It was way back
when I first came to Mumbai. The memories and feelings are still vivid as if it
was just a couple of days back, Konark Express Train No. 1020 Up, from
Visakhapatnam chugged into one of the outlying platforms of the Chattrapati
Shivaji Terminus erstwhile known as Victoria Terminus. The outlying platform i
think it was No 17 had the musty smell that long distance platforms generally
are associated with. I still remember it was four thirty in the morning but CST
was buzzing with activity and I looked wide eyed as to why on earth are there
so many people up and about at this hour. Little was I to know that there is no
hour when Mumbai sleeps in its entirety.
Coming out of
the station i hailed a taxi, the ubiquitous Kaali
Peeli with green florescent cabin lighting to take me to my destination in
Colaba. The station that I had emerged from did not get too much of a thought
or look but as the years rolled by my love for its architectural beauty and
yeoman service has only grown and now I wait for those days when it is decked
up in all finery and stands proud and regal amongst all others that have come
up all around over the past century .
In the initial days
of my time out here, i did feel out of place and after work just hated to sit
in the room waiting for dinner time. Gradually I started venturing out and as
it happens when the city is by the coast, the steps lead to the sea shore. Marine Drive (Queen’s Necklace) call it
what you may but for me it has and will always remain the “Go To “place in the
entire city.
Marine Drive,
for me and for scores like me out there in this city has been that silent
friend that was sorely needed on days when the going got tough, when the burden
of everyday living just went over the head. It was her vibe and freshness that
infused warmth and hope inside as one sat out there looking out into the ocean
as waves one after the other came on and on .. Relentlessly with single minded
determination. I am sure many would echo the same thought when I say that in
moments of gloom or joy, time spent on marine drive makes one feel positive and
enthusiastic towards life.
As months rolled
by I became a part of the social fabric of this city and another important
aspect of this city integrated me with her: Mumbai
Local; Come rain or shine this journey is performed by lakhs everyday
morning to evening. To the newcomer a journey in the local it is a daunting
task but then its only the first step that is put forward with hesitancy. My trysts
with this aspect have been memorable and most pleasant and standing near the
open doorway of a hurtling Churchgate Fast
does bring out the child in every adult.
After a few months
went by I felt that it was time I bought my vehicle to this city. The
Indomitable as I call him has been my able team mate on numerous road trips
through this country so it was only apt that HE too experienced Mumbai. So with
him came the trips on yet another iconic landmark of this country or should I
say of India itself: Rajiv Gandhi Sea Link or as it is popularly called Sea
Link. This narrow sliver of spectacular six lane tarmac swinging high above the
Arabian Sea changed the skyline of Mumbai for ever. Now every visitor who comes visiting this
city definitely undertakes a ride on it for remembrance.
As June arrived
into the city, I witnessed Mumbai Monsoons; it was definitely unlike the bleak
monsoons that I had seen in other places where the grey overcast skies
accompanied with the steady drizzle sank the heart from within, where the onset
of the dark evening made one feel uncertain of what lay ahead. Out here the
bleaker the sky the colourful the streets and the roads. The colour on the streets
seemed to offset the bleakness of the monsoon. The onset of the evening instead
of dampening the spirit made it surge ahead even more as the warm lighting that
lit up on various street intersections and corners bought hope in hearts of all
those who were out there amongst the drizzle and deluge.
Days passed and
converted into months and i joined the band known as Mumbaikar... the daily
happenings of this city affected me as much as it did any other individual.
Soon September arrived and so did the spectacle known as Ganapati. The arrival
of the Elephant God in the city and the tales of his glory and benevolence sung
by everyone left me mesmerised. As I walked from street to street late into the
night paying my respects to HIM I was overwhelmed by the devotional fervour
within. In no other city is the Ganesh Mahoutsav celebrated as it is done here.
The most famous
of all, the Boon Giver himself...
The city has its
own story in every street, monument and place of worship... be it the churches
at Bandra or the streets of Matunga or be it Muhammed Ali road , there is a
fervour that is shared by most of the denizens of this concrete jungle
irrespective of individual faith and thought process.
An integral part
of the city fabric though not frequented by me but used by the lakhs are BEST
& MUMBAI RAIL. There have been innumerable stories that have been woven
around these two, no other transportation system in the whole country is as
woven integrally and been resurrected to almost being alive in its own way as
are these two … they are as Iconic as any other within this metropolis …
Should I name
the places seen by millions across this country depicted in the dreams of
Bollywood .. nah .. I think the visuals themselves will do justice and speak
while I pause for a while to have a “Cutting” , I think I have earned it ….
Meanwhile .. you have a look at the visuals and maybe we will continue in my next post ......
