Singara Chennai.

As I wondered where I had kept the jar of sugar last night, I heard Raghav's voice nearing the shop. He was with a new friend, unknown to me. I had not seen him here anytime before.
"Two teas, Anna. My account!", he said. This was his habit- "My account". What Raghav used to practice was something different and logical. He would have his account with me for whatever he brought from the shop including cigarettes, tea, etc., and he would clear the account at the end of the week. I trusted him, as for the past 3 years, he had not missed once.

"Who is he?" I asked, as Raghav came to take their teas. "1st year, Anna. Very good boy. His name is Aurav. He is from your city, Chennai!". As soon as he said Chennai, I felt an understanding grow towards Aurav, as if I had knew him all along.

Chennai or let me call it Madras the capital city of Tamil Nadu, is where I grew up. Madras is a brilliant city, not only because I grew up there but also because I have seen and felt the beauty of Madras. Those beaches where you see filmy couples sit and romance or the ripped Tamil men with thick mustaches playing Rugby fiercely, little later to realise that they are all policemen and it is their past-time, that is Madras for you. The temples my mom took me to, the fairs where I played my heart out, the "Pongal pandigai" as we call it and the vibrant food dishes, made me fall for Madras. So why did I end up here? I will let you know soon. 

"Oh yes, Madras. Nice..", I murmured and smiled.