Chhattisgarh Chapter of my life

Yes I made fun of it. I laughed when the call waiting of M.P. phones would alternatively inform, "जे नंबर माँ फोन लगाये हवो ओहा कौनो दूसरा नंबर माँ व्यस्त होवे . कृपया इंतज़ार करो अथवा थोडकिन देर बाद कोशिश करो ". I would also laugh at the prerecorded message asking me, "छत्तीसगढ़ी माँ सुनने हेतु पांच दबावा "
Little did I know that destiny had decided to send me here, in Chhattisgarh.
I disliked the place on day one, and two, and three and some more days.

But eventually, I came to terms with it. And I shall reveal right here, that I started liking it soon :)

I like it for the torrential rains, a phenomena never witnessed in Delhi. Bhopal still had more of rains. But not comparable.
I like it for the scooty experience I never had earlier. Cars in Delhi. Autos in Bhopal. Unfortunately, I did not have a "friend with benefit [of a bike]".
I like it for the freedom I got. Too young in school. Too restricted in college. Restricted by self. By society.
I like it for the importance I got. Importance for what I am. All that I am. Importance in school was limited to me being good in academics. And some literary co-curricular. College? I'd rather skip this.
I like it for the simplicity. The simple yet enjoyable weekly movie outings in run down cinema halls followed by "Delicious World" dinners.
I like it for the scenic beauty right across my balcony. Bhopal had plenty of it too, but no peace of mind to enjoy it.
View from my balcony, captured on canvas, on a lazy sunday afternoon!

I am grateful to it for making me learn how to cook. And to bake. Shall always be.
I am grateful to it for making me enjoy movies on my mac. "Turning 30" and "English Vinglish" left deep impressions. And I am looking forward to my 25th now!! :D
I am grateful to it for helping me learn how to handle maids. Tough task. Shall always be.
I am grateful to it for helping me learn how to run a house. [I appreciate my mum all the more. Hostel only made me appreciate her cooking. Living on my own has made me realise her efforts in raising us up.]
I am grateful to it for making me overcome (to an extent) the frivolities of my mind.
I am grateful to it for making me overcome my insecurities to a large extent.
I am grateful to it for making me feel special.
I am grateful to it for bringing to light my strengths and helping me overcome my weaknesses.
I am grateful to it for making me a happier person :)

The Chhattisgarh Chapter is special. And shall always be.
Not because it is anything out of the ordinary, or extremely exciting. The place, is a simple town functioning at its own pace. The timelines of "first half" and "second half" of the day are well etched.
Yet, it has given me so much and continues to do so. Maybe because all "firsts" are special.
And this will always be my "First Job" fitting in so many special firsts until my "First Resignation". And that is what lends the excitement :).


Comments

Nimisha said…

All firsts, seconds and thirds are special. ;)
count your blessings and stay blessed! :)
January 20, 2013 at 11:42 AM
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