Abodana Dhudhtey Hain!!

Driving down on NH24, a four lane highway connecting Delhi to Ghaziabad now, I could only view hoardings on either side of road displaying advertisements of upcoming construction of homes in Ghaziabad and Noida area.

An area which was prohibited to stay for quite some years, has become quite a hot property today. Tall sky scrapers coming closer reminded me of the downtown view of Chicago(minus the cows and CNG autos), which I admired on my first visit to US. I was amazed to drive on the smooth highway and thinking how easy it is to commute to such far flung place now.

Every building, every home seemed to be occupied with smiling faces peeping from the balconies enjoying the beautiful weather. A dream bubble emerged in my head, with a scenario where am decorating my room with my most adored collection of art, arranging my cupboard and my favorite ghazal playing in background "Tere aane ki jab khabar mehke, teri khushbu se sara ghar mehke".

Woosh..just missed hitting an auto..Remember I was driving.

A home registered in my name, with my savings has been a yearning dream in my heart since I saw my parent's smiles when they bought our home around 20 years back. A home, for which I keep noting ideas of decoration, of furniture arrangements, latest wall paint options, those little things which I will buy, even the jingle of door bell and yes a name plate inscribed "Supi's World" on it.

After stabilizing in my career a few years ago(with some sufficient funds), I started my search for my dream home. From Rohini, Sarita vihar, Indrapuram, Faridabad and now Noida my search has been endless. I had very interesting experiences for each locality which I sometimes look back and smile at.

Sarita Vihar: I was led by my uncle, into a meeting with a property dealer, who gave an amazed look, when he was told that "I" was the one who was looking for a house. He couldn't believe it to be true and even said kids grow up very early now a days :-). (Some praise, I was very young then!!)

Rohini: I went to meet a property dealer on a rickshaw not realizing that he felt am a broke and if I cannot afford a car, how I will be able to buy a home.

Indrapuram: From apartments at 14th floor to builder floors, the options have been endless. Buildings in construction reflected upon me the famous song "Do diwane shere mein, raat mein or dopahar mein.." where the hero/heroin walk around buildings under development. Relatively, I also had a friend then with me, whom I had pushed to look for a house. Paid around 10 visits, selected a house and finally the deal didn’t materialize just for a lac of rupees. But positive side, was my friend bought a house which his parents really wanted him to buy. I visited them today, I could see signs of joy & relief on his parent’s faces and yes the name plate on the door “in his name”.

Faridabad: An under construction area(rather than buildings) marked a major challenge there, where my first visit changed the color of my car from Azure Grey to light brown with all the dust. No roads, no lights but a future ahead being sold with a view of metro and upcoming FNG highway. It was convincing enough to buy and I did try it out, but unfortunately led to a loss as stupid company faltered. Arrrgh!!

Noida: From sky scrappers touching 35 stories to studios, from triplex homes to penthouse, the prices of all opportunities are shooting high up every day. But still am trying my options (fingers crossed) with a depressing fear on history repeating itself and my mind filled with doubts on the future of homes here.

There is a saying "The more you run after something, the farther it runs from you" seems to be true as my search continues. Rates souring higher with lesser availability are some where shattering my hopes of my dream home. Supply and demand curves which I loved in graduation are coming true in my life and I am still waiting to reach equilibrium.

My logical mind often wonders, what it takes to be get a right choice at a right time but then my spiritual mind knocks and suggests, “it will happen when its supposed to happen”, but till then..

......Abodana Dhundhtey Hain, Ashiana dundhtey hain!!!