And the Chennai chapter comes to an official close. It began about ten years ago at The Residency Towers and it's interesting that it should conclude in T. Nagar as well.
What will I miss the most about the city? Let's see, the air, the vibe in general- not too quick paced yet moving along steadily, the occasional walks along the beach, the trips to I.I.T. with M, Mysore Pak for sure, the people- uncomplicated, the flower markets, Pondy Bazaar, Amethyst, the proximity to Pondicherry, and the tree lined inner lanes.
Early mornings there are distinct from any I've seen so far. There's the stuffy heat of course but then there's also the friendly kolam outside every home and apartment building. There are beefy bare chested priests plying from one end of the city to the other on their mopeds. And there's the scent of the holy basil and jasmine languidly hanging in the air. As the day progresses though, the scent turns obnoxious with a good measure of perspiration thrown in. And when you're making your way through a crowded marketplace, it can honestly make the intestines churn. So yes, it is an acquired taste. But what I have come to appreciate about the city, is how well it has managed to keep alive the tradition amidst all the development. Chennai is fiercely assertive and protective of its personality and that's what has kept the soul of the city alive and unique for so long.
Early mornings there are distinct from any I've seen so far. There's the stuffy heat of course but then there's also the friendly kolam outside every home and apartment building. There are beefy bare chested priests plying from one end of the city to the other on their mopeds. And there's the scent of the holy basil and jasmine languidly hanging in the air. As the day progresses though, the scent turns obnoxious with a good measure of perspiration thrown in. And when you're making your way through a crowded marketplace, it can honestly make the intestines churn. So yes, it is an acquired taste. But what I have come to appreciate about the city, is how well it has managed to keep alive the tradition amidst all the development. Chennai is fiercely assertive and protective of its personality and that's what has kept the soul of the city alive and unique for so long.
Despite the ridiculous weather and that barrier of language outsiders like us struggle with, Chennai has been very kind and generous, offering valued friendships and opportunities all along. After 10 years spent exploring it, learning how to converse with the help and bargain with the notorious rickshaw drivers in an alien language, I suppose we weren't really the outsiders anymore (just ask the squirrels in our last home).
Mum will miss her Selvi (both of whom had somehow devised their own way to have lengthy conversations in their respective languages) and Bapi will miss his Elangovan. But there's so much more to look forward to now that they're back to base. Sure, it's going to take some time, again. And a fair deal of physical effort too. But the joyous moments ahead will make the load easier to bear I'm sure.
So here's to the beginning of another chapter. One that I'm certain will be filled with several cherishable moments, precious relations and good fortune.
To the happy, sunny times ahead, with appreciation and gratitude for the times that were!
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