Girl in the New city

When I arrived in Delhi 4 years back, I was very apprehensive.

Not scared but yes apprehensive. The national news channels have tainted the image of the city so much that you can hardly see beyond the crime, the thefts, murders and rapes.

However, in these 4 years of my stay here, I discovered a whole new character of Dilli. I used to wonder why it called Dil Walon Ki Dilli? And I have the answer now. I still remember the day me, Ghazal, Raman n all had gone to a college, I told Ghazal how I dont like the attitude of people in Delhi, that their rudeness does not go well with me. That was when I was only looking at the periphery of the vast city. When you come to know this city from inside, you discover the colours of it, the real people who make it and the bonds you establish with them.

One summer afternoon, I was walking past the Dhaula Kuan bus stop, going back to my hostel after seeing someone. That was the time I realised how much I owe to this city. I was a little school kid when I joined DU. And today a brave woman. This journey could have been possible in any other place, but I am sure it would have not been as much fun. When I came here I never imagined myself to call it my *Home*. But , YES, today I know it is my home!

It gave me people whom I can call Mine for the rest of my life. It taught me lessons which will stay with me always. It made me a *Reader* and I am so glad it did. It re-established my passion in Dancing and Painting. It made me value human feelings, actually all human beings. I let go my reservations of many sorts, I let go any inhibitions that constricted me. I literally acquired Wings to fly.

Delhi is not a place for the weak hearted. It truly believes in Darwin's survival of the fittest. It wont let you survive unless you adapt and adopt to it. The enormity of the city, the travelling you need to do, the traffic, congested roads, pollution and population, are all to be fought and won over. And once you are through with all these trivialities, you get the true taste of this place.

This place defined what I call *Mine* today.

Delhi gave me my type of people, my liking in food, my kind of music, my dressing sense, my expressions and emotions, actually it molded me as a person.And above all it gave me my "dreams". The larger dreams of life!!

Sneha and the bond I share with her, Ghazal and her hugs and smiles, Kashika's car and tiffin, Agatha's obsession with bikes, Raman and her gossip, Kari and her unsaid love, the JMC basement, Nirmal Nivas, the Birthday Treats, the fun and gossip, Dilli Haat and Saboo Dana Wada, Karol Bagh and the myraid memories attached, the ride in Delhi Metro and pushing in DTC, the everyday drive in Chanakypuri , the lanes of Rajinder Nagar, the beauty of South Campus, a walk on Sikadara road, India Gate and Raisina Hills, Shanti Path and the awe I have for it, Big Chill and the desserts, Aggarwal sweets and the Ras-Malai, the Ring road and its traffic, Moti Bagh Gurudwara and my faith it in, the numerous walks through the city, and everything else........

All of this is what Delhi is to me!

Thank you Delhi for making me understand who you are and who I am.