Mumbai...

Mumbai. A city which people extol over and over. Frankly, a reason which I may not be able to see so clearly. Probably coz I have not been able to live life as fast as the city moves. Some day, down the line, probably this will all seem natural. But there is one thing to love about the city; to look at with thought and respect. The Marine drive. A whole 3 kilometre long stretch which contains people from every point in life. Babies, kids, working youth, adults and the old. Anything you want to classify mankind by, the people exist here.

Personally, I feel, that at any point if you ever feel that you might be feeling stuck or alone with problems, take a drive through this brilliant collection of humanity. Irrespective of the background, gender or roadblock in life you will see relevant people here. Every person will have a story. Even if it is to celebrate an occasions or mourn a stage in life, the place, the view is the same. The all absorbing sea.

At times it could be surprising that the same tranquil sea can play host to a person’s happiest moments while assuming the comforting role for someone else’s problem.. Observing this long stretch of myriad of humanity, one makes you wonder if any of it matters. Are we really unique in assuming whatever we ponder about in life. As an individual we assume that our problems are our own, our happiness or success are our own doing. But the fact that can be seen as we see the different kinds of people over this stretch is the randomness involved in life. At one glance, they are just a large number of bustling people, but on closer observation they are “you” at any point in your life. The lonely person with no job ponders over his future as the BMW driving family enjoys their day out with their family. As that family guides their 1 year old baby taking his successful steps by the edge of the walkway, two old friends share their moment catching up and feel the wind in their air as they recount stories from their youth.

That, in fact is the beauty of Mumbai. And frankly, that is the only place I have managed to love Mumbai till date. But for this plethora of mankind bustling at any time of the day, the trip is worth it.