How old am I in Pune years?

Only long-time Punekars will understand this conversation.

S [as we go over Lakdi Pul]: ‘I was once caught here on a two-wheeler.’

Me: ‘So have I been. But there’s a difference, you see. You went on it when it was already not allowed for two-wheelers by the time you started to ride. I have lived (and ridden two-wheelers) in Pune even before this bridge was closed to two-wheeled traffic, and so, I was caught and fined for doing the same mistake as I am doing right now when I write 2023 instead of 2024 deep into February.’

While we speak, we are at Garware Bridge.

S: ‘Next, you’ll tell me you have been there before this bridge.’

Me: ‘Indeed. I have. I have seen the Natraj Talkies and Cafe Sunrise. I’ve seen (and played in) the University Circle Fountain and walked all the way to NDA from Chandani Chowk every morning without being stopped. I’ve seen Paud Phata without the flyover and cycled over single-lane, mango-tree-lined roads to Sinhgad. I’ve seen films (Maherchi Sadi?) in Bhanuvilas and West End (Pretty Woman?) and taken the runner-up trophy in Firodiya at Bharat Natya Mandir. I’ve seen PYC as a single pavilion next to a cricket ground and Prabhat Road empty at sunset because there was a murderous gang on the prowl. I’ve played cricket on the empty Laxmi Road on a Monday afternoon and I’ve entered the FTII without being accosted. I’ve run into PL Deshpande on his morning constitutional and I’ve ogled at Ravi Shastri’s Audi parked at Kamala Nehru Park. I’ve been in Pune when Osho Rajneesh used to speak at the Ashram, and I’ve been around when there was no ‘light & sound show’ at the Shaniwar Wada, and it was just ruins. I’ve seen the river come up right up to touching distance from the Lakdi pul in the rains, and I’ve bought petrol at Rs.9 a litre. I’ve…well, you get the drift.’

S: ‘None of these ring a bell. But you’re making up stuff about Garware Bridge. This bridge was always here.’

Me: ‘Let’s check it out.’