Dilli Ki Sardi...

Dilli Ki Sardi…

Dilli Ki Sardi   is world famous in India. People celebrate Delhi winter in their own fashion. Winter season in Dilli  is, perhaps, more psychological than atmospheric. Many enjoy the weather with warm and hot subjects.

 We dust off woolens by the end of October, predicting that the sun would shy away from November onwards. But, whatever is the reason this year, the Sun is staying relatively warmer for the month of December... with similar intensity….may be to enjoy the Dilli Ki Sardi.

 Many who are born and brought up in the northern parts of the country, feel the chill early than the Himalayan winds reach actually to their ears. They wear, eat and drink garam to generate the heat and to beat the chill.

 But, some madrasis … eating rice …and dosa, wearing dhoti allowing the wind to reach all parts of the body….and roaming in Lutyens' Dilli….cause Kolaveri Di to the locals. Mind it!!

 ‘Saala madrasi! Tum Log Khate  Kya Ho? Sardi nahin Lagti Kya?!  This is a definite question we are asked by Delhites, before we succumb to the pressure to wear the woolens.

 A couple of seasons back, I have also started wearing blazers to work to match the office atmosphere. It’s different kind of experience, as I hail from south India.

 Excepting for the last couple of days, the morning and evening winds are chilly here. Still I have not opted blazer or woolens yet. Metro ride and office temperatures are cozy. But, my senior colleague insists me to wear something protective.

 But, he does not know that I get shivers when I see my blazers! I want to share this ‘chilling experience’ with all my friends. It’s a precautionary measure which you  guys must also take…

 This was during the last winter season…

 That was the time…my office was at peak of facing complaints of corruption…of 2G, CWG…and all.

 As I was alone in my unit at that time…usually got late in office, I used to  take a brisk  walk down to the Metro at Central Sectt. and catch the train.

Usually, that time it was rush hour. With extra clothings used by people enjoying Dilli Ki Sardi, Metro Coaches used to be jam-packed.

 As I boarded the coach… an elderly man, I guess a diabetic, travelling ,with his granddaughter who was in her late teens, asked me whether the doors open on left side or right side at Rajiv Chowk?!

 I replied to him politely ...’Right side only..Sir’, and suggested him to stay near the doors, which would be easier for him to de-board. In the meantime, we reached Patel Chowk, a station before the Rajiv Chowk,  some more commuters boarded the coach pushing us further in.

 The old man was being pushed towards me by the new passengers. There was no space between me and him. His granddaughter was standing uncomfortably in the rush on one side.

 After a moment, I put my hand in lower pocket of the blazer to pick up my mobile, which I slid before boarding.

 To my astonishment, I found two chocolates in my pocket. For a moment, I thanked my son Tanmay for his surprise gift…but still my fingers were searching for the mobile in my pocket.

 I could feel the mobile in the pocket with my fingers, but wondered …why I am unable to hold it? Search became intense…but failed..

 With an effort, I pushed the person behind me to make a bit of space to look into my pocket for mobile.

 Then, I got the real shocker!

 My hand was searching in the old man’s pocket !!

 Very surprisingly for a city like Delhi...he took it sportively and smiled at me and said, “Koi Baat Nahin Beta”. It was a huge relief for me.

 Had he pressed the panic button and handed over me to the police…or moral police…

 Just imagine, before I explain anything, the bheed in the metro definitely would have given 'their judgment' then and there. And my Identity card would have definitely added fuel to the anger of public.;)

Since then, I am really scared of wearing a blazer. Shivers of fear in the spine, caused by that incident…belittle the chill of winds of the winter.

Now, I am mustering the courage to wear a blazer again…and practicing…keep my hands in my own pocket…