I have been staying at this girls’ hostel since the last 4 years (since my separation from my ex) and these have been peaceful years. I had heard of things happening to others – like mobiles being stolen, room mates siphoning cosmetics, toiletries even food from others cupboards, etc. But I have always been lucky to have roomies who have been extremely caring even motherly to some extent. I had one of the maushis (caretakers) wash clothes for me, the laundry was right below my hostel, breakfast, lunch and dinner too was available. Life was set and very convenient so much so that I didn’t feel like moving out of here. Never in these years did I feel unsafe and I considered myself blessed. But I guess I spoke too soon. Just 2 days back, I discovered to my dismay that someone had stolen my bag of washed clothes that maushi had hung on my door. The clothes were worth Rs. 8,000-10,000. My attachment to them priceless. I searched high and low and asked everybody but drew a blank from all quarters. The reason I am writing this post is also to vent out my anger and sorrow and hoping to be able to get it out of me. I need to move on but I can’t. I know I should replace them but I can’t. I feel extremely guilty of not being able to save them. Maybe I should have gone up to my room and kept them inside.
The only thing that has kept me from completely wallowing in self pity has been humour thanks to friends who see the light side of any problem. “Who would fit into your clothes?”, “oh! my god…your clothes have been stolen! That means your lingerie disappeared too?” (why on earth would I do that in the first place?) and the latest, “are you going to travel wrapped in a towel?”. Ridiculous…Funny…All I wanted was some sympathy and all I got in return were these one liners. Well I’ve got to put this behind me. But I still miss my clothes.
no shades of grey 
