A tear in my eye

I look out of my window, for that all familiar night view of my suburb. Lights making those skyscrapers look like tall matchboxes shining with glow-dents.The only difference between today and my home as always, is that the scant furniture that gave it that ultra-home feel is out. My luggage has moved out. The kitchen is empty but for some plastic bottles that I used to store water. And walls full of memories. Twenty-four months is not a long time...


With a tear in my eye, I moved the last of my belongings from that apartment. From a complete stranger who set foot in the mad city, got overwhelmed by it, hated it, and grew eventually to love it, I have grown many times over in Mumbai.

When I arrived, my neighbours had shut their doors on my face. When I left, I had the same neighbours open their doors to give me that all friendly smile and say those words I love - `visit us when you come to Mumbai' and a bunch of other friends who said their emotional byes. The city does weave its magic! I've moved bag and baggage from the city I grew to adore, rather reluctantly.

Two years back, it was the fear of the new that gnawed me away when I arrived Mumbai. Now, it is fear of the familiar doing exactly that with Chennai.

Very soon, I want to return to Mumbai. For many reasons. One of them, is that Mumbai made me a winner at a profound level.

When I left Mumbai, I no longer felt a migrant. I felt, at home. Mumbai, I salute you!