Living_PS

It’s a gloomy day. I can’t focus on work. It’s probably one of those days when you just are not feeling enthusiastic. As I sat at the window, sipping my tea, glazing at people on the road, their hustle and bustle made me think how different the last year in Mumbai was compared to my previous five years in Delhi.  

When I decided to move to Delhi in 2018 for work purposes, people thought I was crazy. Friends asked me whether I really needed to do it. Ninety-five percent of people around me advised me to re-evaluate my decision. The city is not safe for girls. If you are a true Mumbaikar, you will understand how tough it is for us to digest that Delhi is a remarkably good city too.

Among all the chaos of thoughts and emotions, a senior voice said, “If you can learn to live in Delhi, you can live almost anywhere in the world. It’s a litmus paper test and I know you have that in you what it takes to pass through.” “It’s your decision. No one else can do it for you.” That conversation was enough to grow tiny seeds of thoughts into an enormous tree. My family stood by me – what else does one need to take a further step? I know it was not that simple and straight for my parents and brother, and I will always be grateful to them.

Now, after all these years, when I moved back to Mumbai, I realized most of the people who advised me not to move to Delhi for all possible XYZ reasons are those who never stayed/been in Delhi personally. It’s not their fault. It’s the media, community-exchanged know-how etc., that influence the thought process of every individual. It might be true. But my experience is completely different. What have Delhi and Delhiites taught me in these five years?

1. Delhi’s Heat and cold are extreme, so the people (Delhiites, so-called) probably reciprocate the city’s weather in their behavior and gestures.
2. Aggression flows in their blood with a speed of 440 volts.
3. If you bully someone for their wrong deeds or mistakes, then you must have a big enough heart to appreciate that person’s good deeds, too. No concessions on that.
4. They know how to take what they deserve.
5. The city accepts you for what you are and how you are. You need not borrow over sophistication for survival.
6. People here know how to love themselves and their individuality.
7. The city can swallow you if you let it. Learn self-defense. Everyone is strong enough to fight their own battles. It’s a matter of proper time and spontaneity.
8. If you are determined, purposeful and persistent, failure is way far in life.
9. Don’t let yourself get lost in crowds.
10. People have their way of expressing themselves, and it’s okay not to get affected.
11. Tears tickling your cheek during small debates are not necessary. It’s a way of expressing their thoughts, so choose not to get offended for your own good.
12. You either love or hate, no middle way.
13. Life has much more to explore that can be done alone.
14. Good things come to those who wait for it.
15. When you are sharing your happiness, nobody should have a problem with the decibel level. (If you know what I mean)
16. Sharing is not only caring but cost-effective too.
17. Delhi taught me what I don’t want to become.
18. Having no filters while talking is okay because you speak your mind.
19. When they make friendships, they know how to uphold each other because “Delhi Hoti Hi Hai Dilwalon Ki.”
20. The most important lesson I learned from the city was never to let your dreams die, no matter what society says.
21. Living for yourself is not selfish.

Conclusion: One thing is sure. Delhi toughens you. It is a pleasant place to live in. It slowly grows on you. People often ask me an annoying question: “Which one is better? Mumbai or Delhi? Since I have lived in both places now. It’s pointless to compare the cities. Every city has its charm, its pros and cons. Sometimes, it’s better to stop overanalyzing and live in the very moment. I love Delhi as much as I love Mumbai. Well – My Mumbai.

I don’t know where destiny will take me or where I will be, but Delhi and Delhiites will always have a special place in my heart.