Yeh Mumbai Hai Meri Jaan..

I m one of those crazy ass “Mumbaikar”/”Bambaiya”(Whatever applies to d reader) who believes she has the True Mumbai spirit- its actually become one of those favourite journalist terms that is conveniently used and abused by people like me..

Now why I felt like writing something on this topic is.. Well a)I feel strongly about it b)Today it was just too much to take in..

Before someone starts wondering too much and gives up reading altogether, let me break it to you.. This is about what they call is the Nerve-centre of this city..Yes!!

The local trains..

Let me first try and explain the scene before I say anything more..This is what happens everyday in the morning..

8.15- I leave my house 8.20- I get an auto 8.25- I reach the station, pick up my Economic Times/Hindustan Times depending on my mood( I dont buy Times or D Mirror coz its already subscribed at my house)

I climb the bridge feeling sad already that I have missed my 8.22 although a part of me knows very well I wouldnt have been able to board it even though I had made it in time..Well no points for guessing why!

Two minutes past, I reach the bridge..The indicator flashing 8:29F CST, making me walk faster while I am looking at the time in my BB..Well I reach platform No 5, seeing loads and loads of people..Of course people waiting, chatting, randomly staring(There are more of these)..Walking past them is quite a task..And yes finally I reach my usual first class place..And as always, there are quite a lot of ladies..Most of them angry(I dont know why)!! I squeeze myself cleverly through them, and try to reach the front row..for obvious reasons..You have the maximum probability to get inside, knowing you will be pushed in by those behind you..And well after all this, the time is still 8:29..Yes it does happen that fast..The announcement is made- “Aanth Bajkar Untis Minute Ki Mumbai Janewali Tej Local Platform Kramank 5 par aa rahi hai..All of us bending on our left, trying to guage its distance..While simultaneously I put my newspaper, my mobile and my kerchief inside my bag..Yes you have to be prepared!!! The train coming closer..I look behind, trying not to let my courage fade because of the huge ladies crowd that only seems to increase by each passing moment..I pray..Yes really I pray- “God please let me get inside this train, and also get a Dadar seat..Well forget the seat..Just let me get in!!”

The train approaches, its coming closer and closer.. We see the earlier ladies compartments, trying to guess what is already known..How crowded OUR compartment would be?? And finally my compartment comes..And an entire mass of ladies runs towards it..pushing..squeezing..screaming..falling..panting..abusing..hitting.. Yes a combination of two or three of these is bound to happen!! And with some luck, some technique and God’s grace I happen to be inside the compartment..While I gasp for some air..(Yes, cause the aunty on the side is busy elbowing me..I donno for what..while the one in front is forcing her huge self upon me!!) I quietly put my earphones on..trying to escape somewhere else..atleast temporarily..Well I deserve a pat, because in the midst of all this, I even manage to ask people where each of them is planning to get down, and secure that Very Precious “DADAR SEAT”..:) 

Not everyday is so lucky..sometimes I miss two, sometimes three trains..Which then leads to some quick mental calculations and accordingly a BBM or an SMS to the Boss informing how much late I would be to office today..Well its quite an adventure when read like this isnt it?? Well it surely isnt when one faces the ordeal everyday!! I know it will sound cliched when I say this, but

“Hats off to the spirit of Mumbai”