Suburbia

Righto. So where was I? Oh yeah, trying to survive the vicissitudes of Mumbai's suburban life.

If there is one thing I can't get my mind around is why there are so many stray dogs in these parts and why, hell why, do they insist on howling in unison through the night.

And what is the matter with these women who absolutely must do their groceries in their night gowns!

Also, did you know that the domestic help in these parts think they can go AWOL and still expect a full month's salary? I'll make them talk to the shriveling  hand that is now scarred because of strong detergent.

And I so miss the lovely Hanging Gardens at Malabar Hill and the beautiful Priyadarshini Park at Nepeansea Road that do not ask for an entry fee.
We have to bribe the vendor for a new pipeline connection for gas and the energy baron that shall not be named wants a Rs 5,500 as deposit.

Unfortunately, there's no BEST in these parts that only requires Rs 500 as deposit. The rest I guess is paid in trust.

It seems like the change required is not just in address. This will need a shift in culture as well. The beginning doesn't feel very promising. But the thought of etching a new life here is consoling.    

So long, SoBo *sniff*

It's been a while since I updated this space. And for good reason too. I have been in mourning.


The loss is of so many things. And it all started with the change of my postal address. The zip code that was once '7' for more than 32 years is now a '52'. My neighbourhood that was once South Bombay has now moved northwards to the suburbs.


Many would view this as a good thing. More restaurants, more places to hang out in the nights, more people, and cheap autos, they say. The 'burbs never sleep, they say, and South Bombay is dead. What's your problem, they ask.


I'd tell them but they'd never understand. The quiet little lane that I lived in had everything but the above. And that's what made it so endearing. No autos! Fewer cars on the roads after 8pm, not many night spots with no late-night brawls breaking out. And you know what else? Footpaths!


But more than anything, the suburbs are like glitzy malls with glossy glass cover. South Bombay has character. And you know what else? It has my childhood.