Memoirs @ Pune

Pune known as Queen of Deccan is the second largest city in Maharashtra, a city known for its cultural heritage and history. But Pune for me is something different, a city which still makes me nostalgic remembering the days I spent there. The days when I was studying in the place which is known as Oxford of East, truly a student’s paradise. Pune for me is a city bustling with youthfulness . Pune for me is my college, my friends and celebrating every small moment with them. Pune is driving on Hijawadi’s broad and empty road, watching all IT giant’s buildings and dreaming to be there one day. Pune is having Vada paav, special cutting and kaanda poha for breakfast and still not getting bored of it. Pune is having the cheapest and the best coffee at Durga’s at Kothrud. Pune is going to Ozone(the only mall at Aundh ) at odd hours and having special roadside grilled sandwiches and paani poori.Pune for me is paranthas at Chaitanya, South Indian food at Vaishali and lunch at Andhra Mess. Pune is shopping spree without money at MG and FC road (Bet me you get trendiest and yet cheapest things here), looking for junk jewellery and chatai chappal at Fashion street and trendiest clothes at Hongkong market. Pune for me is meeting friends at the landmark Dorabjee’s on MG road, and window shopping at Nucleus, Pyramid and Central with a cup of coffee at CCD (I think that was a bit affordable).
Pune is the thick lassi and basundi at Shree Kailash at Pune station, cake from Monjini’s, sizzlers at Kobe’s and dabeli, SPDP’s (till now I haven’t remembered its full form)at roadside. Pune is strolling at Koregaon Park, dreading but still visiting House of horrors at Gold Adlabs, Osho ashram and German bakery at KP. Pune for me is movies at E- Square (I still wonder how we used to get ticket there easily after seeing the situation here esp. on weekends),visiting Sinhagad fort only when it rains( and you can’t see anything except fog ,forget about scenic beauty) and having the best tea and Kaanda bhaaji ( sheer heaven considering the cold there).
Pune, where it doesn’t rain but it pours and still planning to go to Lonavala and Khandala in that weather. Having strawberries at Mahabaleshwar and best fast food and desserts at Mapro’s. Pune, where all women drives wearing sun coat and head mask (much to the disappointment of guys) and where you can see Shivaji’s statues at every park. Pune is visiting Dagduseth halwai’s temple and Chaturshingi devotionally after clearing your exam and before/ after placements. Pune is driving through potholes (and not roads), passing Mula and Mutha river on our way back home and wondering whether it’s a river or a drain.
Pune to me is Ganpati Festival in full swing, chanting Ganpati bappa morya and watching people dancing to the tunes of Himesh Reshamiya in front of Ganesh statues for 10 days, so if you are wondering why Himesh’s tunes then the answer is Bappa is happy when he see his devotees happy, devotees are happy when they dance and DJ’s favorite is Himesh (that’s logic was given to me by one of my friend).
I still miss that vibe here and do try to visit Pune just to refresh my memories.If you are a pakka Punekar then you too must be having some memories similar to mine and may be much more. I think thats the spirit of Pune that you can't forget this city once you are there.