Leaving behind a city that has cradled your tender dreams and given you endless wisdom over countless cups of chai for the last three years is not an easy feat. Kolkata, with its busy bustling streets, historic trams, and the omnipresent aroma of biryani at every alternate corner, has been my temporary abode for three incredible years of college life. But as Helen Keller reminds us, ‘’Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all’’ and as all good things must come to an end, we eventually move forward to embrace the unknown and set on our new ventures. So, embracing this spirit, I embark on my own adventure, trading the Howrah Bridge for India Gate and the Hooghly for the Yamuna.
The Goodbye
Parting ways with Kolkata felt a bit like saying goodbye to an old friend who always had a captivating tale scrunched up their sleeve, waiting to be told. The city has a distinct way of ensnaring you in its charm with classic old-fashioned yellow taxis, the rhythmic clatter of hand-pulled rickshaws weaving through the alleys of the picturesque city full of splendid architecture dilapidating with time, and of course the lively chants of bartering in the labyrinthine aisles of New Market with flocks of people pushing past you. It is the city that taught me the art of taking care of a drunk hyperactive friend during odd hours at college fests and perfected my negotiation skills in the chaotic Gariahat.
As I tried my best to pack up my three years of hoarded clutter, the nostalgia was palpable—a bittersweet mixture of regret and anticipation. The scene unfolded like a chapter from a classic novel. I found myself echoing Elizabeth Bennet’s sentiment from ‘’Pride and Prejudice’’, leaving the English countryside, albeit in a modern context. “I am determined that nothing but the very deepest love could ever induce me into matrimony,” she had declared. For me, however, it wasn’t love but rather the allure of new experiences and uncharted adventures that beckoned. Delhi’s vibrant energy promised a fresh start and a new narrative, compelling enough to coax me away from the familiar bosom of Kolkata. The promise of discovering a new chapter in this bustling metropolis was irresistible, and as I closed the door on my life in Kolkata, I was ready to embrace the unknown adventures that Delhi had in store for me.
The Leaving
Leaving Kolkata was a bit like turning the final page of a beloved book, where each corner of the familiar world has become a line of poetry etched in memory. There was a bittersweet symphony in the air where nostalgia played the melody and hope hummed the harmony. I felt a gentle tug at my heartstrings as I walked away from the well-trodden paths and sunlit corners that had whispered their secrets to me. Each step was a farewell to the echoes of drunken laughter that danced in the corners of my green-walled room and the lukewarm embrace of the place that once felt like an extension of myself.
Yet, amidst the melancholy, there was a flicker of excitement, like the first blush of dawn on an uncharted horizon. Delhi beckoned with promises of fresh and untold stories, its landscapes still to be painted with the hues of my presence. There was a quiet hope that this new chapter would be as rich and resonant as the one I was leaving behind.
The Transition
If Kolkata is the charming, slightly eccentric uncle who always brings you a thoughtful gift, Delhi is the ambitious, larger-than-life cousin who is always on top of the latest trends, effortlessly fluent in the modern lingo of social media hashtags. Transitioning from the “City of Joy” to the “City of Djinns” (a nod to the evocative title by William Dalrymple) promises to be nothing short of an adventure, rich with contrasts and discoveries.
Kolkata’s leisurely pace and adda sessions at the Chai Tapris outside campus gates are about to be swapped with Delhi’s whirlwind of hurried Metro rides, corporate workers, and impassioned political debates. It’s akin to switching from the gentle, introspective rhythm of “Eat, Pray, Love” to the electrifying suspense of “The Da Vinci Code”, a leap from a soulful contemplative journey into the climax of a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled thriller.
In this transition, you find yourself walking a tightrope, delicately balancing the past of what was and the future of what will be. There is a certain art in carrying forward the essence of the old even as you open your arms to the potential of the new. It’s a dance between remembrance and anticipation, where every farewell is but the prelude to a fresh exciting new beginning, and every step forward is imbued with the echoes of where you have been before.
The Anticipation
Much like Harry Potter’s trepidation before entering the Wizarding World for the first time, my excitement about moving to Delhi is tinged with a sprinkle of anxiety. It is like standing on Platform 9¾, suitcase in hand, waiting to board the Hogwarts Express for the first time. There’s a palpable mix of excitement and nervousness, knowing that a whole new world is about to unfold but not quite sure what to expect. Just as Harry Potter wondered if he’d fit in, make friends, or even survive his first encounter with a troll, I’m grappling with my own set of questions. Will I find the same warmth and camaraderie in Delhi that I’ve enjoyed in Kolkata’s laid-back Adda sessions? Will the vibrant yet chaotic energy of Connaught Place feel as comforting as the artistic corners of South Kolkata? And, of course, there’s the food; can the parathas at Chandni Chowk match up to the legendary kathi rolls of Park Street? The excitement of discovering Delhi’s hidden gems is real, but so is the anxiety of leaving behind a city that has been my comfort zone for the past years. Every step forward feels like opening a new chapter in a book where the plot is still unknown, filled with the promise of new friendships, new experiences, and perhaps, just a little bit of magic.
The Reality Check
However, reality didn’t just hit men but bowled me over like a cricket ball hurled at full speed by a fired-up IPL fast bowler in the final over of a nail-biting Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Delhi Capitals match. The cold, hard truth crashed into me with the force of a sixer, leaving me reeling as I realized that those spontaneous, midnight strolls along the Maidan, where the city’s heartbeat slowed to a tranquil rhythm, were now memories of the past. No more could I indulge in the unparalleled joy of grabbing a quick puchka from a street vendor in Bijoygarh who knew just how to get the perfect balance of spice and tang. It was a sobering moment, akin to watching your favorite batsman get bowled out just when you thought victory was certain.
But, like a true adventurer who knows that the thrill of the unknown always trumps the comfort of the familiar, I reminded myself that this was just the beginning of new innings. Who knows what unexpected delights Delhi has up its sleeve? Maybe there are secret alleyways filled with culinary wonders yet to be tasted, or quiet corners where history and modernity blend into something entirely new. There is a whole city waiting to be explored, its stories eager to be told, and I’m ready to dive in headfirst, cricket ball and all.
The Arrival
Arriving in Delhi felt like stepping into the set of an epic Bollywood movie, where the camera zooms in dramatically, capturing the vibrant chaos and palpable energy of the city whose history whispered from each wall on every monument.
The moment I set foot in the capital, it was as if the soundtrack to my life had suddenly changed replacing the soft strains of Rabindra Sangeet with the pulsating beats of a chart-topping Hindi song. The city’s energy is infectious, swirling around me like the ever-present dust kicked up by the relentless traffic. Connaught Place, with its sprawling circles and bustling crowds, felt like the opening shot of a film that promises twists, turns, and no shortage of drama. I can almost hear Farhan Akhtar’s voiceover narrating my journey as I navigated my way through the alleys of South Delhi.
This is a place where the past and present collide in the most fascinating ways, a bit like Marty McFly’s adventures in “Back to the Future.” Only this time, it’s me maneuvering through a temporal flux of Mughal history and modern-day marvels.
The Conclusion
In the end, leaving Kolkata and moving to Delhi feels like more than just turning a page in an engrossing novel—it’s like closing one beloved book and opening another, with new characters, settings, and adventures waiting to unfold. Kolkata has been a city that cradled my dreams and nurtured my soul, and it’s impossible not to feel a pang of nostalgia for the things I’m leaving behind. The crisp Dhoper Chop from Milan Das canteen, with its perfect balance of spice, has been a comfort food that carries memories of countless afternoons spent in good company. The rhythmic hum of Bangla chatter, floating through the air like a familiar melody, has been the soundtrack of my life for the past three years.
But as much as I cherish those memories, there’s a certain thrill in stepping into the unknown. Delhi, with its sprawling chaos and vibrant energy, promises a new kind of excitement. The city’s pulse is different—faster, louder, more intense—and it calls to the part of me that’s eager to explore, to discover, and to grow. I’m ready to trade the familiar tram rides of Kolkata for the hustle of Delhi’s metro, to swap the serene evenings by the Hooghly River for the electric buzz of Connaught Place at night.
This journey is not just about moving from one city to another; it’s about embracing change, welcoming the challenges that come with it, and finding joy in the unexpected. It’s about understanding that the next chapter in my life’s story might be filled with twists and turns I can’t yet predict, but that’s what makes it exciting. So here’s to new beginnings, to navigating Delhi’s beautiful chaos, and to a journey that promises to be nothing short of an epic adventure. As they wisely say in “The Lord of the Rings,” “The road goes ever on and on,” and I’m more than ready to see where this winding path will take me. With a heart full of anticipation and a mind eager for discovery, I’m stepping boldly into the next chapter, confident that it will be as enriching and unforgettable as the last.
LOVED IT!! SUPERB. JUST WOW!!
BIG FUTURE! HIRE HER RIGHT NOW
I WOULD PAY A FORTUNE
THIS IS GONNA BE POPULAR
FIRST FAN
ALWAYS GONNA BE THE No.1 FAN
Accidentally came across this page.
Purposely gonna love it.
Cant wait for new blogs.
This should not be free.
Loved it.
Waiting for the next one.
Please publish soon.
(Sis and me crying in Delhi)
Absolutely in love with you and everything you do. Soso proud.
Loved it!!!!
“It is like standing on Platform 9¾, suitcase in hand, waiting to board the Hogwarts Express for the first time. ” Loved the metaphors!
Good luck in the new city, will be waiting for an update on it.
Your blog post is a heartfelt testament to the power of new beginnings. As I read your words, I found myself swept away by a tide of emotions, reliving our countless shared moments in Kolkata while also feeling the tremors of change that now shape your life in Delhi. Your blog is a beautiful reminder that while places may change, the bonds we’ve formed remain unbreakable. Proud of you P <3
🙏🏻🙏🏻✨✨
What a beautifully written piece! I loved how you brought your journey to life with such vivid metaphors—it felt like I was right there with you, from Kolkata’s charming lanes to Delhi’s bustling streets. Can’t wait to read more of your blogs!
My sister has grown up reyyy so very proud of you , be good, do good and be you, you deserve the world and you’re the best , all the best for everything you do
Loved it Tatha !! Your creativity and hard work truly shine through your writing. Can’t wait to see what you come up with next !!
Your writing is beautiful!! Such a lovely read!
Loved your blog and gallery. All the best for your new life in Delhi 💐
Loved living your days through your lines! Looking forward to read moree💖
Congrats on your 1st b !