Amidst all the recent scuffles surrounding the agitations in Chennai, the rains brought a fresh aura and waived off the gloomy environment. One doesn’t get to witness rains in this time of the year. I woke up to the aroma of coffee and looked out of the window. I sensed the drizzle embraced by a cold and delicate breeze. The innocence of the moment made me think through life, especially the year gone. It was indeed an extraordinary year. But I owe it to the people, those who left, those who came by and those kind souls that decided to stay with me throughout, made it an intoxicating journey. And I owe it to the city, it made me meet some of the inquisitive minds, most dependable friends and beautiful hearts. After 5 years of constantly shifting from, Noida, Delhi, Gurgaon and Bangalore, I finally feel at home.
Chennai gave the world a glimpse of one of the biggest peace protest after Independence. More than a million people came together to support their cultural ethos and save their heritage identity. It’s often labelled as one of the worst places to live in, because of weather and food. But remember, the winter keeps you laid back and the summers wake you up for life’s calling. The city might not have as many amazing cafes and bars to ‘party’, but it has quite a few mesmerising locations. The east coast road with the Bay of Bengal offering its melodic glances for instance.
And what good a home, without some great flatmates? Shifting often across different cities, taught me the valuable lesson that is to appreciate and cherish the people in our life. I realised that sometimes the smallest things takes up a big place in our hearts. From being over conscious about time and hyper aggressive about future, I let it all die. I found happiness in the conversations on the terrace over a beer, waking up early to take a glimpse of sunrise on a weekend, a game of football on the beachside, my small contribution in the kitchen while cooking and the unending long road trips. I realised the value of personalities around us and the impressions it leaves in our lives. There is more substance for characters around you, than money or swagger in this part of the world. Life in Chennai is raw, simple yet beautiful. I got to watch two of my favourite movies last year here. ‘Irudhi Suttru’, an invigorating boxing drama shot in an unfashioned way, it sent shivers down my spine. ‘Ae Dil Hai Mushkil’ that ran deeper into the mystery and power of unrequited love. Inspired by this, I wrote “My love, what’s merrier than the warmth of cold memories?” It was a year when my closest circle got married and having a new member in the family who likes the tune of your song is mere bliss.
I learnt and unlearnt quite a few things, especially about people. The canonical saying came true, that people who you love the most will move out of your life. There were huge disagreements, leading to disappointments, followed by tears and heart breaks. But sadly, even that was one sided. What battered me the most, is the perpetual silence at every phase. All this left me thinking that people will drift away sooner or later, but it did good for the evolution of me. And that changed my outlook for life, as I start afresh with a new purpose now, to save myself from desolation and to let go off what’s broken. I wish to see me becoming myself.
