A lot has changed...

A lot has changed...
What with those naalis outside the houses...
that used to overflow in the rains...
bringing along garbage, hay and kids' paper boats...
One can distinctly remember those public taps...
at the chaurahas and jhopad-patti waalas' morning ablutions...

A lot has changed...
What with those little children who ran down the lanes...
semi-clothed, holding sticks in their hands...
rolling used bicycle tyres amidst loud shouts...
While paapadwaalas and chaatwaalas brought along their thelis...
Calling out to everyone in deep, throaty voices...

A lot has changed...
What with those melaas and the fervent waits...
during those Sunday eves and the month-end dates...
while preparing unending lists of to-get-things...
Not to forget the late-night electricity cuts...
and the resultant rooftop mohalla get-togethers and chit-chats...

They say Time runs...
That Life changes...
But even so One misses...
those Times...
those Moments...
and those Times and Moments...

.