Everyone has a place that feels
like a warm hug—comforting, familiar, and irreplaceable. For me, that place is
my childhood home in my hometown. It is not just a building but a treasure
chest of stories, traditions, and unforgettable moments. Every visit brings
back waves of nostalgia. Here are the five things I cherish the most about it.
1. The Beloved Entrance Steps
The first five steps leading into
our home are more than just an entrance—they are a symbol of togetherness.
Every night after dinner, these steps transformed into our family’s meeting
spot. We would sit there, talking about our day, teasing each other, and
laughing freely.
Our cousins from the neighbouring houses would join us, turning those simple
stone steps into a lively gathering place. Even today, whenever I return home,
I pause and admire them—knowing how many memories they continue to hold.
2. The Heartwarming Kitchen
The kitchen in our ancestral home
has always been the centre of activity and affection. My mother cooked with
love, paying attention to everyone’s likes and dislikes. Festivals were
incomplete without her homemade sweets, snacks, papads, and pickles—prepared in
large batches and shared with relatives.
From my grand aunts and grandfather to my father and mother, multiple
generations perfected their culinary skills in that very space. I too have
tried my hand in that kitchen, learning more than just cooking—learning care,
patience, and tradition.
3. The Open Terrace of Joy
Our terrace was a magical place
filled with sunshine, laughter, and life. My brothers treated it as their
cricket ground, while my mother used it to dry papads, clothes, and festival
items.
Summer nights were the best—when we spread mats and slept under the starry sky,
letting the cool breeze soothe us. It was also where we studied, read books,
and celebrated Kaanum Pongal with rituals and fun. The terrace was freedom,
childhood, and celebration all rolled into one.
4. The Old Backyard Well
Tucked behind the house stood a
large, reliable well that quenched the thirst of many family gatherings and
festivals. The water was cool, fresh, and delicious. Beside it lay a stone slab
where clothes were washed or water was stored in large vessels.
Visitors loved testing their strength by drawing water from the well. Though it
has now dried and been closed, its memory remains pure—just like the water it
once held.
5. The Room I Shared With My
Sister
On the first floor was a cozy room
my sister and I shared, accessible by a charming wooden staircase from the
hall. Despite its small size, it felt like our own little world.
With two cots and bookshelves lining the walls, it was a room full of
conversations, books, dreams, and late-night whispers. We read, wrote, argued,
laughed, and imagined our futures in that space. It shaped our bond and gave us
countless memories that still make me smile.
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