Bombay ♥

It's been seven long years since I came to live in this crazy city. City of dreams, as many call it so. I never thought when I first learned that I'd be studying in Bombay that a city like this would grow on me. I didn't have the slightest inclination of what to expect. Of course, I had heard many stories. Crazy stories. Like you shouldn't wear jewellery on the train for fear of your ears or hands being cut off. Murders. The rains. Strangers who could be axe-murderers or kidnappers or worse, rapists. So much. I didn't think too much of it all.

My first year was the longest. I just moved into the hostel - this was the first time I was to actually live alone. That dawned upon me. It made me feel helpless, hate my parents for leaving me here and I was so upset. My first night at the hostel was a whole bunch of snot and sniffles as I cried silently under my blanket in my room. The days after that were different; each new, each teaching me something I never knew before. I met people. Good people. Bad people. The most I was influenced by and truly adored: Nandini Velho, Rubika Liyaqat. These two were my roommates and the two people from whom I learnt the most. I learnt to be independent, to do my own thing and somewhere down the line, I discovered me. Me, the shy girl in school, quiet with no real friends. I found that I had more to me than I ever thought. I loved my journal, my journal was my best friend in the hostel. I learned that I loved to write. I loved the arts. I loved travelling in the trains, I loved exploring the suburbs and areas in town. I loved who I was blossoming into. I grew proud of myself.

And all while that was happening, I fell in love with the city. The people were such an eclectic mix. I learned so much from each and every person that I encountered.

My seven years in Bombay have been crazy, eventful, sad and happy and definitely something I'd never like to easily forget. It taught me so much. I grew up and the city grew on me.

Much as now I feel the need to move elsewhere, to discover a new city and learn it all again, Bombay will always be my favourite city. There's nothing like it and once you've lived here, it becomes a part of you just as you become a part of it too.

Bombay, that's what it shall always be to me. Nothing more, nothing less.

It's home.

♥

7 Ways to Keep You SANE in a Crowded Train!

It’s one thing to get on to a crowded train but another thing altogether to keep your sanity throughout the ride. So here’s what you should do to make it less painful:

1. It’s annoying when an unruly bitch trods ever so shamelessly on your clean toes or even nicer shoes so what do you do? Simple, trod back on her toes stealthily cuz everyone’s in a rush anyway, who will know? Or rub some dirt on her Sari with your shoe. *Evil Cackle*

2. Stinky, sweaty, sticky people. What do you do? Well, whoever’s armpit you’re faced with or thrust into, rummage your bag for a deo and spray at desired target. Of course, you might get thrashed for it, but what the hell? Just indulge yourself at this crowded stink-party.

3. You’re sitting in the midst of two very fat people and a fourth person wants to join the seat. Simple. Pretend to have a life-threatening and very contagious disease. Start coughing and wheezing horribly (Note: Don’t Cover your mouth). People will be thinking Swine Flu or some other illness and hurrah, you can lean back comfortably against your seat.

4. You’re trying to enjoy music on your iPod, and there are these crazy folks fighting over some thing again. Since you have an alibi with your headphones in your ears, start shouting random things (Shut up! - Go to Hell! - You’re a dick!), while keeping your head down. Pretend to wonder where it came from when people start looking around and sigh for effect. Score (I know it seems juvenile, but trust me, you’ll feel a lot less irked once you do!)

5. You think the train couldn’t get any more packed when you can’t see your feet and then there are those damn vendors trying to weave in and out. Try and divulge their attention saying that someone from the opposite side is calling them, of course, that shall garner you with annoying glares but you are safe, as a stationary person from where you are..big deal. (Actually, resort to this, when you know you’re getting off at the next station..just to be safe!)

6. It’s a golden rule that when your ass is face to face with an actual face of a sitting person, you never, ever let out a stinker. However, if the going gets tough and someone’s being a dickhead, drop your missile, people. (Note: To be done at own risk).

7. Close your eyes. Pretend that you are in a peaceful garden surrounded by trees and chirping birds. Who are you kidding? Just brace yourself through the hell-filled journey and count the stations till you reach yours. Mahalakshmi… Lower Parel… Elphinstone… Kill Me Please!