A certain epoch in my life has come to an end. The change is sad but not tragic. But it's also essential. A city is your pensieve. She's a part of all your escapades. A part of all your truth and all your lies. She has seen your hugs and roof-top kisses. She has seen you fall in and out of love. She has seen your tears when you thought no one was watching and she has seen you laugh out bloody loud at the cinemas. She loves you without condition. She loves you when you complain and she soothes you with its breeze when you're tired. And just because you're leaving it, does not mean she'll forget you. And neither will you. A part of her will always remain in you. Chennai will always remain the most treasured. And everytime I hear somebody say Poda, everytime I see 1 dosa being served with 4 chutneys, I know I'll smile :)
It is here I've learnt the importance of a family and realised how much I love mine..and no matter how pig-headed I am and how unattached I look, my love for Ma, papa and bhai will ALWAYS grow
...I've met the BEST people and have bonded with them for life..Divya and Shilpa..life never would have been what it is today without you guys..much love :)
...we've found the joy of eating a wet Frankie under pouring rain
...I found Art of Living..the peace in meditation..the contentment in a Satsang..and divinity in a smile :)
... that we've discussed everything under the sun. It is her beaches
where we've had insights on life, relationships, time, space, career-all while nibbling away on a small piece of tangy raw mango. And the masala corn :)
...I found Floyd - I can never thank God enough for sending Gods to Earth.
...my first job. My first salary. The taste of independence.
...some of the most defining moments of my life..like..University Exams!
...seen drastic changes..like actually reading a text book!
...the first vodka
...the Carnatic music festival
...the first puff
...the concerts
...birthday surprises with TWO cakes :D
...the first real kiss..and the casual ones! :P
...the college fests
...the first real, absolutely kick ass friends of the male kind..Partha and Rohit Bhai..big hug >:D<
...Not too late..City of Blinding Lights..Fix You..Mahadeva
...the first research experience
...the first awareness campaign
...of course..the first ______ movie! Perverts! I meant Tamil! ;)
...the first turtle walk
...Pondy trips with family and friends
...the first absolutely AWEfrigginSOME 1st April prank :P
...CAT screw ups
...the first Birthday video :) :) :) :)
...crispy dosas in rains...the first colleagues @ ABN and Wipro..Deepa, Sonali, Arjun, Kiran, Paul and Sumathi..BIG thank you :D
...the first B-school calls
...letting my hair grow :D
...the first realisation about myself
...speculating about God, Heaven and hell
...the first case of multiple crushes..Mowgli, the not-so-cute-guy, the oh-yummy-basketball guy and yea..the foreigner too :P
...the very few college hostel nights
...the first road-romeo thrashing. Proud. Very. :D
...Dakshinchitra
For a million more memories, Chennai will always remain the city where I found myself :)
..to the city that sleeps
..to the city whose pace is not maddening
..to the city that teaches us all, that 'speed' isn't everything.
..there's a comfort this city's pace and I pray it stays :)
Adieu Chennai. Namaskaara Bangalore :)
PS: To the depressed Donk-ey and the workaholic Mayya..you guys are terrific and irreplaceable. I'm moving just 350kms away. I'll continue to play a major role in birthday surprises..i'll make it to your weddings ('cuz you guys are definitely getting hitched before me) and I'll also come to the baby showers provided both of you make me the Godmother :P...mwaaaah >:D<