Delhi -- Yeh Dilli hai meri jaan.

          "Delhi" is etched in me like a soul in body. A place i find completely mystical and worth adoring. Its in the year 2005, when i got my first opportunity to come in contact with this vibrant and vivid place. It was my official stay for a period of good six months and i remember sharing some of my warmest associations with the city and the myriad reasons why i am so fondly in love with this place. Since then i have never missed a single chance to revisit Delhi.

The only city that talks to people. Trust me Delhi speaks to you. It has a soul. It understands you. You got to have a clear need in your mind and Delhi would ensure that it reaches you violating all pragmatic platforms. I have experienced this feeling and also believe there are many other Delhi Deewane, although staying at places far away from Delhi but miss that "talk to me feel" of this city.

                                   I was blessed for having been staying in South Delhi. Its the pulse of the city. If Delhi has a viral flu or fever you can go to Saket PVR and get the diagnosis. As i mention Saket PVR, I remember the nights that i have spent strolling around the complex. I just love to see the crowd in that place. There is more of movies outside PVR cinemas than inside the multiplex. Going there with my course mates sometimes,  and sometimes all alone to understand Delhi. Sitting on the bench opposite to Mc. Donalds, i have spent hours together noticing how the crowd changes with sessions of time of the same night. From school children to college groups, from Govt employees to business tycoons from saints to high class sluts. All at one place but at different times. The place changes with the sweep of  watch. Some there to hog, some to shop, some for the sake of eye tonic and some for pure business. I have seen many faces of the same people there. I have known people there who never knew me. And I loved them all, as i love Delhi unconditionally.

                              

                              Those drives to Gurgaon and whiling away time at MGS mall. Standing near the parking area to understand what those car drivers do for hours together when their masters are busy spending money inside the mall and dating girls their daughter's age. The shopping trips to SN market, Khan market and Chandni Chowk. The parantha, mommos and egg roll eating sessions in the chilled winters is too delicious to skip a thought. All intact with even the details of which eat street to choose for. The retired old lawyer couple i used to meet at Alaknanda Complex till we got friends. The barber at a local saloon i used to give privilege of cutting my hair because i loved to hear his fictional stories that were cent percent lies but enjoyable.I loved his uber-passion to lie and let others lie.The hawkers, the chatwallas, the cafe coffee day girl at Priya PVR complex.

                               

 I love Delhi for its stolen history. The Tughlakabad Fort with abandoned look and equally photogenic by virtue of its devastation. Nizammuddin for its chicken Biriyani, Purana Qila for love Aaj Kal , the Qutub Minar for its evenings and last but the best "the India Gate". Mere mention of India Gate   sets a breeze to beat summer nights. I had the privilege of witnessing every season under the giant monument and trust me its simply the best thing in New Delhi. I have turned many nights into early morning sitting near India gate with friends and sipping coffee and sometimes ice cream to respect the weather accordingly.  There are still infinite things that i have not mentioned because of memory limitations or privacy issues. But Delhi is a dream city. It can give you best lessons on life and people.