After a stupid Environmental Studies exam (Stupid indeed. They should have just saved us the trouble and informed that they were going to give last year’s paper as it is), i happened to immediately leave for home, thanks to protests for a share in the Reservation pie and subsequent cancelled trains. It was 9 30pm when the plane landed, and while it was taxiing, i was only preparing to adjust myself to an 11 Degree Celsius ambient temperature, both mentally and otherwise. As i stepped out, i stood frozen for a second. Not because of the cold, but with that overwhelming feeling that i was back in the city i always knew. And as weird as it may sound, it was triggered by smell.
Yes, i could smell Delhi.
Now the obvious question in your mind would be how would i describe the smell, considering there is so much to Delhi, in terms of different smells, that could describe it. Carbon Monoxide, Oxides of Nitrogen and Sulphur, and Suspended Particulate Matter included. Also, i was at a place where possibility of myriad smells is minimal, save aviation fuel and the scents of lovely co-passengers. I may never be able to describe it. Maybe it was the familiar chill in the air. Maybe it was the vapours(it wasn’t foggy really). Maybe it really was the pollution. But yes, the smell was distinct from any other, something that was labelled somewhere deep in my brain as “Delhi”.
Of course, more familiar smells were to follow. The smell of washed clothes in my cupboard at home. The smell of the bedding in my room, pretty similar to the first smell. The smell of mumma ke haath ka bana rajma. Needless to say, they felt good. Reassuring rather. Reassuring me that i still treasure such otherwise nondescript memories. Reassuring me of the fact that 27 months in the Maximum City have still not taken away the familiarity of the above, and in totality, the love for my hometown (technically under consideration and deliberation till date, the hometown bit).
There is something about Delhi i tell you :P
PS – The title was only with reference to the central idea of the post. Given a chance though, and a guarantee that i would not end up like Koena Mitra, i wouldn’t mind going in for rhinoplasty.
PPS – O.K. i was kidding about the nose job bit.
Love for thy city is always something I will relate to. While talking about 'Dilli', tell us more about CP, chandni chowk and other places still not exploited by Bollywood.
ReplyDeleteMumbai has a peculiar smell too you know. I guess its the sense of belongingness that you 'smell'. Enjoy your stay. But you will miss mumbai soon. :P
I just realized, you really do have a big long nose. :O
ReplyDeleteAnd I thought it was just your ears :P
Smell is a brilliant way to time travel. I recognize strongly with smell. The deo I would use in Junior College, the way someone smells during a reassuring hug, and of course, chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. Every smell has a story even. Some people just aren't quite aware of it ;)