Onam has a way of wrapping me in nostalgia, especially when I’m indulging in a sadhya. It’s like a food coma that drifts me into a time machine, where every bite brings back cherished memories. This year, I wanted to create new ones with my mom and grandmom, so I planned a staycation at a beautiful resort in Kumarakom. We did nothing but relax, eat, and enjoy the slow pace of life. Yet, at the end of it all, my grandmom remarked, “We could’ve done nothing at home too, right?” Explaining the concept of a staycation to brown parents is a journey in itself.

Coming home in my mid-20s is both comforting and stressful. There’s the joy of lounging around in old clothes, eating all the amazing food mom and grandmom make. But soon, the inevitable reminder sets in: “You’re getting older, isn’t it time to think about marriage?”

Hanging out with my two adorable dogs makes everything better, though, as does the familiar rhythm of family gossip sessions. This time around, I came home as an “iPad adult” (because who’s a kid anymore?), excited about my new device and the endless possibilities it brings.

The chaos before leaving home is always the same—I’m a notorious last-minute packer, but mom always comes to the rescue, packing everything for me. There’s a bittersweetness in the air when it’s time to go. As much as I love returning to my independent bachelor life, I’ll miss the slowness, the love, and the quiet moments that home brings.

But no matter how far I go, this will always be home. And I’ll always come back.

#onam #kerala #backhome