On the last day of my first job

The sound of the red “ST” bus engine roared as it stopped at the Nashik bus stand. The old clock on the wall showed the time as 10:00 pm. The sense of trepidation and anxiety weighed heavily on me as I stepped onto the bus, the smell of diesel fuel and old green rexine seats filling my nostrils. I hesitated, my eyes darting back and forth and my heart pounding against my chest. Was I making the right decision?
As I settled into my seat, I avoided the curious gazes of the other passengers, who were half asleep already. But I didn’t owe them any explanation, and I was too preoccupied with my thoughts to care. Being alone with my reflections was a relief as I left Nashik behind for the last time and headed towards Mumbai.
I took a deep breath and looked out the window as the city lights faded into the distance. My mind wandered back to my last day at work when I had made the difficult decision to leave without formal closure or telling my friends. It was the only way to avoid their questioning looks and sympathetic words.
The memories of my difficult conversations with my manager during the day resurfaced, his dismissive tone when I told him I wasn’t happy. He had refused to let me go, insisting that I had a bright future with the company. But I knew better, decided to take matters into my own hands, and left without the approval of my resignation.
As the bus rumbled on, I began to feel a sense of liberation. The past twelve years had been a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows, and it was time to start fresh. I started my professional career in Bangalore with the organization. The work was interesting, each day bringing a different set of challenges. Some great managers mentored me in my formative years. I learnt the rules of civility from everyone around me. Even the union leaders taught me how to present and behave in front of superiors. Every day was a new learning for me. I learnt several new things and made some everlasting friendships. I regularly went out with my friends to movies and excursions. The business visits to Erlangen, Kalrsurhe and Berlin provided opportunities to explore new places and cultures.
The new city and organization awaited me, full of opportunities and challenges, and I was determined to make the most of it.
The last bus ride was long but gave me time to think and plan. I made a mental list of everything I needed to do to start my new life: find a place to live, make new friends, and explore the city. It wouldn’t be easy, but I was ready for the challenge.
Finally, as the bus pulled into Sion, I felt excitement and anticipation. Mumbai bathed in the warm glow of the morning sun, and I couldn’t wait to begin my new life.
“This is it,” I said as I stepped off the bus, my small bag in hand. “The beginning of a new chapter.”