It was the first time I came to Bombay from Bangalore. I was so eager to see what this city has for me I landed with Air India. I picked up my luggage and strolled down to taxi stand and asked "Sir, would you come to Andheri West."
"Kya bhai sahab?"
I forget, here people use Hindi as there first language.
"Andheri West?" I asked again.
"Sure."
He flipped the meter and drove directly to Andheri. We did not speak much because of the language barrier.
The fare reading read 193, I stepped out and handed him 200 bucks and started walking. After couple of steps I heard him calling me from back and handing me 7 rupees change. I was pleased to see that because Bangalore never gave me that. I said him thank you and pushed off.
I went inside my work place where I was suppose to go in the first place. I expected culture would be professional as I had in Bangalore 9 to 5 job and drive back home. But people over here were lively and fun loving. I am not saying Bangalore is boring I am inclining towards Bangalore being more sincere and over sophisticated.
It's rare for you to get accompanied by people on the very first day for lunch but these lively cross the bars. I read in the newspaper that Mumbaikars have Misal Pav and Vada Pav as there staple diet. I asked my colleague to show me the way and he accompanied me to the stall next to their building.
"Bhaiya 2 Vada Pav dena. Aek mera wala aur aek medium."
I could make out from there conversation that they knew each other from long time.
I ate that Vadapav and was trying to figure out what's different in this, but I failed I could not find why Mumbaikars had made it their staple diet. But I could see was satisfaction oh my colleague friend. There must be something inside it I might not be getting it but these love it.
"Mere account mein likh dena." he said
Jus like on Bangalore people pay off their tab at the end of the month. I never knew that this tab thing works with this small stalls.
"Arreey bhaiya aj hamara birthday hai aek aur khate jaie, hamari taraf sey."
I could not understood what he said in first attempt but my colleague translated in English and I was surprised by overwhelming nature of that guy.
We headed back to the office and on the way back to the cubicle I overheard the conversation between two people
Colleague 1-Whats your plan for weekend?
Colleague 2- Need to visit Sai Baba mandir.
I was amazed would it have been Bangalore reply would have been let's booze. I was really amazed by the culture by the people that different could be 600 kms be.
I searched for places to visit in Mumbai and I started list with Bandra- Worli sea link.
Such a beautiful site, Bangalore don't have sea so obviously I felt good to gaze at it.
What I found different in this city is I could see a family going in a single car. In Bangalore every working person has there own car.
I asked my cab driver to drop me at the hotel provided by the company. I saw the clock it ticked half past nine. It took me one more hour to cover 11km distance but it did not mattered because once you have faced Silkboad - Madivala traffic you became traffic tolerant in any other part of India.
When I finally reached hotel I saw a teenager about 16-18 years selling Pani- Puri. I went near him and asked for one plate, he served me with a smile. I asked him how much should I pay?, he replied "20₹". I cleared my due and picked up my bag.
"Sirji yelo Masala Puri"
An extra puri. I felt amazed.
"Ohh!"
I could not understand how I felt at that moment.
This city has given me lot more in one day.
Thank you!