The Open Sky

Jaded by the clamorous malls, cafes with loud music and chaotic traffic jams, one day I invited my friends to a place which we had long left behind within the confines of our history books. Though we never forgot making fun of our history teacher even after so many years of leaving school. Here, at Safdarjung Tomb, there was no loud music or flashing lights to entertain us and this monument seemed like an icon of sadness and boredom standing tall on a busy road. Leaving the chaos of the traffic behind we went to buy the tickets.  With sun at its extreme, we wandered around the Safdarjung Tomb chasing each others' shadows. This tomb was built in 1754 by Shuja'u'd-Daula, son of Safdar Jang. Curious as ever, I rushed towards the stairs of the tomb to explore the various facets of the monument. I was amazed to see the flawless architecture and symmetry defining this wonderful structure. The grandeur with which the Mughals lived is pretty much evident in all their monument...

The metro ride back home from Connaught Place reminded Rehana of the tubes in London which dragged themselves and were not even as spacious the Delhi metro Rail. Rehana’s trip to London was one of the most memorable trips. She enjoyed every moment of it except for the fact that one pound was equal to 100 rupees in layman’s language and 84 rupees in her calculative mind. Before picking up anything she would multiply the amount with eight, and then while admiring it she would assess its worth in relation to the money that would be deducted from her pocket. London made her realize India was still a poor country, a lot had to be done. “Gosh!! Our economy is pretty low as compared to OTHER countries. Bloody Britishers!! They stole India’s wealth and look at the currency exchange rate. No wonder India is not called 'the golden bird’ anymore. This is where the gold is perhaps…. On the gates of Buckingham palace?? Melted and used to make the queen’s crown? Maybe on the streets, No, no…S...