Sanjay Van- ek prem kahani

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The romance began when I was working in an organisation in Qutub Institutional Area. And to put it mildly, the boss of the place, and my boss, is possibly the worst person [not just boss] in the world. So post one of those irrational screaming bouts, I simply ran out into this forest. And just ran and ran till I finally slowed down. Then I stopped. And sat. Sanjay van and I became friends for life.

 I have seen different seasons in this forest. There is a lane where the amaltas falls down in a golden shower, every summer. In rains, the forest croaks and little peepal saplings sprout all over the place. In winters, many migratory birds come and flock around the water body. I have also gone there on a full-moon night. It is scary and fascinating. The water bodies glimmer and there is thick hatch of bamboo next to one of them, which casts the most gorgeous shadows.


There are many mazhars inside and my favourite one is next to the 11th centure Lal Kot walls. These walls are touristy and many people come there to catch the sunset and click selfies. I like to sit at the mazhar under it and watch the sun go down. Quietly.


I have celebrated birthdays here and grieved over death of loved ones. I have got lost for hours with a friend and freaked out as we heard jackals calling, as it grew dark.  I have done birding, joking, rock climbing and general gallivanting, inside this forest, for years now. And I look forward to many more years of ‘foresting’ in my very own Sanjay Van.  

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