For years I wanted to write about my relationship with the city of Bangalore: a love story that stretches beyond mere romance, it has in fact reached deep into the core of my soul, but somehow words fell short and, I lacked it in me to comprehend what the city meant to me, to be able to put into words the kind of influence it has had on my life and overall being. Now, as I reflect on the journey that brought me here, I am finally able to put pen to paper to contain in words the profound impact the city has had on my life.
My love affair with Bangalore was not limited to the girl who lived here, although her presence certainly added some magic to the already vibrant charm of the city, Bangalore had turned into more than just the backdrop to my love story; it was a character in itself, it shaped the narrative of my life in ways I, in no way could have predicted. For a 20 year old; back then, 15 years ago, a trip to Bangalore promised two things – a meet up with friends who had made the city their home, and the chance to meet the girl who had my heart
Every trip from Bhubaneswar to Bangalore was a journey of sorts, a 30-hour train journey that was the rite of passage into the heart of the city. As, the train pulled into Bangalore Junction and I stepped onto the platform, all lingering doubts were eased and replaced by an overwhelming sense of belonging.
The city embraced me warmly, its streets bustling with life and with this chaotic energy which left me mesmerised. On each visit, I discovered myself falling deeper and deeper in love; not only with the woman who had my heart but also with the very essence of the city itself. From the bustling markets of Jayanagar to the vibrant and serene scenes of Koramangala, every corner of Bangalore had a fragment of my heart, a confirmation of the profound bond I experienced with this dynamic metropolis. However, it wasn’t solely the scenic beauty of the city that entranced me; it was the manner in which Bangalore influenced my perspective on love and relationships. On its chaotic streets, I learnt the skills to navigate through the intricacies of human connections, to embrace the peaks and throughs of my emotions. Bangalore instilled in me that love wasn’t always simple – that it demanded patience, comprehension, and most importantly, a readiness to embrace the what Ifs and if nots.
Back then, love bloomed amid the commotion of Bangalore’s lively streets. Each moment spent with her strengthened our bond, the excitement of exploration, and the exhilarating rush of attraction. We were young and carefree, caught in the spell of our own little universe, unaware of the obstacles that awaited us. However, as time passed, reality began to creep in, and the flaws in our fairy tale romance became apparent. The very streets that once resonated with our joy now witnessed the struggle to hold on, and ultimately us falling apart. Love, it appeared, was insufficient to endure the tribulations of life, and as we drifted apart, so did my aspirations of a future in Bangalore alongside her.
Nevertheless, like all romantic tales, mine too was filled with hurdles and hindrances. While my bond with the woman I was in love with dwindled, I found myself grappling with sentiments of heartache and longing. Even as the relationship deteriorated, my connection with Bangalore stayed on.
Each journey to the city taught me about love and letting go; a gentle reminder that sometimes, love means setting someone free. Strolling down the same streets we once explored together, I, now understand that my bond with Bangalore is far from finished. It has been a voyage of self-discovery, a lesson in loving fiercely and letting go gracefully. I am now here in Bangalore, seeking solace in its memories and finding refuge in its avenues. Every visit feels like a trip down the lanes of nostalgia, a return to the time when love enveloped me entirely and the world revolved around that one connection. Even in solitude, haunted by memories, I take solace in the understanding that love, in all its facets, showcases the endurance of the human soul.
And, as I stand here, at the beginning of a fresh chapter in my journey, I cannot help but express gratitude towards the lessons I learnt, the progress I have made, and the love within me that constantly leads me onward. The city of Bangalore served as the setting for a romantic tale that fizzled out, now it serves as the blank slate on which I envision the forthcoming days: a vision teeming with optimism, with potential, and with the everlasting commitment of love and gratitude.
Bangalore, please be kind!!
abhishek purkayastha 