Accomplishment, Event, or Realization on a Period of Personal Growth

I take a literal leap of faith. As my crocs leave the peculiar clover-shaped cobblestone sidewalk, the bus accelerates gradually. My mom’s piercing “Surakshit Rehna!” (stay safe) resonates in my ears as overwhelming terror freezes me midair… DING-DING! The ticket conductor’s bell ceases my trance as I barely manage to grasp the handlebars. Overcoming my fears, I embarked upon my journey on the Mumbai bus system.
The thick, piquant aroma of spices spread throughout the expansive landscape: Mumbai, the home of my childhood summers. Escaping the barrier of our screens, my family reunites after a year's absence in an event entailing incredibly delectable food. Surrounded by family, I am bombarded with Indian love: food and the inexorable chorus of “Eat some more!” However, this wholly transformed once my desire to independently explore Mumbai’s complex public transportation (3000+ routes and 4500+ stops) leaked: my overprotective family transformed our house into Fort Knox. Fortunately, my influential Mama (uncle) saved the day by declaring my ultimate freedom to explore Mumbai for one week.
Day 1: Fearing xenophobia, my heart palpitates as the blood drains from my face. Barely having boarded the bus, I heard the fast-approaching ticket conductor spew many obscure Hindi numbers for fares. While initially filled with dread, I was comforted knowing my fluency in 3 local languages, gained at the expense of countless vacation hours, would pay off. Tendering the exact amount of “Ekkees” rupees, I secured a successful first ride.
Day 3: Boarding #87, I headed to Mumbai’s largest flea market, the "Fashion Street.” My carefree wandering got the attention of a homeless man, offering me to trade his prestigious Poorvi Star (an Indian military medal of honor) for a ...