4 June 2012 was the first time I visited Mumbai . I remember not being able to sleep the day prior . The entire flight journey felt so long just waiting to land in the city that I had so many aspirations from , my future belonged here . Mumbai the city of dreams , the sea , marine drive and beautiful beaches had me so excited . I had only read about all these but to experience them was a different kind of feeling. Apart from all the enthusiasm there was bouts of sadness and nervousness also . I was leaving Delhi the city that I spent my entire childhood in .There has always been this whole debate about Delhi vs Mumbai . Both the cities are diametrically different and have a very distinct culture , values and vibe to them . My first few months in Bombay were all about unlearning and learning . People made fun of my North Indian Hindi and also joked about my inability to travel alone. The cramped up spaces in schools , the luscious green gardens and verandas were missed . Amidst all this I was discovering new sides to myself . I started gaining confidence and was no longer afraid to voice my opinion . The monsoon taught me how this city never stops and the indomitable spirit of being a Mumbaikar. Simple acts of kindness cost so little but impact so may lives. Travelling by the local train gave me a whole new perspective about life that people lead in the city . hard work has no substitute . The ladies compartment is always jampacked but even in the tiny nooks you can find women working with a bright smile on their face. The bonds that I formed here were so special to me . People would go out of their way to help me right from teaching me about navigating life to training me for boarding the train they have done it all . My favourite time of the year has to be the monsoon . They say you have to experience the Mumbai monsoon to understand the craziness about it and its rightfully so .

This year I am going to complete 7 years here and its been an absolutely roller coaster journey . Over the years I have grown so much and still am trying to identify myself . The only thing that’s been constant is my view through the coloured glass of our house about this city, my goals and my surroundings.

5



  5

Profile of Krishna Hariharan
Krishna Hariharan  •  4y  •  Reply
Wow!