Mumbai!

Everyone has a dream city they aspire to be a part of, to settle in, a city that they can call home out of a sene of belongingness they associate with it. Mine happens to be Mumbai. It felt visceral, to have stepped into this city on 29th July, 2019, for the first time not as a visitor but as a fellow resident. A girl with a suitcase full of big dreams and aspirations (yes, that’s exactly how filmy the moment felt, courtesy to all those cheesy Bollywood movies I have grown binge watching on)

My very first day in this city of dreams, a moment that will be etched on memory forever, I landed amidst the heavy spits of bumbaii ki baarish completely awestruck and overwhelmed with the city’s warmth and hospitality. Instantly hit by the fast paced life of this city, I didn’t want to miss out on even a single moment. Throughout the cab ride, my eyes were plunged onto the window, taking in every moment like it was my last, attempting to befriend this beautifully unfinished city. 

Even my cab driver was in awe with my awe for this new found home of mine. He could very easily figure out I was a newcomer after seeing the glee my eyes had for the most mundane things, which were otherwise overlooked by the in-house residents. He used this one line that has stuck with me till today, and makes a whole lot of sense now than then. 
He said Mumbai mein kisiko itni fursat nahi hoti hai madam  Having now spent almost 8-9 months in this city, I understand the true essence of that line. 

Time has flown by so quickly, and with that very speed and ease, this city adopted me as one of its own. Like a mentor, it has guided me at every step, taught me to never settle for the less, toughened me up like any other mumbaikar. Encouraged me to chase my dreams no matter what the cost. Bestowed me with friends who today I very proudly call family. 

So on this one year mark, all I want to tell my beloved Mumbai is that I have in no means bid adieu to you. My story with you has just began and I truly believe you and I have a lot to conquer together. The day the hustle & bustle in your gullies return, you will find me right in the middle of it, sitting and sipping on a cutting chai with my friends, all set to take on a new set of challenges you throw at me.