YE HAI MUMBAI MERI JAAN

My experience to mumbai's local train was very interesting. I got da chance to tarvel by local train a couple of times. That too coz i wanted to experience it. I hav heard that local trains are tha nerves of mumbai, and are great equalizers in this city. No matter what your status in society, there is always some place for you in the most crowded compartments. Mumbai locals doors don't close. So people just hang out. It also provides an interesting way to commute during the monsoon seasons.

Now my experience...Aaaah!!!! Mazedaar, i must say...My first few journies were o.k. but my last journey was from andheri to CST, i think it was during night and was tha last local, and O my god!!! what an experience....I went in to ladies comp. I thought it can be easy in ladies comp., but it was more crowded. Most of them were working ladies and were going back to their homes. They were fully loaded with make-up and very chilled inspite of the bustling crowd. some gals were listening to music on their earphones..some were buying veg. and chopping them in train itself. there were diff. types of vendors who were selling churee(bangles), snax, veg., cosmetics etc. And i was amazed to see how enthusiasticly ladies were doing purchasing and enjoying talking with each other, Though i could only listen to horrible noise of train. As the train reached to CST station, there was already a huge crowd waiting outside, and someone told me that as train is on the verge of stopping just jump over the crowd otherwise u will not be able to go out. Because the outside crowd will push u again inside train. And i know how i got down that day from train. After that i took oath that i will never travel in local train. Anyways i believe that one should experience everything in life, and believe me this was an unforgetteble experience.

Some more interesting facts about the local trains is that there are separate compartments reserved for women. But woman crowd is not less either. Mumbai is probably the safest city in India for women. However, it is still not safe for women to travel in a crowded local train with men. Groping is to be expected so watch out if you are in a crowded compartment. If u have less time, try using the local trains otherwise u can be caught in traffic jams in mumbai which is very usual. Buy 1st class tickets and board where the train line starts. It is the fastest way to travel in Mumbai. The tickets are affordable and the frequency of the trains is pretty high.

Mumbai Local

The smell

The sound

The feel

Moisture laden air

Static electric skin

Goosebumps

Senses heightened

In anticipation of what's to come

World racing past

trees, mountains, creeks,

all had wings

'Are you cold ?'

A voice from another world,

Eyes forced open

Skin drenched

Soaking nectar

'I am fine!'

Eyes closed again

Thunderstorms

And rains

Wild rains

Lashing rains

Shiver

Longing to be held

Hands growing clammy

Face growing warm

Skin tingling

That voice again

'Are you okay?'

Heart screaming

'Shutup and hold me'

Voice instead

'I am fine !!!'

Gaze fixed

Dazed with longing

As clouds retreat

Rain eases

Gently taunting, mocking

Thunder bellows

One last time

Distant voices

Friendly gossip

Sweet oblivion

That voice again

'Our Stop'

Damn,

Hate you Rainbow !!