Something's still missing

A day, or for that matter, even just a couple of hours in Mumbai can be quite entertaining. For now, let’s take a day in my side of the city, South Mumbai, for example.

My day began as usual- same old wake up, laze around, read the newspapers, etc. Just as I was about to begin work on a project, the red light of my phone started to flicker. Me being me, I was in my own world thinking of things that would make an article (read my article) an interesting read. It was then that my phone decided to vibrate and I finally realised that it was time I took a look at it.

It was a message; a message that marked the start of a new project. Excited as ever, I quickly dressed up and in no time I was out of home and on my way to Nariman Point.

I’d rather not mention the meeting in detail, but it was hilarious to say the least. Although, until then the day was so-so, but from then on it kept getting better.

Walking down the Free Press Journal road never seemed like it could be this much fun. Just a quiet stroll on a street which is surrounded with offices- corporate to media- taking in the aroma of the freshly fried samosas, bhajiyasand vadas; waiting for the cutting chaiwala to give you that perfect bumbai ki chai and well, reading just another newspaper. 

Somehow, it felt like I was supposed to do it all. I’ve been wanting to a lot of things, even though they seem silly, but yes, I’ve always wanted to do all these things and more, preferably alone.

Continuing, I’ve always enjoyed talking to cab drivers. It’s funny, but knowing about their lives fascinates me. Everyone has a different story which on the whole somehow sounds the same, but in reality it isn’t. So, coming back to my day, I took a cab from Nariman Point to Cuffe Parade (one of my favourite parts of the city). We seemed to have spotted a lot of policemen on the way. After fishing out information from fellow cabbies/passengers and a cop, we realised some VIP was coming to town. I was in my own reverie when the cabbie suddenly turned around and asked me, “Medumji, aapne Wednesday picture dekha hai?” He meant the movie ‘A Wednesday’. I answered saying yes. He then asked, “Kya mast movie tha, na? Ek akela aadmi terrace pe baith sabki band baja dalta hai. Terrorist log bhi kaise hote hai na? Aur apni police ko dekho, dum hi nahi hai saalon mein.” That one little conversation was so perfectly timed. Him talking about a movie and how lame the Mumbai cops are- all of it while we were passing Regal cinema and the Police Headquarters. Also, what he said wasn’t entirely wrong either.

Finally, after knowing a little more about his background and discussing the movie and of course, chasing all the traffic, I managed to reach my destination. While at my aunts, what I particularly enjoyed the most was sitting by the balcony, sipping on a cup of hot coffee and simply letting the breeze kiss my cheeks. Our endless talks involved tons of gossip, giggles and girlie chats.

By the time I left from there, I was convinced that a well spent morning and afternoon certainly did call for a lovely evening. And I was right. Visiting Café Mondegar was next. When they say two’s company, they’re absolutely right. Two of us, a pitcher of beer, beef chilly, great songs being played on the jukebox accompanied by some stupid, some funny and some lovely conversations- all of it equaled to perfection, at least to me. Of course, the evening then proceeded into a fun night with a lot more people and a different location.

When I returned home later in the night, I came back with mixed feelings. I was satisfied, happy, little high; but somewhere amidst it all, I was still looking for something, waiting for something, longing for something!

Rain, rain come again!

I just realised that I haven’t updated my blog in a while. Never mind! I guess I was busy, lazy or just not in the mood. So, I’ve got to writing again. But while I’m doing this, all I can think about is a good topic to write on. But then, who needs a topic? I can just write on whatever comes to my mind. Let’s just talk about this lovely weather- Aah! The rains!

Since day before, the climate has been beautiful. The unbearable heat has finally disappeared (thank god for that). The heavy rainfall seems to have changed everyone’s mood. Since the first heavy showers, whenever I checked my phone for updates, everyone’s BBM status had something related to the rains- whether it was a verse from a poem, a statement or even an emoticon- it all had something to do with the rains.

My idea of enjoying this kind of weather is sitting down with a glass of chilled beer/ rum, putting on some great music, calling over some friends (or going over to someone’s house) and having some great conversations. Also, some good food that can make you feel better. When you’re in a cosy environment and you have all the required elements for a perfect evening, you know you’re going to have a great time.

Life is all about these little moments. All these precious memories that are stored in your head and these mental notes that you make is when you realise how privileged you are to have it all. Of course, at one point I thought Rebecca Black ruined all weekends for me for the rest of my life, but then I was like, “Hey, wtf! I can always have just ‘fun’ instead of ‘fun, fun, fun’ and still be satisfied.”

Coming back to the main topic, this weekend has been splendid. Perfect weather, perfect company and perfect everything else. I couldn’t have asked for more. Sometimes such things make me forget all my problems and let go off all the stress. This weather is magical.