If someone had told me six years ago that I would be driving myself to the bank and taking care of investments myself, I would have said they were joking! Perhaps they saw something in me that I didn’t, for today, I not only manage my own accounts, but file tax returns all by myself!

I have always lived a privileged life. Growing up in Solan near Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, I was the youngest of five siblings and was pampered a lot. I got married at the age of 19. And as I was the first daughter-in-law in the family, I was pampered by my in-laws too. It was a cushy life.

The good thing is that, even though I was a housewife, I had a penchant for learning new things and soaking in new experiences. I learnt to swim and drive in my 40s while my husband took care of the day-to-day activities of our lives. But I barely drove; he used to drive me around. He was the chairman of the Industrial Association, Khopoli, and used to head a brewery, near Lonavala.

When our son and daughter moved to Australia for further studies, I didn’t take it very well. As my husband was away at work, I used to feel lonely and bored. Hence, in 2003-04, I opened my own boutique called Bindiya’s as I was always interested in women’s fashion. Many looked at me askance as the wife of a senior officer didn’t generally dabble in such things!

It didn’t deter me. In fact, my husband was a sport and gave me plenty of encouragement. Five years later, he retired and we got involved in the real-estate business in Lonavala. He was a chartered accountant by profession and used to look after the legal aspect of our business while I looked after the commercial part.

My life took a sudden turn when my husband died in a road accident in 2010. That left me devastated and directionless. At that time, my son came across and stayed with me for some time but I soon realised I could not be dependent on anyone any more.

As we had made investments in properties in and around Lonavala, I began to take care of them. Slowly, I started learning to manage my accounts and investments. I also brushed up on my driving skills, and now I go everywhere on my own in Lonavala.

I also have a great circle of friends, who love me a lot. I lead a good life and don’t brood over the past. I am open to new experiences. One of the most memorable experiences to have taken place while visiting my son in Perth, Australia, two years ago—I actually did some snorkelling! It was an amazing experience and it was great to see things from a fresh, new perspective. I had done some kayaking when my children were in college and I recently took up rock climbing while I was in the Blue Mountains in Sydney, Australia, along with my son. Even though it was for beginners, the rock looked just like one of the many challenges I had to face in my life, and I was determined to conquer it.

Finally, I want to tell everyone that they should seize life with both hands, embrace it and enjoy it. And always stay open to learning new things rather than sitting in the comfort of your home.

—Swaroop Sood, Lonavala

Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
May 2017