The Journey of Teja
The Journey of Teja: A Life of Love, Loss, and Growth
My name is Teja, and I was born on April 16th, 2000, in Kodavatipudi—a small, serene village tucked away from the bustling cities of the world. From the moment I opened my eyes to the world, I was immersed in the tranquil rhythms of village life. The sounds of birds singing, the rustling of leaves, and the slow pace of daily routines are memories that will always remain with me. This village, with its simplicity and warmth, was my first teacher, shaping my values and instilling in me the importance of staying grounded, being humble, and finding happiness in the smallest of things.
As a child, I didn’t quite understand how different my world was from those living in urban centers. We didn’t have the latest gadgets or flashy technologies. Our entertainment came from simple joys like playing with friends, celebrating festivals, and helping our families with chores. It was in this environment that I learned the core values that would guide me throughout my life: family, honesty, hard work, and the beauty of simplicity.
But as I grew older, I began to realize that there was more to the world than the village I had known. I had dreams, ambitions, and a desire to explore. Education became my gateway to that larger world. I started my academic journey at a convent school, like most children from my village. But it didn’t take long for me to feel the weight of the strict, structured environment. The convent had a reputation for being disciplined and rigorous, but to me, it felt suffocating.
The Struggles with Convent Education
In those early years, I struggled to fit into the conventional education system. The pressure to perform academically was intense, and the emphasis on rigid rules made me feel disconnected from my own sense of identity. I found myself growing disillusioned with the idea of learning. I didn’t understand why it had to be so stressful and disconnected from real-life experiences. It seemed like a factory—producing students who were good at memorizing facts but not necessarily good at thinking critically or creatively.
I was a sensitive, introspective child, and I needed space to grow in my own way. The constant pressure of grades and the fear of failure started to weigh heavily on me. I wanted to learn, yes, but I wanted to do so at my own pace, in an environment that encouraged me to ask questions, think freely, and explore without fear of judgment.
So, after much internal debate and personal reflection, I made the decision to leave the convent school behind. I transferred to a government school, hoping that it would offer a more practical, balanced approach to education. The idea of studying in a more open, less rigid environment appealed to me. I was looking for an education that nurtured my individuality and allowed me to think beyond the textbooks.
The Transition to MPUP School
My decision led me to MPUP School in Venkatapuram, where I began my 8th-grade studies. This was a fresh start for me—one that came with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The government school had a different atmosphere, one that felt more relaxed and approachable. I made new friends, and many of them would go on to become an integral part of my life.
One of the most memorable figures in my school life was Prasanna Sir. He was a teacher, but to us, he was more like a father figure. We affectionately called him "Daddy," and there was something magnetic about his presence. He had this way of commanding respect without ever raising his voice. When he entered the school grounds, there was an immediate shift in the energy. Suddenly, the entire school would calm down, and discipline was restored, not out of fear, but because we respected him deeply.
Prasanna Sir wasn’t just a teacher in the traditional sense; he was a leader and a mentor who imparted lessons that extended beyond the classroom. His influence on my life was profound, as he taught me not only about academics but also about values like responsibility, respect, and leadership. His presence made me realize that true power lies not in authority but in the ability to inspire and guide others through personal example.
A Significant Milestone: 10th Standard
By the time I reached my 10th standard, I had grown significantly, not only in terms of academics but also in my personal development. I completed my 10th standard with a 7.2% score on the state board exams. While it wasn’t the highest score, it represented my journey of self-discovery. I wasn’t the most academically inclined student, but I had learned that success wasn’t solely defined by grades. It was about growth, perseverance, and the lessons learned along the way.
After completing my 10th standard, I enrolled at SRGJ Junior College in Tuni to pursue my intermediate studies. I chose a vocational course, which was more aligned with my interests. The vocational system was structured differently—each paper was graded out of 50 marks, and we had seven subjects. This approach suited me better because it was hands-on and practical. It felt more like the education I had been searching for, one that taught skills and knowledge that could be applied in real-life scenarios.
The Impact of My Brother’s Wedding
In 2017, a life-changing event occurred in my family: my big brother got married. This event, while a joyous occasion for the entire family, also marked a significant turning point in my personal life. During the wedding, I visited the bride’s home with my family, and there, I saw my future sister-in-law for the first time. I can still remember that moment vividly. It was as if time had stopped. When I looked at her, something inside me stirred—something I couldn’t understand at that time. As a teenager, I had never experienced love in such a way before.
Looking back, I can now recognize that feeling for what it was—love. It wasn’t a fleeting crush; it was something deeper, something more significant. I didn’t know how to handle it at first. I was just a teenager, unsure of how to navigate these new emotions. But what I did know was that I felt incredibly happy to see her become a part of our family.
From that day onward, every festival became an opportunity to visit her village and spend time with her. I cherished these moments, even though I kept my feelings to myself. It became a part of my life that I looked forward to—those visits to her village, the small moments of connection, the shared laughter.
The Gift of Independence: My First Bike
In March 2017, I experienced another milestone in my life: I bought my first bike, a Honda Shine 2008 model. For years, I had dreamed of owning a bike. It represented freedom to me—freedom to travel, explore, and live life on my own terms. The sense of accomplishment I felt when I rode that bike for the first time was overwhelming. It felt like I was finally stepping into a new chapter of my life, one where I could go beyond the confines of my small village and explore the world around me.
I took my bike on numerous trips, visiting nearby towns and places I had only heard about in stories. The wind rushing past me, the open road ahead—it was exhilarating. For the first time, I felt truly independent. It wasn’t just a bike; it was a symbol of my journey toward self-discovery and growth.
College Life: New Friendships and Memories
In 2017, I completed my intermediate studies with a 78% score, and that was a proud moment for me. I had worked hard to balance my studies and my personal life, and it paid off. The next step in my academic journey took me to MRS AVN College in Visakhapatnam, where I started my degree. College life was a new chapter, and it came with its own set of challenges, but it was also where I met some of the best friends I could ever ask for.
My friends and I spent countless hours together—exploring the city, watching movies, going to parks, visiting temples, and going on spontaneous trips. Those moments of joy, laughter, and bonding became the cornerstone of my college experience. I learned so much about myself during those years—how to be independent, how to build lasting relationships, and how to embrace life fully, no matter what it threw my way.
The One-Sided Love for Ramya
During my time in college, I developed feelings for a friend named Ramya. She was intelligent, kind, and someone I admired deeply. I never fully expressed my feelings to her, as I believed that my love for her was one-sided. Yet, every time we talked, I felt a deep connection, a bond that went beyond friendship. We shared many personal moments, from discussing our studies to sharing our fears and dreams.
Ramya became a significant part of my college life, and though I kept my feelings hidden, they grew stronger each day. I don’t think she ever knew the depth of my affection for her. I didn’t have the courage to tell her. But as I spent more time with her, I came to believe that maybe, just maybe, we had something special.
Heartbreak: Ramya's Marriage
In 2019, my world was shaken when Ramya got married to someone else. The news hit me hard. I had hoped for something more, but I had to accept that it wasn’t meant to be. I remember feeling devastated. My heart ached as I realized that my one-sided love had come to an end, and I was left to face the reality of the situation. I cried, I grieved, and I struggled to move on. It was a painful period in my life, but it was also a learning experience. I learned that love can be fleeting, and sometimes, the people we care about most aren’t meant to stay in our lives forever.
A New Love: Renuka
After Ramya’s marriage, I focused on my career and decided to take a job in Hyderabad. I worked as a helper in a chocolate company, and though the work was tough, it taught me the value of hard work and perseverance. But even as I worked, my heart wasn’t fully at peace. I needed to find something, someone, to fill the void left by Ramya.
And then, I met Renuka. She was different from anyone I had ever met. Her beauty was undeniable, but it was her simplicity, her kindness, and her helping nature that drew me to her. It felt like destiny had brought her into my life at the perfect time. I fell in love with her, and this time, it felt different.
For five beautiful years—from 2019 to 2024—Renuka and I shared a love that was pure and genuine. We traveled, we laughed, we built memories together. She gave me a gift on my birthday once, and it remains one of the most special things anyone has ever done for me. Our bond was strong, and I truly believed we had a future together.
Heartbreak Again: Renuka's Marriage
But, as life often does, it took a turn that I never expected. On October 26th, 2024, Renuka got married to someone else. The news shattered me. It felt like history was repeating itself. I couldn’t understand why she had to leave, why she couldn’t stay with me. I spent the days after her wedding in emotional turmoil, crying myself to sleep, struggling to make sense of it all.
I knew she had moved on and was happy with her husband, but the pain I felt was unbearable. It was as if I had lost everything all over again. I thought I had found the person I would spend my life with, only to have that dream snatched away from me.
The Final Goodbye
Now, as I reflect on everything that has happened, I realize that both Ramya and Renuka have moved on. They are happy with their respective partners, and though I can see their happiness, it doesn’t erase the pain in my heart. I still think about them every night. I cry sometimes, and I wonder why it had to be this way. I know deep down that I can’t go back, that they can’t return to my life. That chapter is over, and though it hurts, I have to let go.
It’s difficult, but it’s a part of life. Love is not always reciprocated. People change, and sometimes, despite the deep connections we share, things don’t work out the way we want them to. But even in the midst of this pain, I know that my journey isn’t over. There is still more to life—more to discover, more to learn, and more to experience.
Though I’m still in love with Renuka, I know that it’s time to focus on my own growth. Life is about moving forward, no matter how much it hurts. And though the scars will remain, they will serve as reminders of the lessons I’ve learned, the love I’ve experienced, and the person I’ve become.
Embracing Opportunity: My First Day at Inspiredge IT Solutions:
I began my career on May 9th, 2022, at Inspiredge IT Solutions. On my first day of training, I felt overwhelmed and unsure if I could survive in the company. I was so anxious that I initially walked away from the premises. However, after taking some time to reflect, I realized that I couldn’t let this opportunity slip away—it was the first step toward building my career. With that thought, I returned to the company and joined the training session in the conference room.
I introduced myself to my fellow trainees and the training instructor, whose name was Prasad—though he asked us to call him “Pras.” I was nervous speaking in front of the group, but during the session, he asked me how I had cleared my online assessment. I honestly responded that I used Google to help me prepare and pass the test. He was impressed by my resourcefulness and gave me the nickname “Google.”
Pras conducted daily training sessions and a series of assessments to finalize the shortlist of selected candidates. That experience not only marked the beginning of my professional journey but also taught me the value of perseverance and confidence.
I was selected as a Process Specialist in my company after successfully completing my training. I’m grateful to Pras for giving me the opportunity to prove myself. After joining, I met my lead Rizwan, who asked me to sit beside senior team members and learn from them. He also conducted an on-floor assessment to evaluate my readiness.
I eventually received my employee ID and started working directly with the client. On my very first day, I had to stay beyond my logout time because my mentor insisted I complete the assigned task before leaving. That day, I left the office at 12 AM.
During the initial three months, I commuted from a distance of 50 km, reaching home around 2 AM and starting again by 11 AM the next morning to catch my cab. Despite the travel and long hours, I consistently completed all my assigned tasks on time.
After spending two years in my initial project, I transitioned to a new process involving Salesforce CRM. Post-training, I was required to work in both projects simultaneously. However, managing the two different shift timings — 1:30 PM to 10:30 PM for the first project and 5:30 PM to 2:30 AM for the second — was extremely challenging. For two days I worked mid-shift, and for the remaining three days, I worked night shifts.
These continuous changes in shifts took a toll on my health, leading to various health issues. Despite these challenges, I remained dedicated and fulfilled my responsibilities in both processes.
After completing 2 years in my previous project, our team was onboarded to a new project. I transitioned to this new assignment and am currently continuing in the same project.
After completing 3 years, I was promoted to the role of Senior Process Specialist. In this role, I actively support my team and take responsibility for training new joiners.
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