Deepti Lourembam
Nov 7 · 4 min read

H.O.M.E.

“The love that has been cumulated”

How will you define home? A comfortable living space? A clean environment, full of greens? A safe place? A luxury embellished palace?

I have been away for quite a long time and left the city in pursuit of better opportunities. I met many people with different cultures and backgrounds. But most importantly, different ideology. Some left for “HOME” impatiently, whenever they get a break from college. While some, stayed back and went for vacation with friends, instead. Life was different for everyone . So was the definition of “HOME”.


A friend of mine asked me if I ever took my life for granted. I did not hesitate for a second and replied “No”. That was years back. I was so sure I did not. I completed the mandatory course work and came back 2 years ago. I was spending more time with family and realise that for some reasons, there was a gap of understanding amongst us, “Family”. Some things did change and it was not how it used to be. I decided to talk to each member and tried understanding how the world looked from their view. In the midst of doing that, I suddenly remembered the question my friend asked. It was when I felt a tinge of unusual pain. It was unfamiliar ,but not a nostalgic kind. It was bad. I have been taking my life for granted.


My grandma is in her 80s. And, I remember vividly how she used to be. She was active and always use to run around the household.She was never idle. Moreover,she is someone who has faced a lot of difficulties in life. She lost her husband when she was in her 30s while she was pregnant with her 4th child,only to lose him after few years. I cannot even for once think I can ever survive that.

My dad lost both his father and brother when he was 10. To me, he is a star. I cannot comprehend the grief of a 10 year old and his mixed emotions of losing someone.He is a sports personality, a good one in the field of hockey. He is someone who used to play for the national team.I always felt shadowed by him and no matter how hard I worked, I felt I was lacking. He is the drive that propels me to go forward. He is and will always be my inspiration.

My Mom is someone of a different character than anyone. She is very independent and taught my brother and I to built that same rapport. I remember vividly how she used to balance her work and personal life. While we were in our high school,she used to wake up at 3 in the morning just to make us breakfast and pack tiffins. She used to tutor us for science subjects. In addition to all of this, she is working as a teacher.

My brother, my best friend. I cannot imagine my life without him. He is younger , but more mature than me. We really have good childhood memories together. For the first 18 years of my life and till date, he was there to give me company in every circumstance,through thick and thin. But,as much as I know him,there is always a side of him I can’t figure out.

Then, finally my turn. I am obsessed with making things work in one go. I hate the idea of repeating. That did help me in hitting few professional milestones ,but it affected me health-wise. I was diagnosed with thyroid and vitiligo when I was 11 and 15 respectively. It was difficult, initially. Gradually, it stopped hurting me when people used to comment. Even if it won’t kill me,it was a demon that needed exorcism. People just don’t get that,do they?


The stories I have shared helped me redefine home. It’s the love and kindness. The love I freely gave to the world but rarely to myself. It’s the body I live in. It’s the love I get from my family. The same love I give back to my parents.

My family is a blessing to me. I hate to admit that I did take my life for granted- that I was too blinded by the insecurities people projected on me. I failed to see how much I have survived and how they did the same for me. Though this phase, my professional life took a backseat,it was like a wake-up call to make me realise my worth and theirs.

To me, H.O.M.E is “ a family that has my back even for a trivial matter, whose love will help me conquer many more milestones”. A bond, sure to get stronger with all its might~

And,just like my story ,I am sure you have yours. I cannot imagine living in anyone’s shoes for a day because we all are victims and winners in some respect.

As they say “ Everything happens for a reason.” I learnt lessons that will last for a lifetime.

    Welcome to my World! Lets connect!

    Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
    Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
    Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade