Dazzling Delhi



People often ask me why I came to Delhi. Leaving the cosy comforts of my home town ... coming to a city where I don’t even know the names of vegetables available in the market ... how wise was a decision like this? I don’t vouch for my wisdom anyways. But to be honest, it wasn’t a step taken in a moment. I had been to this city before and had been dazzled by it. Now that the initial glimmer has worn out - I stand in a position to see my naiveté.

Last time I came here I had only been to the glam places. Well - You see, I was just a stupid tourist then. Maharaja Mac at McDonalds made me thought that Delhi is Yummy! How would I know then that the food I was used to is almost a delicacy here! You want a bottle of yellow ghee - you have to travel an hour to Chittaranjan Park, an area dominated by the fish eating Bengalis. The broad roads, CNG driven (and I know now that it means 'Compressed Natural Gas') vehicles, awe inspiring historical monuments, ethnic handicrafts, and above all - proximity of snow capped mountains and deserts - had left me wanting more of this place.

God has been good to me - I am having a mouthful of Delhi. Slogging through the day, I make just enough money to pay my bills and buy a dress or two. Going on a holiday? Who's going to explain to the BOSS? And as they say 'The boss is always right'. So - my often dreamt tour plans have been limited to Chandni Chowk and Lajpat Nagar market. Never mind - time is good and endless. So - may be some other time - I console myself.

One good thing has happened though! I have learnt the trick of travelling by public transport in Delhi. You board it through the back door, get the ticket from the conductor who lazes in his throne uncontested (and do not dare travel WT as that might lead you to unspeakable harassments!), sit if you are lucky or endure the unwelcome masculinity, and then struggle your way up to the front door for a safe exit. Delhi buses were horrors for me in the beginning. I did not know that the conductor is the king and unlike the ones pestering for tickets in my hometown - they do not even ask for it. Slowly, and very slowly I must admit, I am also learning the routes. One day, hopefully, I will be able to guide other hapless newcomers to their destination.

Continued…