Mumbai Diaries – The city that let me live my dreams

It was probably an evening in November 2011 that I came to know that if I’m to work with Japan’s largest investment bank, it’d have to be in Mumbai. For someone who’d never lived away from home before, a big decision was to be made. Discussions with my parents got them to be a little reluctant but I was sure what I wanted – to be independent.

Like many others who are from far flung areas, I eventually packed my bags and came to Mumbai. A big city as it seemed, reminded me of London as I saw people whizzing past having no time to spare. Everyone was too busy to stare which was something really different from region up North India. I somehow instantly became comfortable with the dusky weather that fell over Mumbai during the monsoons.

Although there were times when I immensely missed my cosy home, the warm bed and my lovely parents, I knew Mumbai was the only way I could know myself better.

At 22, I began to adjust to the lifestyle where one pays their bills on their own, live with new people that eventually become one of your best of friends and feeds oneself. These are just some of the few things I can mention and yes, I really enjoy doing them today! Living away from home, or maybe Mumbai, certainly made me a stronger and a better person.

I eventually learnt to be responsible for the decisions for myself. Living away from home for me meant to live for myself. I realized what I actually liked to do and quit my job in order to chase my dreams. Mumbai, the welcoming city it is, allowed me to do that.

The city eventually grew on me so much that now I don’t feel like leaving it at all. It made me love myself and become more confident and wise.

Whether you drive a luxury SUV or travel in the locals, equality is the way of life in this city and has prevailed time and again. Bombay eventually taught me a lot about life in general and how the smaller things mean more.

I am happy to have a second home too now where inspite of the honking cars, I find peace! :)

Here are a few things I love about Bombay:

• Local auto-rickshaw guys are ever ready to help you in case you do not know the way. If they do not know they would not speak for the simple heck of it.

• Punctuality. I love the way people are pretty much on time.

• The food! – Yes the Vada Pavs are a delight to an empty stomach. If you’re down in South Bombay, you surely want to pay a visit to the Baghdadi Restaurant, or Sardar’s Pav Bhaji near the Western Central Station, not forgetting the Chicken Shawarma opposite the CCD on the Bandra Carter Road.

• Marine Drive – Should’ve been on my number one, but it really doesn’t matter. I just can’t get enough of the skyline.

• The crowd – You would find that almost every person has a story and is working towards it. People work really hard to make their ends meet.

• The Double-Decker buses – Yes they add to the charm!

• The Nightlife – Bombay, has one of the best lounges and discs for clubbing namely Big Nasty, Harry’s, as well as the Royalty, Hype, Blue Frog and F-Bar! Aer Lounge and Palladium are a must visit, if you are ready to spend more than usual and dine on the 40th floor!

• Mount Mary Church, Bandra – PEACE!

• Juhu Chowpatty – The ice golas here are mouth-watering!

• Fort – I find this area to be really classic. The British architecture appeals a lot to me!

• I love how there are millions of weekend getaways from Mumbai! Lonavla, Pune, are just a few names. Not to forget, they are beautiful during the monsoons!

• The shopping! Whether it is the Phoenix market city, Kurla, Bandra Linking Road or the Colaba Causeway, Mumbai is a paradise for the shopaholics!

• The drive down the Bandra – Worli Sea Link is just refreshing.

• The city never sleeps! You want to go out at 3am for an ice-cream? An auto rickshaw is probably standing beneath your door already! As compared to other cities, I have found Mumbai to be safer.

…and the list goes on really! Mumbai is definitely worth a visit if you do not intend on staying here forever! :)