Photographs: Fawzan Husain for Marie Claire magazine
How does it feel to return to an empty apartment day after day? To unlock your world, turn on the lights; to cook a single meal and eat it while conversing with your thoughts? Heavenly, they say! It is certainly a challenge to manage it all on your own -- what with unglamorous chores like housework and groceries and home maintenance to be done all by yourself. Not to mention nosy neighbours who keep an eye on all your guests, or try to fix you up with 'a suitable boy' they know! But that's a price these women are willing to pay, especially if it means they can chase their dreams and pursue the career of their choice. And when the silence gets too much, the space can transform into a hangout zone where friends party till the wee hours of the morning!
We travelled across the country to take a peek into the private sanctuaries of these bachelorettes, the place they call home. Their interiors give a glimpse into their personalities: Planted flowers add a feminine touch, insightful paintings reflect their love for beauty, and the travel souvenirs lined up on walls announce their quest of freedom. "The decor of the houses was basic with little clutter, and comfort was a priority. Some of them were literally living out of a suitcase, but a fancy one," says Fawzan Husain, who met these women on their turf. In a country where a husband, and often kids, are considered necessary to 'complete' a woman's home, these bright, young damsels prove otherwise: Home is just as sweet alone.
'I've always loved living alone. And in a city like Mumbai, it's quite easy!'
Sheetal Sudhir
Creative Director, Mumbai
"Everything in this house has been done from scratch. When I bought it, I broke down all the walls, hung out there for an entire day and visualised how I wanted it to look. I have hand-picked every single tile and door handle. It has an open kitchen, teak and wood panels, and a wood and dark-stone floor. A splash of colour comes with everything that I have collected from my travels like a multi-coloured swivel chair, art-deco ash trays and a retro radio. Also, it is a tech-friendly house with wi-fi and many Apple gadgets."
'My home welcomes everyone with happy, warm colours, flowery curtains and a lot of optimism'
Sheetal Bhalla
Photographer, Ahmedabad
"My house is artistically done; it has an easy play of light and shadow. It has on display artifacts from all the different countries I have been to. It is very accommodating and quickly transforms from a Zen place to a party club. Usually when you enter, you'd catch a whiff of essential oils and on a lucky day, you might even get to smell some handmade cookies and cakes."
'I have the freedom to do what I want, when I want and how I want. It's all about me'
Kim Lushington
Senior Executive Director, Bengaluru
"I have been living alone for the past three years. It has been a challenging experience. My home decor is minimalistic; I do not like clutter. The most striking thing is the use of bright and light colours in contrast. It reflects my contradictory personality; I am outgoing and free-spirited, yet quiet and calm."
'I am very ambitious and I like to own things. My own house is one thing I've always wanted to have'
Shreya Sharma
Boutique Owner, Kolkata
"I haven't decorated my house much, even the colour palette is very pale. But my collection of paintings adds a vibrant element. I usually like the traditional ones, especially the Rajasthani paintings. I have at least one painting in each room."
'It is because of the support my family has given me that I feel liberated'
Anjum Ara Siddiqui
Homeopathic Doctor, Bhopal
"I like to see the sunny side always. I own a single room and many dreams. I have a balcony too, and my home is my universe. My favourite corner is where I keep my medicines and medical books. I come from a small town near Kanpur, and want to make my own destiny in a big city some day."
'Living alone is an enriching experience. It has made me more confident'
Divya Chandra
Dentist, Lucknow
"It has been more than a year that I have been living on my own. People in Lucknow may be conservative but they are trying to break barriers now. My house too reflects a blend of ethnic and modern culture. I have used a lot of yellow and rust. While yellow gives the ethnic touch, rust makes the surroundings lively."
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