The gigantic buildings and houses, the never-ending roads and highways, selfish and beautiful people, endless dramas and fashion sums up this multi-cultural, blissful city; Delhi. 

I was tugged to Delhi in June 2017 after spending 20 years of my life in Kathmandu and now that I have passed months here, I feel I somehow can look back in retrospect and think over all that had happened.

I could pin a few lifestyle changes, I have gone through these past months. Being brought up in a soulful city of Kathmandu, where peace was breezing every day, in every lane I always sensed a familiar touch; every street glimmered heartwarming people and super amazing food. Kathmandu’s mouth-watering foods--panipuri and momos--no city can ever beat them and not to forget the roof-top restaurants in a womb of artistic nature. It was all gorgeous!

I walked around the city with the happiest face and the most satisfied heart. The reason being the best of friends, who were around me, watching me and helping me grow with my foxy flaws.

Flashback to my school days, I grew up with glamour and twist every minute. All those times when we used to flaunt our short skirts and compete to get our names on the board listed as best student. All the big bites of food we used to eat before the teacher could finish his sentences in the blackboard. And how can I not mention the washroom-chill sessions and the classes we bunked; we created one hell of enduring memories. It was all crazy! I had an abrupt number of best friends, with our forever changing ‘determined’ aims and like that we also changed with time. 

The school fun had to end sometime, nevertheless, even better days were ahead. I came to Jaipur for my higher studies. The manifold delights of lunch, jazz night-outs, rolling in bed, doing nothing for hours and dressing up for no reason; summed up my college days. But all the while, the KTM-vibe hadn’t left me as I still had many people around me who were closely linked. We frequently met and gossiped about the city; Kathmandu had always been in my back of mind, always! But the best part was waiting for the vacation which came twice a year. Those were the times when I went back to the city and satisfied all of my cravings; that spicy bowl of lapping, my everyday dose of momos, and warm hugs by my loved ones! 

Well, trust me, Kathmandu was not at all only about these things. I had emotional connection here. I had the worst swings and most cherished moments of my life here. I saw myself grow in this city, saw myself turn into an elegant lady. Every place I had visited, every person I met there, played some or the other role in this transformation. Of course, I am not completely satisfied with what I am today but at least I am a small part in this big world.

When the college days ended, it was definitely saddening to leave all my friends and comfort, but to head back to Kathmandu was heartwarming, something I looked forward to. The thought of spending the rest of my life in Kathmandu had never scared me. I was in fact looking forward to experience new things. I got my first ever job in Kathmandu and got reunited with my buddies. But the storm hit again and it pushed me away from the comfort I was enjoying and I woke up to this big city-Delhi.

Being a foodie, I went around exploring the junk-hubs around Delhi but I still crave for the food of Kathmandu every now and then. I used to go out for walks but I have stopped stepping out for walks and extolling things here. It’s not because things are not beautiful anymore. Rather I am just struggling with the bustling schedule that challenges me to excel every day. Do I blame the city or the age that shifted luxurious routine to hectic one? Or the time that led me to deal with rough challenges? No but I remember how effusive life was, the unbeatable comfort and stress-free thoughts I had while walking in the lanes of Kathmandu. Life was indeed easy and simple! 

Well, apart from the food and places, with the ever changing life, I miss Kathmandu in terms of how easy it was to connect with the people. Where the trust-factor flowed naturally in Kathmandu, here I somehow feel numb when it comes to building connection. Trusting people is a big, big question, every time with every new people. Things are not the same anymore and my routines in life have been changed awfully. I always knew I would have to shift to this big city, but this sudden change has left things drifted and unequal. So far, I have been coping with the city, with every triggering changes, carrying an unsatisfied heart. Hopes of getting back to my city will always remain in my heart.

The author is working as an executive content writer for SBI Cards, in India.