This is going to be my eighth year in Gurgaon. Yes, we are survivors. I spent the first two years thinking that it was a temporary phase. Instead, we ended up moving merely from Phase 4 to Phase 5. In fact, I suppose I have now developed something like the Stockholm syndrome. I can’t imagine moving out of Gurgaon for the next few years. We own the house we live in, the child has been in the same school ever since she started her education, we voted during the last municipal elections, all of which qualifies us for permanent residency. We have decided not to actively pursue any job opportunities outside the NCR. I do complain about life in Gurgaon-(complaining is the official Gurgaon sport) and moan about the lack of several amenities. But despite its drawbacks and problems, I have to confess that I enjoy living in Gurgaon. It could also be inertia, laziness and strong lobbying from our daughter who does not know any other home. Perhaps I have just got accustomed to this place.
This New year, I am dedicating this song to our current hometown. This is inspired by the song, “ I’ve grown accustomed to her face” from the classic ‘ My Fair Lady”, sung with zest and vigor by Professor Higgins. Long time Gurgaon residents may croon this to the same tune as they drive up and down the NH8 and wait for the traffic to ease up.
I’ve grown accustomed to this place
Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn!
I’ve grown accustomed to this place.
The chaos when the day begins.
I’ve grown accustomed to the tune
of cars through night and noon.
the roads, the walls,
the buildings, the malls,
are second nature to me now;
Like breathing out and breathing in.
are second nature to me now;
Like breathing out and breathing in.
Other cities are planned, orderly, structured and set;
Surely I could move somewhere else again
And yet
I’ve grown accustomed to its look;
Accustomed to the noise;
Accustomed to this place.
I can see myself in a cottage in the hill
or in a gorgeous villa on the sea shore
I can see myself seated by a window sill,
looking upon a glorious view you could kill for.
There would be fresh air and water
the roads would be broad and clean
without any hawkers or squatters
shaded by trees of bright green
Pigs and cows would be kept on a farm
Garbage dumps would be swept away
I would never come to any harm
If I walked on the pavements everyday.
How simply wonderful.
How exciting! How delightful!
How lovely to live in a town
Where buses and autos ply through the day
Where you don’t have to drive up and down
And a taxi is just a shout away.
But I’m so used to living here
where all conveniences are near
The buzz, the action,
The seasonal celebrations,
Are second nature to me now;
Like breathing out and breathing in.
I’m very grateful for our home
amidst a concrete sprawl
We like our neighbors and friends
who help us through it all
And yes,
I’ve grown accustomed to the trace
Of something in this air;
I’ve grown accustomed to this place
