By Sivasankar venkatakrishnan (oshovenkat)
Life has a way of unfolding in the most unexpected ways. Sometimes, it blesses us with moments of joy, and at other times, it throws us into the depths of uncertainty. But when one learns to surrender to TIME (GOD), every experience—good or bad—becomes a lesson rather than a burden. This is the story of one such experience that reshaped my perspective on handling adversity.
The Journey Begins
On April 14, 2018, I embarked on a journey to the United States, planning to visit my brother. I held a valid business-cum-tourist visa, and my purpose was clear—to spend time with family while exploring some business prospects. The excitement of travel, the anticipation of meeting loved ones, and the thrill of experiencing a new place filled my mind as I boarded the flight.
This was not my first trip to the U.S. I had previously visited in December 2016 with my mother, and everything had gone smoothly. There was no trouble, no questioning—just a meaningful journey. But this time, fate had something different in store for me.
A Misunderstanding That Changed Everything
Upon arriving at the U.S. airport, I was taken aside for additional questioning by Homeland Security. At first, I assumed it was a routine check, something many travelers go through. But soon, I realized that the officers had misunderstood my travel intentions.
They suspected that I had come to the U.S. to work illegally under an H1B visa, despite the fact that I was holding a business-cum-tourist visa. I tried to explain, but my words fell on deaf ears. Their perception had already taken shape, and in their eyes, I was an offender.
What followed was beyond anything I had ever imagined. I was taken into custody, treated as if I had committed a serious crime. The interrogation was intense, the treatment humiliating. Despite my efforts to clarify the misunderstanding, I was met with suspicion. They locked me up—a foreign traveler who had done nothing wrong—like a criminal.
Surrendering to the Moment
Sitting in that cold, lifeless detention room, many thoughts crossed my mind. Anger? No. Fear? Not at all. Instead, I found myself surrendering completely to the moment.
I had always believed in TIME (GOD), the force that orchestrates every event in life. I knew that if this was happening to me, there was a reason behind it. I didn’t fight the situation internally. I simply let it unfold, watching as an observer rather than a victim.
The officers gave me a choice—either fight the charges, which could lead to a three-year prison sentence, or leave the U.S. immediately. There was nothing to think about. I chose to leave, not out of fear, but because I knew that this experience itself was the real journey. My trip had already served its purpose—not in the way I had planned, but in the way TIME (GOD) had designed.
Reactions of Family and Friends
When I returned home, my family and friends were shocked. How could something like this happen? Why would a simple misunderstanding turn into such a serious ordeal? They felt bad for me, sympathizing with the injustice I had faced.
But I didn’t see it that way. I reassured them that I was fine, that I had not suffered, only learned. The situation had shown me how to handle adversity with grace. It had reaffirmed my belief that nothing is truly in our control except our response to life’s events.
A Lesson in Handling Life
Since that day, my perspective on challenges has evolved even further. I no longer categorize experiences as good or bad. Everything is just life unfolding. Whether it’s a moment of joy or an unexpected hardship, it is simply an experience given by TIME (GOD).
Looking back, I don’t regret what happened. In fact, I am grateful. That moment of misunderstanding by Homeland Security became a defining chapter in my spiritual journey. It deepened my ability to remain detached, to embrace life as it comes, and to trust that every situation has its purpose.
Moving Forward
Life continues to present its ups and downs, but now, I navigate them with a calm heart. When something unexpected happens, I don’t question it—I embrace it. Because in the grand design of existence, every moment is a lesson, and every experience is a step toward greater understanding.
Some journeys take us to new places. Others take us deeper within. This was one such journey.