Aamchi Mumbai

It’s been a long time that I wrote something, the reason being nothing great is happening in my life for the past few months. Nor did I meet any interesting person, who would give an inspiration to write. Its almost 5 months now, the monotonous routine has been killing me. Wake up in the morning, dress-up and travel by train then by bus to reach office, to find that there is no work in my plate.

Today I wasn’t feeling like coming to office, so I lazed in the bed till 8.30, until my mom scolded me asking what are your plans for the day? My mom wasn’t keeping well for the past few days, so I have made it a point that I will never carry my frustration at work place to home, which would add tension to mom. So without telling her anything I got out of the bed. I had to pass time, so I browsed through the newspaper, from which I came to know that there would be water cut in Mumbai for 2 days. When I told this to my mom, she got worried. But obvious, with guests at home it would be difficult for her to manage the household without water. I was happy that I got a reason to stay back at home for some more time :-). I decided to help my mom with the household.

Finally at 10:30 AM, I started for work. The climate here is terrible. Mumbai is getting hotter day by day. God knows where its gonna end!

The train wasn’t much crowded, I was just about to board the train that a lady came in between and she pushed me. I fell down badly on my knees and tumbled down flat on to the platform. Some how I managed to stand up, a couple of fellow passengers helped me. Right at that moment, I didn’t bother about any anything and got into the train. To my surprise, that lady was there, a typical mallu aunty in her late 50s standing right in front of me. My hands and knees were paining badly and I was all in dust. And that shameless woman didn’t even bother to look at me or say a sorry.

Actually speaking, I am very particular about cleanliness; though I am not very keen about make-up and cosmetics, always make sure that am neatly dressed. My filthy dress added to my irritation. Blame my temperament, whenever I am angry I make it a point that the other person know that I am angry on him/ her.

Again gave a bad stare to that lady!!! Thought for a moment… considering her age factor I should be cautious while talking to her. But it’s me, had to say something. Controlling my temper; in the softest tone I could, I asked her, “Aunty you should have shown the minimum courtesy to look back, at least for the sake of humanity”. She didn’t like it, gave a bad look and said, “Who has the time.”

This is not the way one should apologize; I felt bad all the more. But there was no point in extending the argument, with that senseless sick woman.
After reaching office, I found that my knee was swollen and there were scrapes all over my hands. My colleagues got some painkiller tablets and ointment for the first-aid. Sortta relieved now, but decided to leave for home early.

This whole incident reminded me of a conversation with a good old friend. He never liked Mumbai, always keep telling me that Mumbai is not a good place. All of them are busy with their never-ending race; never have time for friends and family, to which I always opposed. Though born in Kerala, I am bought up in Mumbai, so very much a Mumbai girl. I love this place although over-crowded and not so clean. Love the people and their attitude here. So I try giving him a list examples and my experience to prove the worth my heaven…Mumbai. He always countered saying, its because I had always someone to support and protect me like parents, friends etc due to which I am unaware of the real world.

But today, for a moment I changed my opinion and looked at Mumbai through my friend’s eye. These are few lines from the movie Lage Raho Munnabhai which I watched quiet recently. It’s so true!!! I could relate to it so well.

" Shaher ki es daud me daud ke karna kya hai?
Jab yehi jeena hai dosto to phir marna kya hai?"