From the 'City of Pearls' .... to the 'City of Djinns'
 

(Note: In April 2021, I moved from Hyderabad to Delhi, on transfer, as part of my official duties; this piece was a sort of an adieu and a tribute to “The City of Pearls”)

 Three years in Hyderabad (give or take a few days), and it's time to move on. Change is the only constant, but leaving behind the magnificence and magnanimity of the Nawaabi city, that opened up its arms for me, to accept me as its own, and endeared me to its heart and soul, is not going to be easy. But I trust, that the fond memories associated with its places and people, that is indelibly imprinted in me, would help, in a large measure, to tide over the separation.

 As I bid adieu to Hyderabad, here's a small nonsensical ditty, that portrays my exposure, experience and perception of this fine specimen of a metropolis, that blends its glorious, regal past with a vibrant, high-tech present. I have also tried to capture the emotions of the rich-in-heart real PEARLS - the people of Hyderabad - that I had the privilege of meeting and interacting with, during my sojourn there.

 So, here goes ...

Kukattpally, Bowenpally, Kondapur and Miyapur,

Time to say au revoir, and hit Dwarka and Chhatarpur.

 Bowenpally, Gachibowli, Tolichowki and Lakdi-ka-pul, 

You gave me enough and more, of thrills, delightful.

 Falaknuma, Golconda, Salarjung and Charminar,

Tata, bye bye, adieu; here I come, Qutub Minar.

 Kaaykoo, uno, boltè boltè, tima kab nikal gaya,

Ab, assi, tussi da vaari hai, aur waqt hai, to be behaya.

 Telugu, Urdu, Hyderabadi; sab boli hai chalta yahan,

Ab Hindi, Punjabi aur Haryanvi, ka hoga intehaan, wahan.

 Pulla Reddy, Almond House, Karachi Bakery and Paradise,

Their culinary delicacies used to irresistibly tantalise.

Now it would be Bengali Market and Karims,

With mouth-watering roshogullas and Mughlai cuisines. 

 And what do I say, of the people of Hyderabad, 

They are PEARLS indeed, who bombard with adab and regard. 

 Am gonna miss this “Paradise” big time,

A place that engulfed me with love, in no time.

But am sure, I'll be back for gossips khatta,

With Irani chai and Qubaani ka Meetha.