New Delhi, Aug. 12 -- A month ago, I travelled solo to the hills for a workshop. As someone who often travels alone, I've realised that what fascinates me most isn't the destination itself, but the people I meet and the lessons I gather along the way.

As the workshop began, I met a couple of people I instantly connected with and we ended up spending a lot of time together.

On the third day, as I was heading back to my room, one of these new friends quietly slipped a packed slice of cake into my bag. While I was in the hills, Mumbai was experiencing torrential rains and my home had started to leak. I was trying to coordinate with my family to deal with it, so I couldn't join my friends when they went out.

This quiet act of consideration...