When she beckons

For all the reasons in this world several seem to conspire to bring one to a certain part of the world that is a whole universe in itself. So is the story of Mumbai. This is one city with the heart of a lady who is sometimes a mother caressing your dreams or your partner with similar dreams and aspirations and then again a complete stranger least bothered of your existence.

Even the fury of nature seems to halt upon reaching her; for her residents will not restrain themselves for any reason. They know only one path and trudge on forward they do. This is one of the most aspiring things about Mumbai. This sees through even the roughest days. The aura of Mumbai is unlike that which is captured by any movie until now. Few have come close and lost it. Perhaps due to the need of the storyline. A person moving into town for the first time falls in love with her immediately and remains there the rest of his/her life not due to lack of opportunities elsewhere but merely because no other city can mimic Mumbai.

An instant inside a train in Mumbai and again we see a totally different face of Mumbai. Mumbai trains are like a blender where different languages cultures, age and last but most important: dreams meet. This ain't no disco but a thoughtful glance tells so many stories. That of a starting business man. The aspiring college student. The old man awaiting some time from his children who are too busy running to ensure their day to day needs for selfs and family. A couple who are blind singers who sing for a few rupees from those who are understanding. I thought I had too many issues until I saw them. Suddenly I seem insignificant to myself. One can't help but notice the giggle of college students and blooming love stories that sometimes stay with them and meld into reality of a lifelong partner. Some other stories fade and vanish with time. Lost to the city. And yet they move on head held high with pride for they understand that the city takes as much as from you as it gives back and hence maintains a balance.

So many have come here time and before from all over globe and found the meaning of life and realized their dreams. For as many who have attained much several thousand more have had lost their lifes and several million dreams crushed. Yet and yet each one of them will choose to remain in the city for here u learn to dream and to bring life n colors to ones dreams. So is the story of Mumbai.

For a man who came to Mumbai for 1 day and got delayed for 10 days I absolutely loved my stay in Mumbai and would have easily stayed much longer had it not brought on the risk factor of my meager job in Kuwait. It earns my bread well in Kuwait yet I still long for Mumbai. As I sit in my lounge awaiting my flight. I have more than half a mind to run back outside into Mumbai and vanish into the crowd like a 5 year old. Yet my logic takes over my heart and still I remain seated. The boarding has been announced and still I sit until everyone has boarded. I take a long breath, then stand and walk the longest few steps of my life. As for her beckoning.... I promise to return soon, no matter what and step onto the flight. Who is she? Why did she bring me there? Why did she resurrect my past? These questions elude me. Yet a part of Mumbai still resides within me. The calling is still fresh in my soul. Return i shall.