Kolkata, The City of Joy

Turbulence

Turmoil

Heavy-heart

Anxiety

Distress

Nostalgia

……….coz I’m leaving back….

City of Joy...I never read this book written by Dominique Lapierre in 1985.  The book received Christopher Award in 1986, given for creative work that exhibits the highest values of the human spirit. I was too young then. I grew up in Kolkata, always wondered, what would this guy like so much about this city using my then petite intelligence and observation skills. But now since I've moved on from the city, I understand what I miss. Sitting on my 20C seat in my return flight looking over the window passenger, trying to catch a last glimpse of the city, my eyes are wet and heart heavy.

It's not about the concrete. It's about People.

The warmth, the contention, the hospitality, the love, the emotions, the honesty, the care, the concern, the values, the culture, the respect, and above all, my juvenile days, which I've LIVED here. There is something which I cannot give a picture of, which bond you with people and keeps you coupled. Even after 15 years, natives meet and take care of you as if you're family. They know unconditional LOVE. One call and you’ve friends around, life is so simple here, or is it the people who know how to stay uncomplicated?

People LIVE here! I am spending my life.

I don’t know whether my then friends would ever read this blog, but you know what… they don’t have to. They already know.

While the flight is taking off, I remember the days when I was younger and always used to say to friends that once I grow up and become successful, I'll have my home at Kolkata and office in Delhi and will fly to and fro daily. Never made sense! I am today asking myself, will I retire in Kolkata or again leave it to the destiny?

You may simply write me off after reading this as it was my native land and naturally everyone might feel the same about the place where one grew up or agree with me about the city. Thank you Kolkata.....for giving so much to me. It's repayment time, will try to give back now.....