Rendezvous with Bangalore - 1

I walk alone, amongst strangers. In a city that speaks an alien language, in a city which has its own norms. Through the hustle bustle of traffic and through the narrow lanes. Through the pallyas [locality] and through the hallis [ Village]. Along the lake, beneath the trees. Inside the market, besides the temple.

I am clearly not used to this kind of life. Here I walk, lost in my own musings. Knowing that I will not bump into any friend on the way or be greeted by an acquaintance. I am not scurrying to catch any bus/ train/ auto here. And so I walk, at my own pace, in my own world.

Nyone , relate to this ?

But slowly the city is growing on to me. I know a few people, some associations... and we acknowledge each other with a smile or a nod. Besides old TCS/ISB pals and the new friends that I am making, I am also greeted by other people who provide services…my watchman who opens the gate for me, my maid who gives me company for the evening chai, my tailor who sits down the street…

But in this unfamiliar city…things do not seem cold when I walk back home to meet the kindergarten kid playing downstairs. He always has stories to narrate to me – from school activities to the wonders of Chota Bheem – his favorite animation :-) And all the detachment disappears when a toddler walking down the street looks up and smiles at me standing in the balcony …and I wave back :-)