We're only getting older, baby

Why were we all so eager to rush into adulthood? Growing up means an endless loop of responsibilities and chores. And wishing we were young again

- SEEMA GOSWAMI

Careful what you wish for, they say. And they may well have a point. Ever since I can remember, my ambition was to grow up and earn enough money to have a house of my own. A house that was mine alone; a house in which I didn't have to adhere to anyone else's rules; a house where I could come and go as I pleased, without anyone asking me a dozen questions.

Well, gentle reader, I achieved that ambition when I moved to Delhi and my then-employers very kindly rented a lovely flat for me. At the beginning, there was no containing my excitement. I set up the kitchen just as I wanted, I chose furniture according to my taste (and budget), I devised different colour schemes for different rooms, and I spent more than I could afford on a fancy mattress to get a good night's sleep.