Mumbai

Mumbai, about a week ago, you were torn apart by bomb blasts…yet again. Being so far away, there is one fear I constantly live with….the fear of getting the news that something bad has happened to my near and dear ones back in India. That morning, my day had just started here in the US when I heard about the bomb blasts. My first thought was about the safety of my family in Mumbai…especially my father who travels back home from work around the time that the blasts occurred. So, my first call was to my parents’ home phone….it kept ringing…..nobody picked it up. Then I called my mother’s cell phone….she didn’t pick it up either. By now, my heart was racing and my mind was filled with a thousand unwanted thoughts. Then I called my father’s cell phone….who picked it up at the second ring. I heaved a sigh of relief as he informed me that they were fine…..he had reached home early, had stepped out for a walk with my mother and had just heard about the blasts himself. Then I called my sister whose family was also fine. My next call was to my sister-in-law to check on my husband’s family. They were all fine too and as I kept the phone down, my thoughts went to all those who were killed or injured in the blasts and their families. And even though I am miles and miles away, I experienced the same feelings that every Mumbaikar was experiencing at that time….of loss, sadness, frustration, disbelief and anger….Why was this happening over and over again? Why were innocent people just going about their daily lives being targeted? What could be done to prevent it? Who is answerable? We need justice and stricter laws…..More questions than answers….and the one sentiment angrily echoed by all Mumbaikars…ENOUGH ALREADY.

Years ago, I was travelling alone to Mumbai with my then 2 year old son who got very sick there. I took him to the nearest available doctor. After prescribing the medicines the conversation shifted to the fact that I lived abroad. And to my disbelief, the doctor proceeded to lecture me about the fact that I lived abroad. He told me how he himself had many opportunities to go abroad but chose to remain in Mumbai. He questioned my sentiments for Mumbai and asked me…what have you done for Mumbai?.....And that day, for once in my life, I chose to speak up and not stay quiet. I asked him…..Sir, you are asking me what I have done for Mumbai? I will choose not to answer that or explain anything to you. Instead sir, my question to you is…..What have you done?.....He was taken aback and that day, ended up apologizing to me. It was a sad moment for me…..to be judged by someone who really did not know me at all.

I was born and raised in Mumbai. So Mumbai, from the time I was born till the time I got married and moved to the US, you have taken care of me. And there is only one other such bond with whom I have ‘physically’ been with from my birth till my marriage…..my parents. And just as I love, care for, worry and remain deeply attached to my parents whether I stay with them or am far away……similarly Mumbai, I feel the same about you. Today, I may not be a part of your day-to-day happiness, sorrows, joys and worries….but Mumbai, if you are hurt and in pain……my tears will flow.

Signing off with Mumbai and its people on my mind and this quote by Eve Merriam

‘I dream of giving birth to a child who will ask, "Mother, what was war?’