The city that doesn't judge
Hope, dreams, ambitions, sins, struggle and grit – words that make up the life of city dwellers, in any city of this country. Was Mumbai any different? Or is it harder there than any other city because it became bigger much earlier than the others?
A few months back, I went to visit a friend who lives there.
In a society that constantly judges and broods over your choices, Mumbai was a welcome break; for it carries with it the self-absorbed, nonchalant attitude. Live and let live, isn’t it?
It was a Saturday night that screamed for an experience of the party life in Mumbai.
They say – don’t judge a book by it’s cover. For Mumbai, I think it should be don’t judge the interiors of a club or a pub by it’s exteriors – even if it is located in a posh space in the city. What’s inside is far more appealing than what’s on the outside. Valet parking and big spaces in front don’t add to the charm of the place – the energy, the spirit to enjoy and sophistication all come together to make up the experience. Maybe you get used to the long queues outside clubs or local trains. Maybe you get used to not being part of an affluent or well-connected background but when you walk in to that setting – you are equal, like others, with hopes, dreams, ambitions, your inner battles and temptations.
You catch the sun-set at a beach, a quick getaway from the city. You check-in at a resort on the beach and decide to wear a one-piece before jumping in into the swimming pool. But hey, who’s looking?
A single mother enjoying in the pool with her son, an elderly couple clinging onto each other while swimming, couples with kids, couples in love, non-swimmers, singles –but, hey who is judging?
A fine evening catching up with friends at a pub where the waiters are deaf and dumb. And even if you did not know that for a fact, you would do just fine. Drowned out by the loud music, you only need sign language to communicate your happiness. And this famous dish Chicken 65 whose definition differs from region to region in our country does have a distinct definition here. So different and distinct, the other chicken 65s lose their taste in comparison.
The city lacks space, so did this cosy pub. But has that ever stopped anyone from dancing in the space available next to their tables? The manager of a private company, out with his team mates, letting his hair down, the couple in love, the group of all ladies having an after work drink, the PG roommates, old friends – all soaking in the spirit of fun.
As the night draws to a close, the drunk happy manager is hugging the waiters before heading out. Perhaps he will catch the last local to his home, ready to embrace the life that awaits him. Tomorrow will be yet another day at work, with happy memories (or perhaps embarrassing) of the night lingering whenever he thinks about how he let his hair down the previous night.
Tomorrow will be another day in the city, self-absorbed, nonchalant and hopeful.