Day 2:
Up at 6 am at Majnu ka Tilla Gurudwara, I spent about 30 minutes setting up my bike before bidding farewell to the newfound friends from the previous night, commencing my cycle journey across the national capital.
En route to Jama Masjid, I navigated through a bustling market area with narrow lanes that eventually opened up to reveal the grandeur of the mosque, adorned by a bustling vegetable market and throngs of people.
The Capital:
Heading to Chandni Chowk , taking a breath stopped near bike repair store after knowing I’m from Hyderabad his response was “Ohhhh!! Owaisi” not the first time it happened also left warning I better have weapon for self defense.
Communication & Network brought a revolutionary change but its also being greatly misused to influence decision making and understanding of people at large.
The last two remaining places on the itinerary for the day were Rastrapathi Bhavan & AP Bhavan.
Reaching the Rastrapathi Bhavan its the month of September air is still damp & started drizzling, finally, I’m here after a month of planning and hard work the rain, me, India Gate, and the president’s home.
But it seems India gate is under renovation and the entrance was closed yet the military personnel over there let me take a few pictures allowing me a little inside.
By now was super hungry and already craving home food, as planned reached AP Bhavan who serves authentic Andhra meals, and had their veg thali while the security guard assured me the safety of my bike.
Delhi Wala Dil Wala:
After stuffing more food than required started procrastinating if I had to ride towards Karol Bagh to buy some electronics required .
Navigating through the traffic of Karol Bagh became regrettable, especially with the persistent impatience of Delhiites and their continuous, deafening honks. By the time I reached my destination, I had narrowly avoided three accidents along the way.
A local here heartily welcomes me to his small corner sandwich cart, I see people lined up waiting for their order to be served. He offered me a sandwich which I had to deny as my tummy was already full with the veg meals I had a while ago.
After a long conversation knowing my requirements, he requested me to wait, called up some people gifted me an OTG denying the money I offered.
Such a sweet person he is and later on sent along another local who made sure I got a decent discount on the power bank I purchased.
People warned me to be careful in Delhi, but look at the kind of people I meet. The thing with humans is we tend to point towards bad rather than appreciate the good happening.
I’ve always believed that Delhiites are big-hearted, but I do acknowledge the challenges amidst the diversity, inequality, and migration.
After wrapping up my work in Karol Bagh, we bid our goodbyes, and I resumed my journey. Nevertheless, the next time I’m here, I’m determined to try his famous sandwich!
Crazy night!:
Planned a night stay at the famous Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, doubting my decision reached the huge parking lot which meant I had to unpack my 40 kg luggage and move to the floor above where I was supposed to rest.
Alone moving such heavy baggage at once is an impossible task, worriedly carrying a few bags after requesting the gatekeeper to look after the cycle reached the reception, one had to complete the KYC procedure for the dorm to be allocated.
Meet my savior:
Entering the AC dormitory with all facilities including a locker felt 200rs was all worth and just when I was thinking of unfinished business in the parking lot met a youngster who offered to help.
After my work is done we came to a Langar hall on the ground floor which serves free meals for more than 200 people at once. (Langar: a communal free kitchen , commonly found in all gurudwaras a place where Sikhs assemble to worship.)
After having this free yet delicious langar spent some time walking around the gurudwara while having deep and interesting conversation with my new friend.
When we reached the other side we’ve come across a beautiful manmade Sarovar (pond) which was a mood lifter.
Bublu:”I ran away from my house without parents knowledge and don’t know what I’m up to or what’s happening with my life , everything is out of control , I really love cricket but parents think I’m stupid and dad wants me join his construction business , I don’t know if I have to stay back in Delhi and concentrate on cricket but have no money “
His just 23 & like always I wondered if 20 years of education doesn’t give one clarity of what one wants then what’s point of spending so much time and money.
I see too many youngsters having no courage to think out of box & afraid not being a part of herd to accomplish what they aspire.
Education is should be much more than rot learning and memorizing the concepts.
It should give one real world experience , be a platform where one realize their field of interest & potential.
One way is making spirituality a part of education introduce them to the concepts of Yoga , teachings of great sages , adapting meditation in daily life & practical knowledge through frequent tours.
Doing the above may help an individual stay away from intoxicants as an escape if ever feels helpless.
Next day morning woke up at around 4.30 may be I was subconsciously worrying about the cycle in the parking lot. Packed everything woke up my friend to help me move the bags.
After an hour of packing waved a goodbye to my friend while warning him to stay in touch and return home right away & resumed my journey all excited about Haryana.