India, Jan. 10 -- Ritu Bhariok took the Millennium City plunge in July 2010. In her case, the plunge seemed quite literal, as Gurugram in monsoon greeted her with waterlogged roads, endless construction, haphazard traffic and a sense of permanent urgency. Yet, beneath the chaos, there was unmistakable promise, she says.

For the newcomer, the city took her by shock at first glance. "Gurugram did not ease newcomers in-it announced itself loudly," she recollects.

She settled in Westend Heights, DLF 5, an address that represented the city's aspirational identity, given that over 15 years ago, Gurugram was expanding at a pace more rapidly than the systems could keep up.

Bhariok says that even after over 15 years, Gurugram continues to "grow...