1450 Square Feet, Flat #401

Amongst the twenty white bungalows where the elite of society lived, Simmer grew up in one of the largest bungalows. Her father was an honest man, serving as a higher official in a government organisation. With an affluent neighbourhood, a team of staff to handle the chores, a prestigious school, and her status as a high-performing student, her life seemed perfect. These fragile factors played a significant role in shaping Simmer's confidence and happiness.

All the bungalows had well-manicured gardens adorned with lush green plants and vibrant, colourful flowers. Among them, touch-me-not was Simmer's favourite plant. Every day, Simmer's parents would enjoy their evening tea in the garden, and she would spend her time playing there and gently touching the touch-me-not plant. She was captivated by the way its leaflets would fold inward and droop before opening up again. This reaction of the plant intrigued her, as if nature was sending her a secret message. Her bungalow was her favourite place on Earth.

Just before her 16th birthday, her father announced that they would be moving to a flat after his retirement the following month. This news was a blow to Simmer. She felt her confidence wane; she didn't dare to tell her affluent friends that she would be relocating to a small flat in a city known for its spacious and stylish bungalows. The thought of facing their reactions filled her with anxiety and shame. The vibrant life she had known suddenly felt distant, leaving her unsure of how to navigate this new chapter.

Her fate was sealed. Simmer's dad retired, and they moved to a 1,450 sq. ft. flat, number 401, on the 4th floor of an apartment building, just before her 16th birthday. Simmer went from one tiny room to another, seeking a breathing space, and dreaded the night. The furniture hadn't arrived yet, so mattresses were laid out on the floor for sleeping. That night, as she hugged her mother tightly, she couldn't shake the thought that it would be her new life. To her surprise, she fell into a deep sleep quite quickly.

When she woke up the next morning, the bright sunlight had filled the flat, just like her bungalow. Simmer felt well-rested. She stepped out onto the small balcony, and since there wasn't much development around, the tall coconut trees with lush foliage, hills, and sun peeking through brightened her mood. When she went to the kitchen, she saw her mother making tea, and the scent of cardamom filled the air. Her dad, as always, was reading the newspaper, unaffected by the change. She decoded the message of nature: be modest and resilient. Suddenly, joy started to flow through her heart; it was the beginning of her emotional journey towards acceptance and love for her new home.

Simmer decided to embrace this new reality and took charge of decorating the house. She carefully selected colours like peach, silver grey, and pastel blue, along with floral and striped patterns to create a vibrant atmosphere in each room. Her artistic taste made the space feel more expansive and inviting. To add a personal touch, the first plant she placed on her room's small balcony was a touch-me-not, a nod to her childhood memories and a symbol of her connection to nature.

The flat soon became Simmer's haven. Each day, she woke up to the cheerful chirping of the koel bird. She enjoyed getting ready in front of a small, wall-mounted dressing table, with sunlight streaming in through the balcony door. Her freckles and moles were more prominently visible, but didn't bother her eyes. Her small wardrobe could accommodate all her clothes. Every morning, she cherished her breakfast in the sunlit dining area. She loved this house as much as she loved her bungalow. Her room felt airy, and the flat never seemed small. Before long, many of her old friends began visiting regularly and called it a five-star suite. Simmer made new friends in the neighbourhood. The flat was not just a place to live, but a warm and comforting space that enveloped her.

The flat comfortably accommodated all her guests, just like her bungalow—a strange but actual fact. The best part was that everyone felt equally happy and at ease, just as they did in the bungalow. Simmer felt freer because material, fragile things didn't define her. The flat became her favourite place in the world. Her sixteenth birthday celebration was the best birthday celebration she ever had.

Years passed, and Simmer got married. She lived in one beautiful house after another in affluent neighbourhoods, each home bathed in sunlight and overlooking greenery, accompanied by the cheerful chirping of birds and great neighbours. Yet, every time she entered Flat #401, the weight of the outside world melted away. She realised that this was her favourite place on Earth. The scent of cardamom tea would waft through the air, and a warm smile and an embrace from her mother would release all the tension from her body. Her father's thin frame, supported by an oxygen machine, couldn't weaken him as a father; robust, implying that he had got her back. Simmer had her moment of realisation that it wasn't the sunlight, the Koel bird's song, the lush green view, or the size of the houses—big or small—that made her bungalow, and then the flat her favourite, but the comfort, love, and the safety provided by her parents. Their unwavering support and love were the true essence of home.

With each passing year, her affection for flat #401 grew. The moment she stepped into Flat 401, she felt a sense of calm. The flat was not just a physical space, but a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. It was a comforting retreat; she could truly unwind, free from expectations and judgements. A place where she could recharge and find solace.

Simmer's favourite, the most magical place in the universe, was her cosy home. I am blessed with one, too, and I hope you are as well.