America, its posh cities and its flawless singers are all the rage with us teenagers. Its not uncommon for an adult to get tired of hearing “In America, they only eat salad” and “In America, all teenagers have Iphones and Instagram” or “Selena Gomez looked so rad in that dress!” or “I love Ariana’s ponytail so much!!!”
Now, don’t take me in the wrong way, I have no problem with America, and I love English songs!! The thing is, we are so engrossed in craving for the Manhattan skyline and their Grand Central Park, that we have forgotten the lovely life that we have in our own haven. Our own Gullys…

You know what, when you have time, just sit in your balcony, or go for a stroll in the streets. And, don’t just walk past them. Squint at the early morning fog, and look at the drops of dew which the weeds wear on their heads like crowns. Look at the few people jogging on the footpaths, and the old ladies walking with vigor. As the morning clears, watch the kids playing cricket, or as they like to call it, Gully cricket, and aspiring to become future MSD’s.

As the day progresses, listen to the street dogs barking at the site of an overflowing dustbin, and the chatter of school children going to school. Look at the serious looks of men in formal shirts, and chuckle at how seriously they take life. Breathe in the scent of fried Eggplant, and listen to the cackle of oil in the kitchens of en number of houses. Look at the paan stains on old walls, and the graffiti alongside them, and remind yourself that this is one sight at least, that you can get nowhere in the world.

As the afternoon turns into evening and the sky turns dark, gaze at the hoards of kids rushing out on their cycles to play. Listen to the gossip of the elders gathered on the benches of their paan shops. Steal a glance at the look of contempt of the people feasting on chaat near Rupali, or Gupchup near Ram Mandir. The heavenly chena poda of Atmaram, and Rosagolla from Pahala. Listen to the shrill tinkle of the bell rung during evening arati, and take in the scent of incense sticks. Laugh at the bargains between a seller and a customer at the weekly haat, hesitating to back off for five rupees. Watch amazed, the number of men who turn up to ‘khatti’ at a chai shop. And, last, watch the stars which go so well with the city lights.

So, to all those teenagers, and adults, out there, stop trying to flee your gully life, for a posh life in America. You will have plenty of time for that. Instead, enjoy life in your gully. I swear, you wont get that ANYWHERE else. So, for all those who think city life is a catastrophe, I think it is a beautiful catastrophe. Because, if you sit and look around, life’s pretty great here.