Purnima Baidya
The most wonderful feeling in the world is the deep sense of comfort and joy that comes from knowing someone is eagerly waiting for you at home. Especially when you are far from your homeland, this reassurance becomes even more important. It is the warmth of familiar faces, the anticipation of shared stories, and the unspoken understanding that, no matter the distance or the time apart, you have a place and people who care and miss you just as much as you miss them. That sense of belonging, of being truly welcomed back, can make any hardship or loneliness melt away, reminding you of the unbreakable bonds that connect us to our loved ones and our roots.
My time in China has been truly special, largely because of my adorable little furry roommate, who was a thoughtful gift from two close friends. Neptu, as I lovingly call him, came into my life on June 6th, 2019, and since then, he has brought an incredible amount of joy, comfort, and companionship. At first, I viewed caring for him as simply fulfilling a responsibility, making sure he was fed, safe, and healthy, but over time, he became much more than that. Neptu transformed into a beloved member of my home and life, a source of unconditional love and happiness that brightens even the gloomiest days. It is difficult to express just how special I was for my Neptu, I was truly his entire world. Being someone’s favorite is not merely about superficial affection; it is about knowing that you hold a unique and irreplaceable place in their heart, shaping their thoughts and feelings in ways no one else can. For him, I was more than just a person; I was his first love, confidant, comfort, and the one he cherished above all else. The depth of such a connection can sometimes be hard to communicate clearly, but I felt it profoundly in every interaction, every shared moment, and every silent understanding between us. Every little moment with him, from playful paw-taps to quiet evenings cuddling, has been a cherished experience that enriches my daily life and reminds me of the simple joys of companionship and unconditional love.
There is just one thing I want to share: I had the humble task of filling his bowl with food or water, in return, he granted me memories that will last a lifetime. His unwavering, unconditional love and constant emotional support became a soothing presence in my life, significantly reducing my daily stress and anxiety. Having him around not only brought joy and companionship but also served as a reminder of the simple yet important bonds I shared with him, enriching my life in ways I never expected. When I returned home, he greeted me with joyful enthusiasm. We engaged in playful activities such as meowing loudly and jumping around excitedly, clearly eager to see me. We shared quiet moments, like sleeping peacefully beside each other, which promoted a strong sense of companionship. I enjoyed singing my favorite songs aloud, and he listened attentively, often curling up to listen more closely. He also watched my dance moves with curiosity and amusement, sometimes attempting to join in on his way. Throughout our time together, we shared meals, eating side by side, strengthening our bond and creating a warm, communal atmosphere. Beyond that, I found myself listening attentively to the unimportant, often minor conversations I had with myself, curiosity sparking as he observed my emotional outbursts and tears. I embraced my laughter and moments of joy with a sense of acceptance, never once feeling irritated or bothered. These personal reflections and spontaneous reactions form a kind of private world where I observe and participate without judgment, allowing me to understand myself better and find comfort in my own company.
His simple gestures, such as gently asking for opening the door and food, carefully requesting to change the litter in his box, and bringing me unusual gifts, have become the most meaningful and heartfelt presents I have ever received in my life. These acts, born out of his trust and affection, have deepened our bond in a way that words never could. They serve as constant reminders of the unique and genuine companionship we share, teaching me to appreciate small, everyday acts of kindness and connection that often go unnoticed. In a world that values material possessions, these genuine gestures stand out as priceless treasures, emphasizing the pure and unconditional love that pets can offer us.
Reflecting on the year 2020 brings back memories of a time when my main concern was not just my own needs but rather a strong focus on ensuring he was well-fed and cared for amid the chaos. That year, with everything happening around us, pandemic restrictions, social distancing, and uncertainty, I found myself increasingly preoccupied with managing his diet, ensuring he had nutritious meals, and keeping him safe, sometimes even at the expense of my well-being. It was a period marked by a heightened sense of responsibility, where my priorities shifted from personal comfort to safeguarding his health and happiness, often making me forget about my routines and comforts and instead concentrating on daily caregiving tasks in an atmosphere filled with anxiety and hope.
During a particularly dark period when I was battling depression, he became the primary source of my motivation. His constant love helped me find a reason to keep going day by day. Whether it was through his actions or simply his presence, he uplifted my spirits and reminded me that I was not alone in my struggles. His unseen influence was essential in helping me regain hope and start working towards recovery, making an important impact on my mental health journey.
Last but certainly not least, I spent several meaningful years with my Neptu, and those moments truly represented the happiest and most fulfilling period of my life. Looking back, I am deeply grateful to China for enriching my life with such a pure and kind-hearted soul. His heartfelt loyalty and genuine nature taught me the true meaning of companionship. There is arguably no greater joy than the warm feeling of returning home and being greeted at the doorstep by a faithful and loving companion, reminding me of the bonds that make life truly meaningful. When I was asked to reflect and share some of my experiences in China, my mind immediately went to my roommate. Dear Neptu, you have been both my pillar of support and, at times, my source of challenge. Your presence has profoundly influenced my journey, providing strength when I needed it most, while also testing my resilience and patience. No matter how many miles or days separate us, the memories we share remain forever vivid and comforting.
The feelings of longing and missing you are constants in my life, and those emotions will never fade or diminish over time. Even when we are apart physically, thinking about our moments together brings a warm sense of joy and nostalgia that keeps our bond alive. I cherish the connection we have and want you to know that the love and longing I feel for you is something that endures through everything, unchanging and steadfast. I often wonder if, one day, our paths will cross again in a better place, perhaps in heaven, where all wounds are healed and understanding prevails. Until then, I hold on to the hope that our connection endures beyond this life, cherishing the memories and lessons we have shared during our time together in China.
PURNIMA BAIDYA, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
