Homecoming and returning

🌆 Ah, Bangalore, the city of gardens and innovation! After a year’s hiatus, I was back in this bustling hub in May, ready to embark on a whirlwind of tasks. And oh, what a homecoming it was! The city had undergone a metamorphosis that left me utterly captivated and curious.
🛫 The journey began at the airport, now expanded with a gleaming second terminal that whispered promises of adventures. But it was the road to the city that truly amazed me. It was no longer just a route but a pristine ribbon connecting dreams! The ‘lolly pops’ that once bore the weight of old brands now showcased new ones, painting a picture of change. Outlet malls emerged like bright stars on the roadside canvas, while hotels and restaurants flourished at Sadahalli junction.
💰 Real estate had its own story to tell! The flyover banners proudly declared that the three-bedroom dream had shifted its price tag, now dancing to 1.5 to 2 crores. And the drive to Hebbal? Effortless, thanks to the two new flyovers that seemed to have been conjured by magic. Like mushrooms after rain, apartments had sprouted, and the flyovers near Manyata Tech Park? Swanky, I tell you!
🚇 But wait, there’s more! The city’s heart was beating with the rhythm of progress. Metro construction feverishly painted new routes on the airport and outer ring roads, weaving a tapestry of connectivity.
🛺 The following day, I hopped into an auto, and reality greeted me. Sweltering humidity and the distinct smell of garbage — a stark contrast to the shiny façade I had glimpsed earlier. Traffic crawled along, with new rideshare apps like Rapido and Namma Yatri attempting to alleviate the chaos. The road, however, had a story of prosperity to share, painted by the latest and grandest car models. Swiggy, Dunzo, and Porter had brought more two-wheelers into the fray.
🕳️ Alas, potholes had expanded their territory, rendering imported pothole-fixing machines ineffective. The traffic nightmare was absolute, and even amidst the construction fervour, bicycles were rare sightings. Nagawara junction introduced me to a new demographic of ‘transgender’ beggars, highlighting the city’s complex fabric.
🚌 The buses — BMTC and KSRTC — now carried a special allure, courtesy of a unique ‘freebie’ courtesy of the local government. The traffic police, now sleek and fit, symbolized a new era of enforcement. Meanwhile, ‘darshinis’ with quirky names like ‘halli’ and ‘mane’ were the new culinary hangouts. Citizens queued at Rameswaram Cafe, turning it into a modern-day ‘dharma shala’. And the city’s waste problem? Alas, it lingered like an unsolved puzzle.
🌃 As I reviewed the past week, it was evident that tasks still awaited my attention. The checklist was only half-ticked. But there was a change in the air, a shimmering hope that ‘speed money’ might be fading.
🏊‍♂️ Amidst it all, I polished my swimming skills and embarked on a four-week Generative AI course. Yet, I yearned for more — the laughter of my brother-in-law’s jokes, the barks of Black Lulla, the warmth of morning greetings and chai from Sarasamma, the comfort of my sister’s rasam, ‘sulemani’ chai, and the echoes of “Laya” — the rolling pin. The landing of Vikram on the moon was a fitting finale for my visit.
✨ Bangalore, you remain an enigma, a city of contrasts and metamorphosis. As I return to New Jersey, I carry your stories, hoping to find more answers in the unfolded chapters.
🔚 And so, the tale of my return to Bangalore ends, leaving me with a heart brimming with memories and a soul hungry for the next chapter of this ever-evolving saga.