You're off to great places, today is your day...Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way. - Dr. Seuss.
I came across the above quote back in 2012, when I was appearing for my CBSE Grade 12th Board Exam in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh. The above quote by Dr. Seuss, the famous American children's author, has always inspired me to dream of unending travels and unstoppable explorations. More so, being at the age of starting my college and career back then, this quote always told me, "Make your work take you places". And thats what I did.
By the virtue of my blessed life, I had the opportunity to stay in three metropolitan cities of India- Bangalore (or Bengaluru as people call it now), Delhi and Mumbai. As my schooling finished from my hometown in Bhilai, I was off to pursue my graduation in Arts in Bangalore (2012-2015). Unsatisfied and hungry to explore more, I took on my Teach for India Fellowship in New Delhi (2015-2017). City of Dreams, Mumbai has always being on my bucket list to stay and work in and hence, since 2018, I took on my first work assignment in Mumbai.
People at times ask me, how do you move so often, to which I say, I have been a nomad since birth. Before experiencing this "Tale of three Cities" I am born in Pune, spent my childhood in Kolkata and did major part of schooling from Bhilai. Hence, each and every day of my life, has been a story in itself and constantly makes me feel how tiny place I occupy in this world.
The main fuel that keeps me going and moving are majorly three: People, Places and Plates! Whenever I have to move to a new city, I research it on these three things. The new people that I will be meeting, knowing their mindsets, hobbies, motivations and triggers. The new places that I will get to explore, out from the history, aesthetics or simply scenic. And obviously the new kind of food that the place shall offer, where any fusion or originality in vegetarian or with egg suffices.
When I think about Namma Bangalore days (Kannada for My Bangalore), the mornings with steaming hot idlis at Adyar Ananda Bhavan (A2B) and the Filter Kaapi (Filter Coffee) at the MTR come to my mind. The constant availability Bisibele Bhaath and Badam Milk at every food joint is still the love of every Bengalurian!! A dosa can be made in 99 different styles and fillings, has been my awestruck moment of the Bangalore stay!
Bangalore offered me many memories in places too. From enjoying the Annual Flower Show in Lalbagh Garden, to driving the traffic packed road from Silk Board to Whitefield, it was both tiring and relaxing at the same time. Seeing the sunrise at the Nandi Hills during one of my college's expedition has been a serene moment I still cherish. I used to be daily traveler in the BMTC bus (Bus number 356C) which drove from Electronic City to Majestic. En route,enjoying the mighty idol of Hanuman Ji of Madivala, then zoop view of Lalbagh and the densely packed area of Majestic with hawkers by the side of the road selling chappals and leather bags, all were a sight to behold.
Moving to Delhi in June 2015 is still one of the most beautiful yet tough moments I hold in my life. Starting the journey as a TFI fellow with a bunch of 40 odd 5th graders in a MCD School, Janikpuri, was a overwhelming story in itself. Day in day out working for and with those kids, knowing their families and their challenges made me realize that how privileged I have been in my life. And this realization pushed me to try harder everyday. But, people, places and plates again brought the innate motivation to go that extra mile. Delhi blessed me with many unforgettable bonds of love, friendship and care. From living in a complex filled with musicians, dancers and talented photographers, I had a go to person for all my ideas and inventions. Some of the most beautiful bonds I still cherish from this city.
And the food, from Rajouri's Chhole Kulche to Chandni Chowk's Jalebi, from Paranthe of Paranthe wali Gali to that of Murthal, all are a lip smacking reminiscence. Waiting for the clock to strike 5 in the evening so that the momo place- KC, Dwarka, which was famous all over Delhi, opens soon and we all attack with our ever dying hunger. From offering options of Tandoori Momos to Gravy Momos, from having plain Kulchas to Masala Kulchas, from Rabdi Jalebis to Mawa Jalebis, Delhi has it all.
West Delhi, is love of Punjabis and they offer lassi in life size glasses. God bless you if you end up in Delhi in the winters because the temperature drops as low as -2 degrees in night. And here comes the savoir in the form of Karol Bagh's delectable Chhole Bhhature. Even before the sun adorns the sky, you can see Chhole Bhhature stalls serving this tummy filling dish, each stall just a km apart. The delectability and love for this dish is directly proportional to the drop in temperature of the Delhi's weather.
From enjoying my birthday late night at India Gate to taking weekend trips to Jaipur, Agra, Ranthambhore and Manali, this city still has a piece of my heart stuck in some Blue Line Metro or at the Central Park, Rajiv Chowk.
Thank you Saddi Dilli! Tussi Jaan ho!!
Gregory David Roberts, the infamous author of Shantaram says, " More dreams are realized and extinguished in Bombay than in any other place in India." Lucky enough I am one of the fortunate to have seen dreams in this city. These dreams have manifested in places like Marine Drive, Juhu Beach, Bandra Bandstand, Worli Sea Link or over the Vada Pav and Misal Pav conversations by the road side of Borivali and Kandivali.
Over my past one year stay in this city, I have realized that this city genuinely never stops nor sleeps. Be it returning from a party at 3 in the morning or going for work at 1 in the noon, every time the hustle bustle of this place stays intact. This city has something for everyone. Want to have full stomach in less money? Well go to the street side options of Bhel, Vada Pav, Dhabeli, or dosa in Borivali and Kandivali. Own a lot of money? Well, restaurants in BKC, Kamla Mills and pubs in Khar got you covered. Want Bollywood night outs? Go to places like Agent Jack, Glass House, Penthouse. Want book clubs? Well, they got Prithvi theatre and Kitab Khana. Late night Non Veg? Bademiyan. Lone time? Marine Drive. Late night coffee? CCD at Bandstand. Chicken? Jai Jawan. Beer? Mondegar. Street shopping? Indraprastha and Hill Road. Cheese Lover? PMSC. Desserts? Felicita. Mumbai has got all covered for you! The pomp and show of Ganpati festival and the Navaratri celebrations is a sight to adore. The traffic is so jam packed here that you dont drive on the left road rather you drive on the road that is left. Time is more precious than life here and people clinging on to local trains is a story better left untouched.
This city has given me many overwhelming experiences which I feel sums up in Suketu Mehta's Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found's excerpt:
“And at the moment of contact, they do not know if the hand that is reaching for theirs belongs to a Hindu or Muslim or Christian or Brahmin or untouchable or whether you were born in this city or arrived only this morning or whether you live in Malabar Hill or New York or Jogeshwari; whether you’re from Bombay or Mumbai or New York. All they know is that you’re trying to get to the city of gold, and that’s enough. Come on board, they say. We’ll adjust.” --Aamchi Mumbai...
The adventure is not over yet..For life should be filled with stories to be told because not all those who wander are lost. Signing off to this Tale of Three Cities till Fourth gets added to it. Hopefully soon!
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