Dilli

The city of fascinating nights. Prominent for many things and epicenter of yet another many. That’s what Delhi is for you, and me too. I guess it’d have been something else had I been a resident or somewhat held close connections to the place. Avtuay, every place has a vibe;  Delhi has a strong one and Dilli, stronger. The vibe is brought to you by the pictures, places and people. So when you visit one to actually live the vibe, you feel it amidst the differences that prevail there. That’s what traveling brings to you, beauty in varied forms. Something just like that happened when I put my tired feet on the grounds of the capital. The excitement surged walking out from the Delhi Cant railway station to the mainstream sight of auto and taxi owners waiting to take me to my destination.  The practical side of me bargained and settled the deal for three hundred rupees, for an hour journey to my place. The auto wale bhaiya was kind enough to adjust my luggage at the backside of the vehicle. I sat by the window. Then the auto started.
And here I was, a spectator of  the night life of Dilli.
My eyes were constantly glued to the view outside. Fortunately, the air seemed pretty clean and safe to inhale in comparison to what surveys spoke of. Mainly, it was because of the night life, as most people go back homes and others to wherever they belong. The auto rode from the hustle bustle of the city to its calm and quiet yet happening night life. And here was I, devouring every bit of it with my eyes. The strange comfort that the night bestowed felt genuine. The “you-are-on-your-own” idea amidst the chaos sprayed on me with the blinking lights on every turn. Turn after turn to reach Mehrauli, and I put my head out of the window to savour the air of the city. In awe of the glimmer and the shimmer, it felt really different but absolutely beautiful. “Madam, the Qutub” added the auto wale bhaiya to my excitement. That turn welcomed me to the almost midnight and silent view of the Qutub. The magnificent minar doubles it glamour at night, guaranteed. I couldn’t resist myself but to constantly gaze at the moment until another turn that blocked my views with tress, maintained. I crossed the Qutub to reach the crowded residentials to look for my own. The ride to my place was beautiful. I got out of the auto and slinged my bag to take out the wallet and pay three hundreds to him. “Thank you” I acknowledged. He smiled.
I dragged my luggage to the fifth floor of a lift–less building and pressed the doorbell. My friend opened the door with an excited smile and greeted me with a hug. She settled my luggage and advised me to rest. I chose the balcony chair over the sofa in the drawing room. I could see airplanes taking flight of lights into the night sky. Just then my friend got me a mug of coffee, exactly how I like it.
I was welcomed.
Dil se in Dilli.