MY FIRST TIME IN THE MUMBAI LOCAL
My journey by train to my new workplace has just begun after a long hiatus. I haven’t traveled by train much before since bus was the most convenient mode of transport to Andheri. On the first day, after taking my pass I reached the Thane platform. I went searching for the first class compartment. I had heard all horrendous stories about the treatment meted out in the ladies first class compartment. I was anxious and hoping that things would be different for me at least on the first day of travel. As the train, chugged down the platform, the experienced lot was all set to barge in to the compartment. They looked like they were preparing themselves for a war. I somehow managed to squeeze in and secure a place to stand. As the train reached Mulund, I realized it was indeed a war. The never-ending stream of ladies were gushing as if there was no tomorrow. The small compartment was splitting at its end and this was just the second station. I was wondering what would happen next.

As the train passed by other stations, the crowd only increased. At Ghatkopar, I was relieved to find many people getting down. But my joy was short lived!! More than double the people who got out boarded the train. It was a total mess. Ladies were screaming and lunging at each other, holding on to each others dresses, hair and whatever they could lay their hands on. The people who were already seated acted snooty if anyone brushed against them. There were a few nice ones who offered their seats to others for sometime and some who didn’t even move an inch. Even pregnant ladies were made to stand while young college girls continued to be glued to their seats. My friends have told me that ladies in the second class are more considerate than the ones in the first class. I guess people here need more lessons in humanity.

At Dadar, the crowd eased out a bit. But it was time for me to move out as I was going to get down at Parel. There wasn’t much crowd near the door amd I heaved a sigh of relief. I got down at Parel and the train began to move. I turned back to look at the passing train and saw that all the compartments were spilling at their ends. I was amazed at the spirit of the people who were fighting with life and death to get to their workplace. I guess that’s life in MUMBAI!!!