Riding through the western express highway to , I really thought for a while. Tomorrow I am leaving this wonderful city and putting behind some of the sweet memories that this city given to me. Of course it’s true that my life here was hard and painful. But it has been a smooth journey. Continous stay here in Mumbai suburbs for 10 years changed my perception about Mumbai, India and the World.
I stayed in posh apartments and small huts throughout my stay here in Mumbai. I experienced the joy of luxury and the pain of sufferings. I stayed more than 4 months in a slum near Dharavi just to know bout the life of people staying there. But tell you a truth, I met the most lovable people there.
I came here and roamed the dark and smelly gallis of Dharawi’s slums though out midnight. I exchanged the pains and sorrows of the people staying there. Whether it is a Mahesh who didn’t have money to continue his studies and Ram who is selling leather products in Dharawi, these faces are still in front of me.
Mahesh came from Orissa , one of India’s most improvised states to Mumbai to earn his daily bread. Landed up straight in Dharawi and started a new life. Though employed in a hotel near Sion Mahesh was determined and wanted to do his bachelors degree. I helped him. Seriously I don’t have big mind but I don’t know. Mahesh determination to study and do better in life inspired me a lot. I forgot about anything and told him I will give you a part of my salary to support you for your studies. Not ashamed to tell you that later it inspired me to do my Masters.
Ram came from Chennai. He was born in city but born as an orphan. But he is extra brilliant. Always I thought if this guy is getting trained in IIM he will be in the chairman seat of DELL or Microsft. He trained well in the great university of life. He knows in and out of all the trade secrets. Leading a big leather business in Dhrawi, I asked him coming from a poor background, how much you earned this much. Nothing I know he replied but life here taught me all these things or forced me to learn all these things.
When I am saying goodbye to Mumbai, these two faces are not allowing me to fade away from my mind. I have great friends in Mumbai. Friends from different backgrounds and lifestyle. But these two shining stars of Mumbai give me strength and boldness to sail through the hardships of life.
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