It
was in 1992 that i took the bold but exciting
step of moving out from the comfortable confines of my home town to move
into the big mad city of Mumbai. Mumbai,then Bombay ,was a totally unknown city
for me of which I had seen only in the movies. It was the land of Amitabh
Bhachchan, Madhuri Dixit,Rekha and all those beautiful people..and that excited me
as well..,I was setting up my first home as a married girl in this strange
land. I say strange because I had never seen so many people gathered at one
place at one time,ever before,like I witnessed as i looked out of the train..it
did over whelm me at that time,a little scary too. I was travelling alone.The
words of my uncles and aunts and my mother rang loudly in my ears..you have to
be careful with your bag,do not go with anyone,wait till Srini comes to you,etc
etc...now where was Srini!!!..I looked earnestly through the milling crowd to
try and catch sight of him and i couldn’t..slightly nervous but mustering up
courage,I stepped out on to the platform of the CST,then VT.and I must
confess,i did feel a tingling sensation of thrill going through my body..I WAS
IN BOMBAY!!!!....I had been looking forward to this day and that tingling sensation
of excitement still flows through my body each time i step into Mumbai.
The
city of Mumbai has always fascinated me and she has helped me in my transition
from a small town girl to a bold and confident woman that I am today.I still
remember the first time I went for a scooter ride with Srini on the Queen’s
necklace.It was the month of December and there was a slight nip in the
air..the cool winds from the sea blowing on my face and hair,the tall buildings
moving past us,the salty fishy smell permeating through the air,which was
heaven for me...that was the day I fell in love with her..the feeling of
oneness i have for this magnificient city,I have never had with any other
place..I belonged to Mumbai, still belong and will always belong!!!..”Mumbai
meri Jaan”...
Like someone has said ,nobody who
comes to Mumbai and lives in its true spirit has disliked nor regretted..and
those who have left have mostly regretted..She will always be Amchi Mumbai for
me!!
