As the drops of rain touch my body, they embrace it. Like a lover, they move down slowly at first, from my forehead to my cheeks, down to my neck and then inside my clothes. And then faster. Making me all drenched.
It smells, oh so heavenly. It’s sight, oh so lovely, It’s touch, makes me smile to my core(makes me weak in the knees). My skin glows as if I am in Love. Maybe I am.
Pune does this to you. It makes you want to be in love, wholly and deeply. The city itself is a young lover. It rides on two-wheelers like a college romance holding hands or the arms around the waist. It loves like it lasts forever and loves innocently but passionately. This romance is not possible inside the air-conditioned cars. The love happens, when you feel the wind onto your skin, your legs touch the one riding the vehicle, and one of the two, hums a lata Mangeshkar song in their innocent voices. You want to hold tight to them and you want the journey to not end.
I was driving to Sinhghad today morning. A fairly middle-aged woman, wearing a beautiful green cotton saree, sat with her legs on the same side, sideways on the activa. She had wrapped her arms around her partner who was driving. As the wind blew, her palla did a little Marilyn Monroe moment. She instantly pulled it back and tucked it below her butts with one hand. The other, still, around the lover’s waist. Another speed breaker and the Pallu found an escape. As it became more beautifully breezy, I saw her delayed attempt at tucking the pallu back in. The weather was calling for romance, and she wouldn't want to unwrap her lover. The third time when the pallu slipped, she didn't bother to tuck it back in. She leaned on her lover's shoulder and held him tighter.
My first date, at the peak of Sinhghad, was somewhat spectacular. This place is rich in history and speaks volumes about the valour of the marathas who conquered it multiple times from the clutches of mughals. My love for this place stems from the detachment I feel from the hustle bustle of the city. Getting to the top of the sinhgad in itself is a romantic experience. The road itself was a pleasant surprise and the gentle breeze a sweet companion. The narrow lanes and the lush green trees around were humming the tunes of Beethoven.
Once you reach, you forget everything about your routine. It says, this is where peace and love is. Even the cellular network connection goes away which is perfect for the break we need. I had ridden my two-wheeler, or Gaadi, as they like to call it. As we reached the summit, there was a feeling of being on top of the world.
The smell of Kanda Bhajji and Pithla Bhakri was in the air and the innocent looking hawkers enticed us to taste these special delicacies of Pune. Food outlets are situated in such a way that we have an awesome view of the valleys, mountains and the clouds. After driving through for half an hour we were craving for a hot cup of tea and some snacks. We chose a table and faced towards the misty clouds. Kaku (as they call aunty in Pune) came and asked for our order and kanda bhajji was the natural choice. The crisp of the bhajji has had me drooling ever since. It is served with a red hot looking onion chutney which you just can’t miss. While we were relishing this beautiful view and feeling, all the jitters of the first date went away and we started talking. Nature helped struck a chord between us and there was not a single dull moment thereafter.
We then started walking towards the infamous wind point. Along the way, we enjoyed the food titbits like kachhi keri(raw mango), cucumber, matka dahi and berries. Holding hands came naturally and the walk became all the more beautiful. At the wind point, it felt like heaven. Strong currents of winds flowing through my open hairs, taking a deep breath of fresh air with my eyes closed, it felt like I didn't want to go away from here. He was also immersed in the moment and couldn’t take his eyes off me. After a while, I curled my hair into a bun and then we sat hanging our legs towards the deep valley. We talked about our interests and likings. It felt like time should stop here. We clicked some selfies and at one point I fantasized about clicking in a titanic pose but then I controlled ;).
As the sun started to set, reluctantly we started to walk back to the parking lot. His company and beautiful surroundings were serving as a perfect cocktail to lose control. In its full glory during the rainy season, Sinhagad fort is no less than switzerland. Yes there I said it, my love for pune is endless.
While we drove back, it started drizzling again. On our way back, we stopped over at khadakwasla dam. It's a famous dam and popular for short picnics near pune for the locals. One cannot miss having a hot bhutta and some bhel overlooking the lake sitting on a mat. This is the water which comes at our home for drinking, this little information was enough to impress him with my puneri gyan :)
As we headed back, we then decided to extend our date by experiencing pune night life together. We headed to the infamous koregaon park area and hopped a few bars. We danced, drank, ate, talked and got lost in the wild night as if there is no tomorrow.
Such is the charm of pune, it offers everyone something to cherish. Pune might not have a proper airport or a robust infrastructure, but it has a heart of gold and accepts everyone with open arms. Women feel safe here, elderly feel respected, youth get a lot of learning and career opportunities (btw pune is also called ‘oxford’ of the east). I love Pune !
We kissed each other goodbye and promised another date amid Pune’s beautiful nature, maybe Purandar fort or Panshet lake :) Looking forward to it :)
