I am in the middle of a huge transition. Fortunately, coincidently and strategically, the final leap to the new chapter is happening today on the 41st birthday. Amazing!
It is not a new thing for me to start a new chapter of life on birthday or in and around this date. The trend started long back in 2000 when I left home for the very first time and started Cotton life. Recently, the IITG PhD student life started on this very day. I love starting something new on birthday.
While starting the Shillong chapter, I was certain that the immediate change, if any, has to be initiated by Nina since I had no plan until Assam's next assembly election. The first signal came when Nina cleared UGC-NET on 23 February 2025. Things have really taken a different route since then. Although we aimed at a few universities, sincere efforts were made only to Tezpur and Gauhati university. And, guess what, Nina got into both the universities. Finally we selected Tezpur based on a broad range of matrices. Obstacles did came in terms two abortion decisions, fitment of Nina's diversified profile into a PhD focusing on performing Art, Nina's simultaneous pursuance of the Masters degree from Bharati Vidyapith, closing down the Bapupara school, delayed result of TU which costed us money and trust to take admission in GU as well, unavailability of essential childcare person etc. All obstacles were removed slowly. The final good news came in terms of getting Omi bai to stay with Nina at Tezpur and allotment of Scholars' Home inside the TU campus. I can't thank God enough for all these. He has been extraordinarily kind in this chapter. Since I am not used to such kindness, I often become suspicious of some imminent danger. But let's keep that aside today.
Today, we (I, Nina, Rodali and Omi bai) started from Wahhe at 6-30 AM. The mini carrier which was loaded yesterday also started by 7 AM. I attended a SDC call at 10-00 am while doing breakfast at Nagaon. The initial procedures at TU were impressively quicker. However, the condition of the room was pathetic, particularly the toilet and the walls. We went to the Engineering cell and glad to find the executive engineer a 'Nath', a passionate nath from Tezpur. He asked the subordinates to extend all possible help. Still lot to be done. However, I made a point to cook and stay the night at the room105 only. Nina was hesitant, but she won't understand the theory of doing this. Now it is 9-03 PM, had dinner among pile of household cartons, finishing the post from cellphone and would go to sleep. This is the birthday in a nutshell.
Life beyond this point - I am sanguine. Personally, my PhD and A2O will be accelerated- I promise this to myself today. For Nina, this is like a dream coming true. The only exception here is Rodali, who will miss the warmth of both the parents. She has to sacrifice her happiness for the career of her parent. I am going to miss her terribly. I am sure I will make some arrangements to mitigate this, at least during the weekends. Or, who knows, maybe more that that. But more than that, I am worried about Rodali's transition into crèche and with Omi bai. I pray to God to please help us in this segment as well. The Agia and IITG visits will be reduced from now on. The expenses will go up, but not substantially as I moved to a smaller house in Shillong and Nina will get a women researcher fellowship.
Oh, another important event of the day- finally NeGD appraisal letters came. most people got 11-12% hike. I got around 5.5%, considering I stayed only 7 months. It is good only. I haven't been able to talk to many people, hence not much information.
I will cherish this birthday in my entire life on a good note. I sincerely hope that good things have just started!
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