There was a time when our lane wasn’t just a stretch of concrete,it was a world in itself.
Buildings that stood for 45–50 years held not just bricks and walls, but stories, laughter, and festivals that lasted for days. Wide open grounds gave children space to play cricket until the sun dipped, and adults too joined in—because joy was never reserved for the young.
The same grounds transformed into stages of celebration. Holi coloured the streets with laughter, Ganpati meant five days of programs, dinners, housie games, sports days, even Christmas gatherings that filled hearts with cheer. We didn’t need malls or clubs—our playgrounds, our people, and our togetherness were enough.
Today, redevelopment has swept across these familiar lanes. Tall towers now stand where humble buildings once did. Gyms and swimming pools add sparkle, shops at ground level add convenience. It’s modern, it’s efficient, it’s impressive—but the open skies and shared spaces have quietly disappeared.
For those of us who grew up in the warmth of that older charm, the loss is palpable. A new generation will adapt with ease, finding comfort in elevators and amenities. But in our hearts, the echo of that cricket ball, the sound of laughter under the open sky, and the magic of festivals celebrated together will forever linger.
“The familiar lane may look different today, yet every corner still whispers the stories of who we once were.”
Blessmesai 