I wish I could say that I had the best summer of my life! I wish I could say it was nothing but full of fun and enjoyment! But I can't say it, because if there is one thing I learned, life doesn't always happen the way you plan it.

I initially planned to come home just for two weeks this summer. I wanted to relax after a semester full of hard work. I wanted to have home-cooked food, and have fun with my family. I planned to go back to Berklee and start my Music Therapy course. But how could I expect that I will get the biggest blow of my life as soon as I reach Chennai?

I never expected my mother to have cancer. I never expected that my two weeks of holiday would get extended to three months. I never expected that I would come to Chennai instead of Singapore. I never expected that due to this, our new home would be Chennai. I was shattered. I started feeling that things won't be the same. I have felt as though I am losing a part of me. With my mom going through this, I have to work even harder to get good grades, achievements and to finish my course.

I wouldn't say that this was the worst summer, as there were some light-hearted moments. There were some things which made me feel that God has given me opportunities. I travelled to two cities, Bangalore and Mumbai. In Bangalore, I got to spend time with my relatives, which made me feel somewhat better, as we were all going through the same thing and we all had to share our feelings. I also met my good friend there, which made me feel even better. We recorded songs that cheered my mom up. In Mumbai, I also got to spend time with my father's side of relatives and another good friend, where I got even more hope.

During the days I spent in Chennai, I recorded songs and sang songs for my mother that made her feel good. This made me realize that music can heal anyone. I exercised and lost some weight and became healthy and fit. I watched "Friends" a lot, which cheered me up at times. I got to bond with my family members very well. My brother and I bonded really well this time, compared to all the other times. We both were shattered and we consoled each other. I am going to miss him a lot.

I got to bond with my relatives very well this time. I communicated with my friends a lot and they gave me a lot of support. Even my birthday was amazing! I got wonderful wishes from my friends and family. I went out with my family for dinner, which was an amazing feeling. I am really thankful for that. And on top of that, I also got to take care of my mother like the way she takes care of me. I feel that God has given an opportunity for us family members to spend time with each other and also for me to grow up more and to be more understanding and responsible.

I am leaving to go back to Boston in a few days. On one hand, I feel hopeful but on the other hand I have fear and anxiety. Since I was in Chennai, I got to be with my mom and I got to know all the updates, but now I am going to be far away, what if there is an emergency? I also have a big fear of being alone and lonely! If I hear something unbearable, who is going to comfort me? I am not ready for another blow, but what can we do?

On the other hand, I can't wait to go back to Boston, see my amazing friends and start my Music Therapy major. I made a promise to my mother that I will do really well in college, work hard, keep improving my singing and myself, and finish it successfully in two years. My achievements make her happy, so I will do that. Meanwhile, I also hope that my mom successfully fights this and comes out of this, so that we can all be smiling happily. I hope she sees me in a graduation cap and gown. She should also be alive for my marriage and when my kids are born.

Please pray and hope that I successfully complete my course and earn a degree and become a music therapist and also pray that my mother successfully comes out of cancer.

Boston, I am coming soon!