To the wheels that run the 'City of Dreams'- The Mumbai Local

Picture credit: Ruel Rebello

To my 16-year-old self, the Mumbai Local was my route to freedom.

From missing numerous trains to heaving sighs of relief on finally entering one,

From saying “Please shift” to “Move it woman!”

From being asked to me asking fellow passengers, “First time hai kya train mein?”

From being a ‘First Class only’ snob to realizing that ‘Second class’ is just the same 

only with a pinch of vibrance.

From getting accustomed to the stench of Mithi at Mahim,

But still dreading the crowd upon hearing,‘Pudheel station: Dadar.’

From occupying space for two at an empty Mumbai Central,

To setting foot at Churchgate like it was my second home.

From rushed college mornings to mellow night journeys,

From brewing up conversations with strangers to mini reunions with friends.

To journeys where I’ve laughed till my stomach hurt,

& times when I’ve cried my eyes red.

To fights with decibels that overpowered my music,

& times of crisis, where I’ve seen women scavenge through their bags 

for water/biscuits/ chocolates to help a fainting passenger.

To all those Mumbai Bandhs & floods,

That didn’t hold true for any Mumbaikar

Because the trains were still running.

To these lockdown days, when the city has finally come to a standstill.

To the overburdened but dependable Mumbai Local

that has seen me journey from 16 to 22,

Savour your well-deserved rest, until we meet again.