulfilling years to come.

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  14. Aw Soumya that is just the perfect post for Valentine's Day. Your love and happiness shines through beautifully. I hope you're always happy and content - the two of you.

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