Who said a break-up in a relationship gives more pain and trauma? Moving from our home to the college hostel or the place we work gives more pain than a break-up. And who said only girls would have homesickness and longingness? This is the story of Kalix, an 18-year-old boy, who longs for his family. He is a 2nd-year college boy and handsome too.
This is the day of celebrating culture in his college and the day before the weekend holidays. So, everyone is busy with preparations and rehearsals. Kalix is a good guitarist, so he is also practicing for a cultural program. When it’s time for Kalix’s concert, he performs so well on the guitar that it earns him a fan base for his talent. He wins 1st prize for his guitar performance. After the celebration is over, he rushes to his hostel to pack his luggage because the next 5 days are holidays. With 10 hours of travel and needing to change 4 buses to get from his hometown to his academic place, he is eager to catch the bus on time.
On the way, a girl follows Kalix. He stops and stands on the way, and the girl starts to talk. “Hi Kalix, myself Luna, and you don’t know me, but I know you. I’ve been following you since the 1st year, and I was so impressed by your guitar concert. It’s the most wonderful performance I’ve ever seen!” Kalix replies with thanks and starts walking back to his hostel. Luna keeps him company without his consent, and they start walking together. Luna then shyly says, “Kalix, I want to say this… you are my crush.” Hearing this, Kalix blushes. It’s the first time he’s heard such words, so he just smiles and moves on. When they reach Kalix’s hostel, Luna hugs him, says “safe journey,” and leaves the place. They exchange phone numbers before she leaves.
Kalix enters his hostel room and starts packing his luggage. Once ready, he heads toward the bus stand. His cell phone rings, playing “I love you, Mommy, my sweet mommy.” It’s his mom calling to check where he is. After answering the call, he reaches the bus stand and waits for his bus. There are only two buses available for the next stop. When the bus finally arrives, Kalix steps in and takes a seat by the window. Ten minutes later, the bus starts moving out of the stand. His phone rings again—it’s his mom, once more checking on him. After replying to her, Kalix gets his ticket from the conductor and settles into his seat. He removes his headset and listens to music while watching the trees and nature pass by.
As the journey continues, pleasant and unpleasant thoughts swirl in Kalix’s mind. The distance to his hometown gets shorter and shorter. A sense of unknown happiness rises on his face. When he reaches the last bus stand, just 30 minutes from his home, he steps onto the next bus, which is crowded due to the weekend holiday. Kalix feels nervous when he realizes he’s short on money for the ticket. A kind grandma sitting nearby notices his anxious face and offers him 5 rupees. Kalix gratefully accepts, gets his ticket, and thanks the grandma.
Finally, Kalix reaches his home. During the journey, he had received about 7 to 8 calls from his mom, which showed how much she loves him. When he steps inside, his mom greets him with a smile, hugs him tightly, and kisses his forehead. Her love evokes a special feeling in Kalix. She had prepared a feast of all his favorite dishes. Kalix’s family spends the day chatting and playing with him. He shares stories about his hostel and college life. Kalix also has a younger sister, two years his junior. They share a strong bond and talk about everything, including Luna. Kalix even shows his prize to his family.
After four days of holidays, Kalix has thoroughly enjoyed his time at home. But the holidays are coming to an end, and it’s his last day at home. His mom prepares pickles, sweets, and idly podi for him to take back to the hostel. As Kalix gets ready, his mom and dad accompany him to the bus stand. When the bus arrives, Kalix’s mom tears up but waves goodbye. Kalix, too, feels sad but knows there’s no other choice. This painful separation, while tough, teaches him valuable lessons about adapting to new places and socializing with others. In a way, it’s a “Sweet Separation.”