From Pav Bhaji to Lifelong Friends: My Mumbai Story

I first came to this city three decades back as a young girl out of school, with a heart full of dreams and a mind ready to explore. Mumbai wasn't just a place; it was the backdrop to my most formative years. It was in this city that I attended college, and it was there that I found my true calling. The spirit of Mumbai—a mix of relentless ambition and a deep sense of community—shaped me into the person I am today. And though I've moved out of this city, it will always remain my most favorite city.

This recent trip was a homecoming in every sense of the word. My sister Bindu and son Shashank are my lifelines in Mumbai, and the bond we share is beyond words. We spent our time talking, laughing, and eating our way through the city. Our conversations were the main event, covering everything from our plans for the future to family matters and our health. It felt so good to connect on such a deep and meaningful level.

The street food, oh, the street food! My palate, which had been craving it for so long, was finally satisfied. My most favourite buttery pav bhaji, not to miss spicy misal pav, the tangy-sweet crunch of dabeli, and, of course, the quintessential vada pav. Each bite was a reminder of why I love this city's culinary scene so much.

Stepping back into Gokuldham High School & Junior College, my very first workplace, felt like walking into a flood of emotions.The school building itself felt like a living archive, with every brick and hallway holding a memory.

The trip was also a pilgrimage back to the school that paved my path. It was an emotional reunion with the mentors who believed in me, the colleagues who supported me, and the students who taught me so much. Seeing Raina ma'am, Jaimeera, and Meera ma'am welcome me with open arms felt like coming home. Their warmth and encouragement have always been a constant in my life, and this visit was a beautiful reminder of their unwavering support.

Then came the friends who are family. It was a whirlwind of catching up with Bala, Swati, and Komal who are part of the Inseparable Six friends spread across the globe.We talked for hours and even started planning our 30th-year reunion for 2026—a testament to how some friendships truly withstand the test of time.

My Mumbai trip wouldn't have been complete without my soulmates, Shaila and Vani. Our friendship is built on absolute trust—there’s nothing under the sun we can't share. Through thick and thin, we have always stood by each other, and their presence makes any visit to the city feel truly complete.

Meeting Roma, my beautiful friend , was a moment I had been looking forward to. She dropped everything just to be with me. Our reunion was effortless; we had so much to talk about, and our conversation flowed as if no time had passed at all. Decades have passed since our friendship began, but it remains so fresh and new—a true testament to a bond that defies both time and distance.

Another highlight of my trip was a gathering of retired and former colleagues. People came from near and far just to reminisce about our time together. We shared stories and laughed about our shared experiences, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the bonds we forged. It was a beautiful testament to the impact we had on each other's lives.

Mumbai may seem like a concrete jungle with its constant traffic, but it's a city with a heart. The structural changes and modernization of the city are awe-inspiring, but it's the emotional connection that truly pulls you in. Family and friends are forever, and this trip was a good reminder of that. I returned home with a heart full of love and a renewed belief in the Magic of Gratitude. 

Until next time, Mumbai.