To Bangalore...

If you have never lived in Bangalore,

you will never know

the warmth of sunshine,

the comfort of those few rays

after a chilled night

and drops of rain...

If you have never lived in Bangalore,

you do not chance upon

a torn old book, with love notes

somewhere in the corner

of an old, winding book store...

If you have never lived in Bangalore,

you cannot figure

your way around different

combinations of turns

in a maze

of carelessly designed one ways...

If you have never lived in Bangalore,

coffee is a conversation-starter

inspiration for graffiti walls

and cool merchandise

but never just

a cup of well-brewed beans...

If you have never lived in Bangalore,

Metallica and Iron Maiden

Oh maybe I should not dare

venture there

If you know Bangalore

you'll also know why!

If you have never lived in Bangalore,

well, you've just never lived in Bangalore.

Too Bad!

Before you think it, or even worse, say it, let me accept that there is much more beauty to Bangalore than just the few specifics I've just mentioned...

This, however is just the small tale of my personal love for this city..

After over three years of constant comparing, I have learnt now, to accept and even love Bangalore for Bangalore and not bicker about how it is not, ermm, Bombay! I see now, how, my love-hate relationship with Bangalore is tending more to the former side of the scale..

And I am glad that albeit taking a few years, lots of idlis and even more cups of coffee, I write this.. To Bangalore...With Love!