London – capital city of the United Kingdom… brimming with people from all across the globe. A city of hope and aspirations, of dreams and expectations. It resonates with the pain of the despondent, dances with the smile of a new born, swings to the sound of church bells ringing in a distance. So many people, so much energy, so much life… and yet it is surrounded by an aura of lonesomeness, a sense of distance even in close proximity, a feeling of isolation amidst a horde of people!
New Delhi – capital city of India… a city which belongs to the millionaire driving the latest sports car in CP as much as it belongs to the person singing ‘Chuski le lo’ at the ‘Lovely’ chuski center opposite India Gate. Stark contrasts, blatant differences and yet a sense of belonging… of empathy… of togetherness.
Two cities – so similar yet so different! Fathom this – peak time – a crowded train – one with grim people avoiding even a slight glance at their fellow passengers… looking either at the ceiling or at each other’s feet with eyes which seem to be engulfed in an unspoken grief. Not a word… not even something which qualifies as a smile – as if fighting the human urge to acknowledge each other’s existence.
Peak time – five and a half hours later – half way across the globe. A similar train… filled with people… some who are busy gaping at a pretty lass who just entered… or two strangers discussing similarities between Hillary vs Obama and Mayawati vs Manmohan Singh… a group of friends abusing each other as though they’re ready to tear each other apart! An aged lady insisting that a young mother with two infants take her seat…
Disparate people from different walks of life… forced into each other’s company during that one hour commute. It is amazing to experience how people can warm up to each other and reach out… create that one inch of extra space to accommodate one more person… or give unsolicited advice to a complete stranger!
Life here is a spicy mix of abundance in scarcity, hope in despair. I am free to plant a kiss on the cheek of a tiny toddler… to take her in my arms and tell her the story of how a crow flew to heaven to have a chat with God! Yes… it feels great to be back… away from the orderly life, from the onset on rain sans the sweet smell of moist soil, from the pressure to look good no matter how hollow your life maybe! I love my world of chaos, of unruly drivers, of pushing and pulling, of haggling and abusing… but more than anything else… I love my freedom of a ‘kiss’!!! :) Muaaaah!!
