1.
When you get the news that you got a job in a metro and the initial jitters set in.
2.
When the hunt is on to find cheap and reasonable accommodation, as if it is ever possible.
3.
When you are too excited to, maybe, buy a whole new wardrobe and other little things.
4.
When your mom and dad decide to mortify you by deciding to accompany you too.
5.
When the sounds and sights, after you finally reach, awe you too much.
6.
When the PG aunty/uncle put out their best fake formalities when you first interact with them.
7.
When you are nervous and almost feel like puking while preparing for your first day at the office.
8.
When you are super intimidated by the work environment.
9.
When the emptiness follows when mom and dad leave.
10.
When the grind of this mundane daily routine weighs you down...
11.
When the despair starts creeping in as you still haven't made any new friends.
12.
And when the lack of a friend to share it all with hits you hard.
13.
When you are too anxious to roam the city alone, so you decide to stay in instead.
14.
When you feel that people are judging you for opting to watch the cheapest movie showtime possible.
15.
When you fear that you will never figure out the urban jungle.
16.
When there is a dread of interacting with colleagues at the workplace.
17.
When you don't look forward to going back home.
18.
But when one day they hand you your first cheque.
19.
And then you realise you can afford a maid.
20.
When you realise that your colleague hates the same people and loves the same movies as you do.
21.
When, after two whole months, your induction is complete and you are no more a stranger to the city.
