Happy 20 To Me

 "I don't mind solitude," is something I often share with my family, friends, and acquaintances. I've always been my own best friend, confessing my thoughts to myself, seeking advice from within, and relying on my inner motivation to face life's challenges daily. If I hold such a deep affection for myself, it only makes sense to embark on solo trips. Such a journey can be a daunting task, especially for a 20-year-old, financially dependent female.

However, every grand adventure must start with a small step, and that's precisely how mine began. On my 20th birthday, I decided to celebrate by taking a solo day trip, distancing myself from the familiar 12 AM birthday cake and the warmth of my close friends. Stepping out of my home and city on my birthday might seem unusual to many. I approached my mom first, and her enthusiastic support encouraged me. She provided the financial means, which allowed me to book my bus and return train tickets. Only then did I pitch the idea to my dad, not because it is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission, but because I was confident that he would understand, and indeed he did!

With approximately Rs. 3,000 spent on transportation, my budget for the trip was minimal. I created a makeshift "itinerary" for the day, drawing on my passion for planning trips, regardless of their duration or budget. I believe there's always something to discover; luxurious vacations require money, but genuine experiences are often free or affordable. As for me, I've always preferred being a traveller over a tourist or vacationer. Armed with my itinerary, Rs. 2,500 in my bank account, a charger, snacks, and a heart brimming with excitement, I boarded the bus at 9:15 PM on August 27, 2023. Oh, and I mustn't forget to mention this – a school friend dropped me off at the bus station, and another school friend sent me chocolates and sweets for my "birthday." Sometimes, these small gestures carry more meaning than expensive gifts ever could.

My heart raced as I settled into my bus berth. Sharing the twin berth with a kind woman, we struck up a conversation about our lives. I confessed it was my first solo trip, impressing her with my choice to travel on my birthday. In return, she recounted her own unforgettable solo journey.

At the stroke of midnight, I reached for my phone's camera. Despite the limited lighting, I captured a heartfelt "HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME," a moment that left me elated. The video was followed by an outpouring of phone calls and birthday wishes from my sister and friends. Time flew by, but I was suddenly gripped by an urgent need to pee. The bus wouldn't stop until around 2:30 AM, and I couldn't rest until I'd relieved myself. When the bus finally pulled over, I woke my newfound friend, and we ventured together into the rainy night.

The sense of relief that washed over me after I'd taken care of my needs left me overjoyed. It was officially my birthday, and I stood before a quaint tea stall, my boots damp from the drizzle, while a gentle breeze caressed me. It was the most idyllic start to my special day.

At 7:30 AM, I arrived in Chennai and headed straight to a restaurant for a Rava Dosa and a filter coffee. I updated my parents on my journey's progress. I managed a quick change of outfit in the metro restroom before taking the train to Vadapalani, as I believed it would be the ideal starting point for my one-day adventure. One of the challenges of solo travel is constantly carrying your backpack, even inside temples. This made my visit to the temple somewhat less peaceful, as it proved a bit cumbersome.

I then took a moment to sit at the metro station, observing the hustle and bustle of commuters rushing to and fro, akin to termites after a rainstorm. I sat, nibbling on the chocolate from my school friend, all the while enjoying some casual people-watching. Subsequently, I hopped on a metro to the airport, where I indulged in a Starbucks iced vanilla latte and spent time reading as my phone charged. I ambled around, taking photos and reflecting on how smoothly everything had gone so far.

My initial plan to watch a movie at the Aero Hub took a delightful turn when a friend from Chennai called, suggesting we meet for lunch instead. This was a welcome sight – connecting with a familiar face in this new city. Our lunch went well, and I continued my solo adventure (it might not have been filled with daring exploits, but the word fits nicely here) by heading to the Express Avenue mall, where I browsed the shops but refrained from making any purchases.

My love for books led me to Crosswords, where I whiled away an hour. It was also the time to update my parents on my lunch and my plans for the rest of the evening. I left with just one book, as my budget dictated. Sitting at Starbucks, I took some time to journal and charge my phone. My thoughts flowed effortlessly, like water through a pipe, as my mind brimmed with memories and stories.

I summoned a Rapido ride, and, thankfully, it was a woman who dropped me off at the Marina Beach. Initially, I had planned to take an auto, but a group of auto drivers competing for my fare unnerved me. My beach visit marked the pinnacle of the trip. The sun began to set, casting a spectacular array of colours across the sky, even though the sun itself set on the opposite side of the beach. The waves held a calming effect on me. I removed my earbuds to savour the sounds of the sea and felt compelled to answer the sea's call. Stepping into the water sent shivers down my spine, a moment that continues to melt my heart.

Over the next 1.5 hours, I enjoyed the most peaceful moments of my life, listening to the sea's tales while observing the scene around me – a newlywed couple taking photos, an elderly couple strolling hand in hand, children playing "kabadi" with the waves, and the small vendors hoping to earn enough to provide a hearty meal for their families.

I posted an Instagram story and a snapshot on Snapchat, gathered my belongings, and walked back. Initially, I planned to catch a bus, but the options were confusing, and my feet ached from all the walking (my phone recorded 22,000 steps). So, I opted for an auto parked just down the road, which dropped me at the nearest metro station. Craving a coffee, I purchased one and savoured it while sitting at the station, it's aroma enough to move my feet again.

I then called the same friend as we had agreed to meet for dinner. We rode on his bike and he treated me to some famous chaat. I never anticipated that I would be riding a bike through Chennai on my 20th birthday, trying diverse street foods, and witnessing the moonlight on the beach alone, but that's how my day unfolded. On the train back to the railway station, I couldn't hold back my tears.

My tears flowed not out of sadness but because the day had been so rewarding. It was the best birthday, and I had successfully completed my very first solo trip. The memories of that day hold a special place in my heart, and revisiting them in my mind always evokes a sense of nostalgia. During this journey, I made a new friend, overcame my reservations to take a random auto ride at night
in Chennai, experienced the serene solitude of a beach at night, navigated the Chennai Metro Map in a single day, and captured numerous aesthetic photos for my Instagram. Additionally, I reconnected with a friend. Had I not embarked on this trip, I would have likely spent my birthday in a mundane college classroom, with friends offering their well-wishes one by one. I might have celebrated with a standard 12 AM birthday cake and treated my friends to lunch as my birthday gesture. But now, I have meaningful stories to share in my blog, and my solo journey has inspired many of my friends to take the first step towards self-discovery and self-embrace.