Today’s rain reminded me of Mumbai. A city I first met as a newlywed…

Many years ago, I arrived in this city – as a young bride, carrying joy, anxiety, hope, and a heart full of excitement. And in some strange way, Mumbai felt just like me. A city with glitz, chaos, charm, and struggle all rolled into one.

From living with parents to now only connected to them via phone calls to new friendships, from buying stuff for home to vegetables to learning how to navigate local trains – life in Mumbai mirrored my own journey of growing up.

When I couldn’t go home for almost a year, I shed tears missing home… and Mumbai cried with me, for 21 straight days…. Its rain felt like a quiet companion, holding space for my emotions.

Here I learned how to make Modak and make prasad for everyone as few homes each day would commit to Prasad making for the entire society, played my first dandiya within the society campus, and experienced Ganpati aartis with complete strangers who felt like family.
In every lane and every celebration, Mumbai reminded me why it’s called the melting pot of cultures.

Every time I travel to this city, I’m reminded of how I’ve grown – from a newlywed to a woman with a family. And just like me, the city has grown too. Yet, both of us still hold on to a few things from the past… forever.

When I leave for office, I pass by a small space under a tree, 3–4 people sitting there, chatting animatedly, as if the rest of the world doesn’t exist.

A scrap dealer in his 2×2 shop sips tea, completely lost in his own world.

A few kids play near the road, but instinctively know when not to run after the ball onto the street.

A didi, who have grown from a young woman to middle-aged, still serves food in an office building and always finds time to serve me too with lot of love, even though I come only for a few days.

Even today, no matter the hour, I walk without fear.
The gaze of people here has always been respectful.
No one’s overly interested in what you’re doing.
But ask for help, and it comes from all corners.

Maybe that’s why, despite its chaos, I still love this city.
Thank you, Mumbai, for making me feel like I’m coming home every time.