Annappi @ 20!

When I first came to Delhi, I was very skeptical about the friendships I might have. I was terrified because my sister made me believe that in a place like Delhi, South Indians like me would get bullied hard (not a reassuring thought to implant in a teenager's mind). However, I garnered my spirits to stay strong and packed my entire life into two tiny cabin bags that would easily fit in Indigo's overhead cabins.

When I reached Delhi, getting scared and yelled at by locals became my daily ritual. For the first few days, I found it very difficult to adjust to Delhi's climate, food, and culture. My South Indian soul craved for a Malayali. I knew that without that one ounce of Malayali companionship, I would not be able to enjoy my time in Delhi.

At that time, I was at high threat of craziness driven by loneliness if I stayed at the YMCA's National Hostel. Scared that loneliness would make me more psychotic than I already am, my father suggested I move into YWCA's hostel, a habitat where I could find relatable individuals and develop friendships.

I met Annappi on November 30th, 2022, to be very specific. I visited her room to see if it was hospitable. The minute she opened the door, she started speaking in Hindi to me. But I knew from her broken Hindi that she too is a clueless Malayali like me coping with the climate change-induced tummy ache.

It has been 508 days today since I have met her.

She has been nothing but a great South Indian companionship for me. Ever since the first day, she has been the younger sister I never had who I'd love to shower with love and pamper with such passion. She is someone who made me realize that I can love a girl, like my sister, like my own flesh and blood. Thank you Annappi for being the younger sister I never had!

PS: You will always be the person for whom I will save the last piece of every chocolate. (Unless you misbehave. In that instance, pardon my language, I will flush you down the toilet)