Medha ever thought her life was over. She didn’t eat; she simply felt ill. She was broken and doubted herself, over and over. Am I not enough? Am I not beautiful enough? Am I not patient enough? Her partner—that she always thought of as home—cheated on her.

In her life, Medha Aparajita just has a definition that home is a place to stay. She has a dream: to have her own home. After five years of marriage, her dream finally comes true: she owns a house. 

But something unexpected happened. Medha’s partner—Prem—needs to relocate to a different city for work. The long-distance marriage must be accepted. 

Medha reflects again. What’s the definition of home if her partner is living in another city? She got the home, but definitely she felt lonely. She cried at night alone, missing her partner sleeping beside her. “Should I give up and resign? So, I can live together with my partner,” she thought. “Perhaps I don’t need this house. What I need is for my partner to stay with me.”  

She buys an airplane ticket to meet him. Three hours into the flight, Medha was already in his arms. “You know, I can’t sleep because you will come today. I really miss you,” Prem said. She knows, just with her partner, she will get the warmth and love. Although Medha is aware that she is not a romantic partner, her love language is acts of service. Then Medha said to herself,  “Yes, this is my home.”

Just with Prem, Medha can talk about everything. Her dreams, trauma, and also stupid thoughts. Prem is really supportive, and Medha was very grateful for it. Medha never forgets the thing when her partner asks her about what she thinks on politics, feminism, religion, and many other topics enthusiastically.

Medha likes to read books—nonfiction, fiction, and also poems. Her partner also likes to read poems and fiction. They always book dates at a cafe on Saturday night. Just coffee and books. 

She is a book lover, and every time Medha visits the bookstore, she enjoys purchasing new books. She always buys some books and just keeps them on the bookshelf. Sometimes, Prem asked Medha, “It’s okay to buy the books, but remember to read them all. Could you?” Then Medha just smiled and hugged Prem. “I hope so,” she answered. 

Medha had always been aware of patriarchy’s impact: most men grew up never learning how to cook for a household. So she taught Prem to cook: how to hold a knife and how to peel the onion. She always appreciates Prem because she knows every new step needs processing. “Thanks for teaching me and always supporting me,” he said. 

After seven years of marriage, Medha’s definition of home has changed. Home is no longer about a physical place but about the person she chooses to build a life with. Home is when you find someone who will always be there for you. Home is when your partner provides support and you can grow together. A partner who can provide a safe space in which you can be yourself. 

(Andi Faizah)