I factory resetted my phone 2 days back. I forgot to save the encryption password for WhatsApp backup, meaning I can't restore them now.
Whats funny is that WhatsApp is among the most insecure platforms to text on. There's no point "encrypting" it. End to end encrypted, huh? What are the ends? For one, WhatsApp doesn't even encrypt media (which is where a lot of sensitive stuff is likely to be found). Only texts are encrypted. And texts might be less sensitive. More attached.
I've lost near four years of texts with my family. I've lost the little things I shared and the little reactions I got. I've lost texts from the time I gently flirted with my lady and we came closer.
As I said, WhatsApp local backups don't encrypt media. Thus, they're backed up and available on my laptop. So not everything is lost. Its just the texts that are inaccessible.
Maybe, a clean slate. To start the new year. To look forward and write stories again. Texts aren't the end of this world. All memories lie etched in my mind and heart. And from these memories, shall rise the new future.
Let this year be not for the resolutions I make, but the ones I fulfill. A new year. To start on a clean slate.
welcome to 2025