When I first stepped into Bombay, the city of dreams, a wave of nervous excitement engulfed me. It was as though I was diving into a sea of endless possibilities, yet uncertain of where the tide might take me. I had lived away from home before—in Panchkula, Haryana, during my master’s—but this time, something felt different. Perhaps it was the sheer magnetism of Bombay, the ever-bustling Mayanagari, with its promises and mysteries.
The first thing that hit me was the chaos. The crowds, the restlessness, the sea of people constantly moving, like a stream that never stops flowing. Yet amidst this frenzy, there was kindness—strangers willing to guide and help. Despite this, the unsettling thought lingered: Kya hoga aage? Especially when you don’t have a roof of your own, that uncertainty looms large.
For six days, I stayed in my office. It was not just a workplace; it became my temporary haven.
Those days turned out to be special in their own way. Between hunting for places and juggling office work, it was exhausting, but my colleagues were a blessing, lending their support when I needed it most. After much struggle and countless house visits, I finally found my place—a small flat close to the office. My very first home in Bombay!
Now, I had a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food to sustain me. Well, food was a bit of a challenge—cooking isn’t exactly my forte. But hey, I’m managing somehow!
First Glimpses Of This Unique World
When I joined my workplace, I was introduced to a world I had never experienced before. For the first time, I met visually impaired individuals who were not just navigating life but excelling in it. They were my colleagues, and their resilience left me awestruck. Watching them walk confidently around the office and work with such dedication was inspiring. For the first two weeks, I couldn’t help but observe them—how they adapted, how they thrived.
The office vibe was heartwarming. Everyone was so welcoming, accepting you as you are, flaws and all. It was like stepping into a space where judgment didn’t exist. Soon, I was part of two incredible events—Ganpati celebrations and Garba nights—each an experience filled with learning, laughter, and love.
Small Steps Toward Big Dreams
One of the most impactful parts of my journey has been participating in our outreach programs. We’re covering schools across Maharashtra for visually impaired children, providing them with accessible maps and mobile phones loaded with an app containing 950+ recorded books. This initiative ensures that education is not a privilege but a right for all.
Visiting these schools in remote areas was eye-opening. At first, I found the children’s excitement overwhelming—they clung to us with such enthusiasm that I felt uncomfortable. But as I spent more time with them, I began to see their innocence and genuine joy, and my heart softened.
A Crash Course In Mumbai Survival
If you’ve lived in Bombay, you know that the local trains are a world of their own. My introduction to this iconic system was, well, let’s say, unique. On my very first ride, I accidentally boarded the wrong train. When it started heading in the opposite direction, I thought it might be switching tracks. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t. After a quick SOS to my project manager, Utkarsh, I learned that I was completely off course. Lesson learned: Always double-check your train route!
One memorable journey involved meeting two strangers, Sonali ji and *Surjeet Kaur, on the train. Sonali, a lively woman with a penchant for tobacco, shared her struggles of trying (and failing) to quit the habit. She even joked about leaving her kids behind, but never her beloved tobacco. Surjeet Kaur, a stranger to Sonali, gently tried to counsel her, emphasizing health above all else. Watching these two women bond over a candid conversation reminded me of the saying: “Aurat hi aurat ki sabse badi dost hoti hai, dushman nahi”
The Little Moments
Not all interactions in Mumbai are constantly only profound—some are just pure fun. One day, on a local train, I met a little girl, and we started playing Stone, Paper, Scissors. Her laughter was infectious, and in that moment, all my worries melted away. And then, there are the very famous cats of Bombay. No matter where you go, these furry creatures pop up everywhere—on rooftops, in alleyways, even lounging near street food stalls. It’s almost as if they’re the unofficial mascots of the city.
Finding My Footing
As days turned into weeks, I began to feel more at home. The initial fear and anxiety started fading, replaced by a sense of belonging. This city, with all its chaos and charm, was no longer a stranger. Bombay has taught me a lot in a short span—resilience, acceptance, and the beauty of human connection. From colleagues who inspire me to strangers who leave a lasting impression, every encounter has added a layer to my story.
As I wrap up these early chapters of my Bombay diaries, one thing is clear: this city doesn’t just give you dreams; it gives you the courage to chase them. And somewhere along the way, it becomes your own. Once you start living in Bombay. You will get addicted to it.
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