Recently, I marked a significant milestone—a full month since I took the step of transferring to Shimla. On 26th November 2024, I decided to leave the 6th Circle HP PWD at Kullu and move closer to my family at Dhami (Shimla Rural). Frequent trips to visit my wife and our 9-month-old baby boy, along with the need to take holidays from work, made it clear that being closer to my wife and our baby boy was the right choice—not just for me but for my family as well.
On the afternoon of 26th November 2024, I joined the E-in-C office at HP PWD Nirman Bhawan, Nigam Vihar, Shimla-2. The headquarters, buzzing with activity and challenges, felt like a fresh start. One of my first steps was applying for an HRTC employee concession pass, and after using it for 26 days, I can confidently say it was a smart decision. It saved money, made commuting easier, and added convenience to my daily routine.
Evenings in Shimla are something special. From the nearby HP High Court area, you can catch a beautiful sunset that fills the sky with hues of orange and pink. Sometimes, I enjoy watching the sunset from the window seat of my bus during my commute home. As the sun’s rays touch my face, it feels amazing—so warm and soothing, like a gentle reminder of the beauty around us.
A view at Dusk in Shimla from the window seat of a bus
Reconnecting with Old Friends:
On 28th November 2024, I had the pleasure of meeting Er. Sachin Gupta in his office at Kumar House Vidyut Bhawan, Shimla after almost a month. We had a wonderful conversation. The topic of our WhatsApp group, “Crazy Engineers,” came up, and we were amazed by Er. Jitender Kumar’s transformation. Once an introvert who spoke very little, his witty and active participation in the group now left us surprised. On the other hand, we were concerned about Er. Ishan Sharma’s silence. He used to be lively and super active during college, but now his participation in the group is almost nonexistent. While we respect his personal choice of commenting or not commenting, we miss his energy and hope for even a small contribution to make the group feel whole. It was as if Er. Jitender Kumar (Tillu) and Er. Ishan Sharma had swapped personalities. Later, I along with Sachin’s colleagues ate a Bhandara, which turned out to be an unforgettable experience. The Bhandara was organized on the occasion of the retirement of a couple of employees from the HPSEBL, who were set to retire on 30th November 2024. Later, a friend of Sachin then dropped him and me off in his car at our different alighting points, making the day feel complete. This reunion reminded me of the value of old friendships and left me with a heart full of gratitude and memories to treasure forever.
On 29th November 2024, I visited Er. Ashwani Sharma in his office at the Indian Institute of Advanced Study (IIAS), Shimla. It was a wonderful get-together, filled with laughter and shared memories. Moments like these remind me of the importance of nurturing old friendships, even amidst the hustle of daily life.
Work, Family, and Routine:
On the evening of 29th November 2024, I received my further order to work in the M&P Branch of the E-in-C office HPPWD Shimla. The role comes with its challenges, but it has been a rewarding experience so far. Shimla’s cold weather, especially after the recent snowfall, has made mornings and evenings particularly brisk. I even fell sick during the past one month, but my wife’s care during that time was a reminder of her unwavering kindness and love. She is truly incredible, waking up at 6 a.m. daily to prepare breakfast and pack lunch for me, ensuring I start my day right. Her dedication inspires me, and I am deeply thankful to have her by my side.
Life in Shimla has settled into a busy rhythm. Between my 7-hour workday, 3 hours of commuting, and various household responsibilities, my time is fully occupied. Yet, the hours spent babysitting my son are the most precious. His innocent laughter and curious eyes make every effort worthwhile.
During my morning and evening bus travels, I often listen to local devotional songs from the “Himalayan Hearts-Studio” YouTube channel on my smartphone in my ear buds. Their songs resonate with my heart and keep me connected to the traditions and beliefs I hold dear. The songs never fail to fill me with peace and positivity.
Evenings are my sanctuary. Sharing stories over dinner with my wife, enjoying her calm presence, and holding our baby boy in my arms fills me with a sense of fulfillment. It is these moments that erase all fatigue and remind me why this transfer was the best decision.
Looking Ahead:
A month in Shimla has brought challenges but also immense joy. Balancing work, family, and personal time is not always easy, but the presence of my wife and son makes it all worthwhile.
The bond with old friends like Sachin and Ashwani has reminded me of the enduring power of friendship. As I navigate this new phase of life, I look forward to finding more time to meet nearby friends and create cherished memories.
Every evening when I return home, tired from the day, the sight of my little boy waiting for me and the warmth of my wife’s care make everything feel perfect. Life, though busy, feels meaningful and full of love.
Here’s to embracing challenges, nurturing relationships, and treasuring the simple joys of life in the months ahead!