A slow start
Our trip to Jodhpur started on a fresh, slightly cold morning. It was for a project, and the weather was slightly cold, cozy - one of those mornings where you just feel good about everything.
That feeling did not last very long.
By the time we reached, it was post 12 pm and it was so hot that it genuinely scooped all the energy out of me. And I remember thinking - this was not what I signed up for. Rajasthan's most talked about city and such a draining welcome? Not worth it. My excitement just dropped.
The shift
Things started shifting a bit after we checked in and stepped out again.
We went around the Ghanta Ghar area, explored the local markets and that is where I started noticing the real side of the city. Small shops, a lot of artisanship, everything was so rooted in their belonging and so authentic. We even stopped for a fresh juice there, which honestly felt necessary at that point.
I had always imagined Jodhpur as this entirely blue city. But it is not like that. There is just a smaller section that is actually blue. Once I saw it, the curiosity settled. But the city had other things to offer.
Spaces you don't expect
Our hotel was designed like a haveli. It was open in the center, with the sky right above you. Blue walls, jharokhas, narrow passages and hidden corners.
One thing I loved about the stay and the city was that you never really know when a small street or doorway will open into something much bigger.
We walked into a store that felt more like a museum. There were old doors, wooden cabinets, mirrors and a big roof covered with small mitti ke matkas. Light filtered through them in the most unexpected way.
I remember it was one of those rare moments where my mind was at peace. No thoughts. No distractions. No rush.
Later, we found ourselves in a heritage space again, this time for coffee. We explored a bit, went up to the rooftop and saw the Mehrangarh fort right in front of us. We sat there till the sun went down. It was quiet, calming and honestly one of the best parts of the day.
That's when I realised something about Jodhpur - there are stories everywhere: in shops, in spaces, in people, in details you almost miss.
The find
The next day I went back to a shop I had noticed earlier. It was small. Very local. Nothing brand-y about it. Just a man working with fragrance oils and attars.
He made me try a few scents. Sabaya was the first one. And I liked it instantly.
But I did not buy it right away. I tried some more. And more - thinking what if there is something better? But nothing really stayed. After trying endless options, I just went back to the first one and asked him to pack it for me. Simple.
Why it stayed
It was not from a brand. Not from a curated store. Just a small shop in some corner of Jodhpur. And maybe that is why it felt right.
That's how Sabaya became a part of Urooj. A blend of five flowers. It came to life during the spring of 2025.
Not planned. Not sourced, just found. <3