The events, the worries and yet the spirit moved me to reflect on something I miss so much. I wanted to put it in words thru a quick blog for a change! Another view of the usual stuff though but nevertheless, felt like spending some time.As the heavens weep, Mumbai takes the tears just as the strength of its people.
The events made me spend sometime to reflect on some memories that taught so much. Here I am not showcasing a city, just reflecting on a spirit and attitude, that is universal, a spirit of the city that Respects all cities and Welcomes and Binds together people from all cities all over the country.
Aug 9. 2001, It was another rainy night. The night I had my last glimpse of the city from the plane through my wet eyes ( wet for a different reason though! :))The Spirit: I have been commuting since I was 10. Commute was not always a burden for me, it was life, an opportunity to see life through the people around, With travel being a daily routine you get to see so much in life and rather than your own individual life, you are a part of a complex system. Matter of choice, but you have an opportunity to make a difference if you want to….and there were people who did make you smile at times after a long day.
Everyone has a tough day but people stand calmly (most of them atleast!!!) for hours in the train in the crowded second class compartment and some are full of cheer..And yes, EVEN TODAY, there are some people who stand up halfway thru the journey to offer seat to the standees. 
Sometimes it was the sweet joys and sights that make you smile or even dream……. you may not even be a part of it but they bring a smile with the spirit that one day ….it cud be a part of your life too. Just like the science of the wonders of nature, the city life was a science in itself.
Memories: My earliest memories was of that school bus conductor who dropped me home in his bicycle as the traffic was heavy. There there was that autorickshaw driver who did not charge money to me that day saying, "i dont feel like charging kids going home from school". And then that bus conductor who asked me not to leave the bus and go out when it was stalled in the riots saying it was the safest place to be inside rather than on the street in that occasion.
I still remember the signboards on BEST buses after the fateful 92 riots saying Friday: Blasts rock 13 points in the city. Monday: 92% attendance in offices. Salaam Bombay.I am talking about just an attitude that I hope remains for times to come, not the problems that are well known. It is sad hearing that traffic discipline has worsened but talking of discipline, I remember the bus officer who in front of us reprimanded the driver for starting the bus 4 minutes late from the depot and one other BEST bus driver who started running on time early morning every day after we complained about the drivers negligence.
In essence: It was not just the tides at Marine drive or the rocks at Bandstand that was refreshing, it is the charm of that little food stall outside those 20 storeyed offices or the ones near ur college or at the railway station. They sell fresh, and u cud find one any time of the day.
-Vande Mataram
(Rain) Showers by Siddharth Nashiney 