Foggy Memories:

So much is being said about the Delhi fog that I feel this great urge to add my bit also. I find this all pervading, blinding, cold, grey, straight-out-from-the-nightmares type of fog very interesting. For me it is synonymous with a lot of firsts.

I came to Delhi in 1991. That year or maybe next (it was so long ago..!), the temperature had dipped to 1 degree. Mind numbing cold…even 2 sweaters, 1 coat and a shawl couldn’t give that much warmth. We used to brave the early U-special rides to the North Campus standing on the bus steps, chattering and noses dripping….and still trying to catch the eye of ‘that’ particular guy! Some evenings and nights were spent with friends singing and roaming around the campus area (ya…it used to be so safe then) with the not-so-thick fog swirling lazily around our feet. My first taste of independent life!


My first serious job happened in 1998. Our client had sponsored a New Year extravaganza at a Vasant Kunj farmhouse where Daler Mehndi was to perform (he was big that time!). The fog was so thick that it seemed like a white wall…the car which I and my colleagues took crept slowly hugging the divider. At the venue, Daler Mehndi belted out hit numbers but all in vain. Standing inches away from the stage, we couldn’t see a thing! My first ‘live show’ experience!


Sometime in the 2000s, I had to travel to Bombay for work. By luck, He was also traveling to Bombay the same day. We decided to take the same flight. Thick fog ensured that the flight got delayed by hours. I loved every moment of it…coz I got a chance to be with Him for such a long time! My first love!


This time, on the first night of the year I was standing outside on the balcony watching the heavy fog swirl crazily under the street lamps and feeling the cold damp air penetrate my brain. I felt so free…free from unnecessary tensions and mindfucks! My first time when I have quit a job without any plans or knowing what to do in the future!
As I stood watching the fog thickening and the colourful bulbs lighting the New Year banner fading, I went inside knowing that next day the sun will be bright and beautiful, the full moon will glow brilliantly and the rest of the days of this year will be just as fresh and free!!

Happy New Year folks!!