I live in a megapolis.

Born here. Raised here. Love it, proud of it, wouldn’t want anything else in life.

So, how do we stand out and make a mark?

That is the beauty of my Mumbai. I can decide to vanish amongst the crowds and become invisible, when I want. I could gain my own 15 seconds of fame. I could stand out on a daily basis and make a difference. I may shine once during a time of crisis when my presence in this Universe was needed.

I am free. I have choices.

Mumbaikars. We are a pretty damn pushy people. We don’t understand the meaning of “giving up.” We are proud, and hard working, and know perseverance. Don’t push us. We could get pushed into a corner, but you don’t want us cornered, the results are not pleasant. Beware!

All my life in this crazy city, I have seen so many facets, so many realities, so many contradictions, all living together in harmony. No judgements, no expectations; mastwal, uchchanda, bebhaan!

That was my experience on 31st December 2018. I was working, expecting to leave at 5 but got delayed at work till 7 PM. Yes, I had New Year’s eve plans and I didn’t plan to be late for them. But this megapolis is also known for its traffic. It would be a miracle to reach home by 9 PM, no matter what means of transport I chose.

I chose a rickshaw. Insane choice, but I had no energy for rickshaw-metro-train-rickshaw routine that evening. I just wanted to get into a vehicle outside office and step out in front of my building. Cabs were not available. I was lucky to get a rickshaw.

The Universe didn’t want me to have a bad day on this last day of year 2018. It sent me this rickshaw driver, who made sure my ride home was anything but mundane. He was like a map, knew the roads and by-roads and unknown roads like a map. He was talkative. He was crazy. He was ready to take a long distance ride to a place where no other rickshaw driver wanted to go. This guy truly loves his rickshaw and his fares.

None if us are “just another fare” for this guy. He makes sure he creates a unique experience for all of us. With his stories, anecdotes, his interactions with the weird, the drunk, the scared, the various faces and personalities which make the nerves and life blood of my city.

This guy has only one aim. He wants to makes sure you reach your destination, and reach it with a biiiiiiiiiiiiiig smile on your face. He will tell you all his stories to make you laugh. He made me laugh all the way home, he kept me informed and involved about which route we should take, he respected the fact that I too knew the roads. Not a single hint of male arrogance, condescension, bad language, or frustration towards traffic.

His plan for that night was simple. He had slept all day and started his business at night, knowing that a large part of the city would be busy partying and would need honest people like him to reach them home in good shape. He just wanted to enjoy the funny side of drunk Mumbai, not take advantage.

I reached home with a smile alright! And well before 10PM.

Wherever he is today and however his life has turned out in all these years, I hope he and his family stay blessed and safe.