The festivals all round the year..to an extent..i missed
The loud music on the roads..i missed
The aroma of desi dishes cooked in every nook and corner..i missed
Growing up in the midst of my fellow citizens..i missed
Waiting for a rikshwala to bring my tiffin..i missed
Learning to speak my own language at school..i missed
Going out for chaats, kulfi etc with a group of desi friends..i missed


'All this was tantalizingly out of reach!' i said to myself, as i was walking on a busy street in Pune , this evening..The scent of mogras wafted along by a breeze..that was one exhilarating experience!
A strong wave of emotion swept over me and i looked at the endless diamond sky and then at the cool dappled light under the trees....
With a lump in my throat and tears trickling down my cheeks, I said it so loud that the passers by were staring at me..

"I SALUTE YOU, MY BEAUTIFUL MOTHERLAND."