I always loved the idea of being independent and having my own little place in a city. I started living by myself in 2014 in Pune. I had an amazing flat with a huge balcony. The mornings were hasty, but the evenings were mostly contemplative with a hint of loneliness. To have some company in the tired evenings, I got my very first plants and failed them all. To avoid being haunted by my dead plants, I completely dedicated myself to the vicarious pleasure of gardening on YouTube. After a few years, I moved to a new city—Bengaluru. Found a new home and new courage to get a new houseplant.

My first Money plant.

From there starts the journey with my little green friend—not so little anymore. She has already become a grandmother, quite possibly the great-grandmother of my younger Money plants. All through these years, she experienced, endured, and survived with me and by my side. She used to sit on my window. Sometimes I loved, sometimes I neglected, and sometimes I just forgot about her, but she never gave up on me. She waited for me on happy days and not-so-happy days. She gave warmth just by being there, and she forgave me countless times for forgetting her. She survived on her own but thrived when I took care of her. She reminded me that even the toughest spirits need a little love and care. She taught me that life becomes brighter and greener when we water it gently and regularly. The very-first-she outgrew the small pot, and is still expanding in the roots and branches of her children plants. Just like her, my family has also expanded. Time is flying by, we are changing, but she is still keeping me company through the rushed mornings, the quiet evenings, and the chaos in between, sitting on my new balcony.

Thank you, my green friend, for being with me.