22 months later, down the same lanes, amidst the same spirit, I try to get a glimpse of the me that was. I try to find my shadow in the milling Bangalore crowd.
Bangalore was still the same. Yet, something was different. Laughing, ecstatic crowd, restaurants and boutiques, malls and multiplexes. Yet, something had changed. It is not the same crowd, or the same buildings. The spirit is the same, the form had changed.
In the distance I could see a group of young girls walking towards me. Happy, vibrant and indeed having a good time. As they walked past me I caught a phrase or two of their conversation. They were just out of college and had just moved into the city with their new job. New found friends, new found independence – they were just celebrating.
Did I get a glimpse of myself in them?
Independence, confidence and a lot of fun times with friends, that is what the city had bestowed upon me.
I walked around A2B and reached ‘Friends’. The familiar aroma of the snacks and tea at A2B filled my nostrils.
"Hiiiiiiiiiiii….."
"AAaaaaaaaa Eeeeeeeeeeeeee"
"Oooooooooooooooooo"
No matter how much we had grown up (Or had we??), we still remain the same young girls who came from different directions to this city to start our lives.
Anu and Sheethu were waiting for me inside.
Lunch was just a formality. We had lots more to catch up.
"Gal, You have lost so much weight!"
"Wow! That’s a pretty dress!"
"And look at you, so stunning!"
Girls are always girls!
But, indeed, the girls had grown up.
"So, How is your hubby doing??"
"Hey, is that your baby’s photo??? Cho Chweeeet!!!!!!!!!"
"How is the wedding preparations going on…"
Coming back to the rear gate of Bosch, it felt like any of those ordinary days at work.
Through the gate I could see people still doing their post lunch rounds around the building.
I left Anu and Sheethu there and made my way to the Forum mall. As I walked around the corner, I could see the BOSCH sign on top of the building. A familiar wave of joy swept past me. It just brought to mind our initial days here, when we had our tea on the terrace.
Forum is always full of people.
Memories about the place can never be contained in a few lines. 33 months of life at Bangalore had revolved around this haven. 'Tharavad' as we lovingly called it.
We were there at every nook and corner of the place. Celebrating every occasion here, including boredom. And even today, I could find myself every where.
I could see us sitting on the pavement outside, laughing and cooing.
I am amongst the crowd milling inside. I am one of those in that bubbly group of youngsters thronging near the entrance. I am one of those single shoppers finding my way through the Brands.
I am one of those bookworms getting my hands on each and every book at Landmark. I am amongst those shoppers moving in and out of Soch.
I am there in that group lounging at Transit and yes I am definitely in the ticket counter at PVR.
After, doing my rounds at Forum, I came down to meet Ghoshettan at the ground floor. Another series of reminiscence.
The breeze still carried the chime of our laughters, the lanes still spoke of our togetherness.
Nostalgia is only when you miss something. I have always felt this spirit within. I have never been away from this fun. The whole world around me, now, might have changed, but I realize that the frame work, the friendships, that held the world around me is still intact. My shadow had never let me.
As we walked along, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the glass panes of the exit.
"Gal, keep up the confidence and spirit. Have a lovely life ahead."
"Adieu."
