I have just returned from an almost month long trip to Delhi,which was a wonderful experience, every moment of each day.Wherever I went, I was received with so much love,warmth,affection,and care,and each and every person went out of their way,to make me comfortable.And that was really touching.Because these are what I value most of all,and treasure. I think,most people spend all their time, pursuing things that really do not matter,and forget to go for those that are important.But I only look for love and respect,and wherever I get these, I am totally fulfilled,and happy.The joyful faces of all those I visited,and the fun that filled every moment of our time,made it a very memorable trip.
I am Delhi girl,born,brought up,educated,and married in Delhi,and have very lovely memories of my life there.My school days, which were indeed the best, not at all the tension- filled,constant competition it is today.We had so much fun, and learning was never a bother,or problem.And with school, I was learning kathak dance at the now very famous Sangeet Bharathi,my teacher being non other than the doyen Achchan Maharaj,father of the renowned Birju Maharaj.Life was full of friends,varied activities,with a lot of discipline instilled,at home,and at school,and we were a very happy bunch of people.
Out of the blue, one fine day, I got married,arranged by my parents. We 'saw' each other just once,for about 5 mins.and then met after marriage.Can anyone today even imagine the situation?But we went on to live a beautiful marriage, full of happiness,constant smiles,loaded with fun,and most of all,we never finished talking,or laughing.We were best friends, very dear companions,and didn't ever need anyone else to complete our joy.Togetherness was our bond,from beginning right to the end.We wove love into whatever we did,and that became the fabric of our life.
My son's got married to Delhi girls,and my friendship increased.More Delhi people were added to my list,making every trip merrier.And although I have now lived away from Delhi for close to 50 years, I love going back,mainly because of the memories that are embedded in my mind.This time though, I found total chaos everywhere in Delhi.Because of the Commonwealth Games in Oct 2010, the whole city has been completely torn up,and new roads,beautification of all public building etc. have made daily life a huge problem. Commuting was horrible,and it took hours to go anywhere,and the dust and dirt truly unbearable.But did that stop me from doing anything?Certainly not,because everyone came forward to make my trip happy,and successful.And it was,in every way.
We went out together for movies,for chaat at my favourite Evergreen,which I have seen growing, from a small nondescript shed, to one of Delhi's most famous landmarks.Shopping at Dilli Haat, which is again a lovely experience,pouncing on Kababs from the famous Wengers,delicious Bengali sweets from Annapurna,and moghlai from C.R.Park.You name it,I've done it,and loved it all.And all those who joined me in every trip,played a major role in making my trip so happy,and memorable. Thank you guyz for being in my life,you presence made all the difference.
