I am looking forward to the next few months because I have no idea what it will bring.

But for some reason, I am actually enjoying the feeling of uncertainty.

Of being suspended in a space where I cannot see things too clearly ahead, but I am happy none the less. Of floating around and not having to worry too much. Whichever way the fork in the road leads me now, is fine with me.

I think change is necessary once in a while. At least for me. I enjoy it. I thrive on it. In dealing with new situations. New challenges. Unknown quantities. Unfamiliar faces.

Challenges for the mind, body and soul.

And didn’t we get enough of it in the last two years! We have had some particularly challenging times. All it took was a failed venture and all the associated problems that come with it. And then surviving on just one income (and a pretty paltry one, especially in this city). There have been times when we have nearly given up hope and come very close to giving up. Some of my close friends and colleagues are probably aware of the taxing times we went through. But in hindsight, maybe that was necessary. We learnt a few lessons all right.

2003. We knew that things couldn’t possibly get worse. And they didn’t. Maybe because someone believed. Or maybe because someone prayed. Or even maybe because someone had faith.

I think the turning point was April 2003, after I came back to Mumbai after a one month trip to South India and Guwahati.

That was when things started looking up. A phone call, the day after I came back. And we could finally see a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.

No, we still aren’t safe and on level ground yet. But looking back, we’ve definitely started clawing our way back up. It will take time. It will take much more effort. But at least we can see the light shining in the distance now.

And for all friends, colleagues and family who helped - Nikhil, Prabal, Mona, Gauri, my parents and in-laws; others at work who encouraged - Zaki, Ashok, Nidhi; and of course, you folks who have been visiting my online home for a while, and all the wonderful people I have met through my blog - this is my way of saying thank you :)

Change. A new beginning. Yes, it’s definitely time.