An odē to the Capital

So, I am gonna move back to Mumbai real soon. Somewhere around the first 2 weeks of August. Life seems to have come a full circle for me. I started off my career with Mumbai. And now with a stable enough career, I am gonna be back to where I belonged.

Life in Delhi was fun. When I was first planning to move to Delhi, there have been a lot many apprehensions from the quarters of friends and family. Frankly, none in my friend circle was too impressed by what they had called the "Delhi culture". And I don't blame them either. When I landed in the city for the first time (barring the occasional 2-day visits I used to make during college days, to meet with Sakshi), life wasn't really too great. I had gotten tired of having almost everyone and everybody around me trying to fleece me at every opportunity they would get. And of course the way the Delhiites speak (in general, especially on the roads) is super rough. I wasn't exposed to that kind of a behavior. However, as time passed, mostly because of my exposure to varied cultures and people throughout the country, I managed to figure out the pulse of this city. From then on, I was one among its people. So long as I knew what to expect and how to tackle it, life was smooth.

One of the things about Delhi that attracted me first is the quality of street foods. I mean, Bombay is great in that department too. But, it's mostly vegetarian. Being a hardcore non-vegetarian myself, I was blown away by the varied fare of Mughlai and Awadhi fare you get right on the streets! Starting from the kathi rolls to tikkas, shawarmas, kebabs and seekhs, you'll find them all. All in the price range of both Rs 40 a plate to Rs 400 a plate, depending upon which half of the month it is. Plus, Delhi has an old school charm that I seldom find in Bombay, unless I am in the Churchgate/Fort/Worli area [Mumbaiites call it the 'Town']. And the roads! Oh my God! The only roads that I have seen wider and cleaner than in Delhi, are in Nagpur. (Yes Raj, you can gloat in pride.) Moreover, who would expect an abundance of greenery in a super busy metropolitan city like Delhi? And yet, it has enough to make you feel like being in Jamshedpur during the rains.

I have had 2 1-year stints in Delhi. And already I feel Delhi has become my second home. I have spent most of my professional life here. This city teems with my friends and professional contacts. This city is also where Sakshi lives, of course. Even though I am gonna leave Delhi in a couple of days now, it shall always have a special place in my heart. This is my second home. And more importantly, Delhi is a foodie's paradise!

Thought I'll leave you guys with a couple of photos of Delhi and my tryst with the city.

Had taken this shot right outside the Old Fort (Purana Qila)

Sakshi & I had even gotten a couple married off

Lunches at the 5-stars

Attended Twitter Festivals

Had amazing colleagues

Lone leaf making the life's journey

Purana Qila