I had relocated to my grandma's place last night and it felt like home. Everything from the way things smelled to the marble floors and doorbell were very reminiscent of all the good summers and holidays I have spent in this house. I loved finally having a bed to sleep on and my own space after spending nearly a month at Sonalis place. Grandma was very excited to see me, it was too cute!
Staying at grandma's place meant I would have to commute to work though. No more taking a taxi every morning and rolling out at 9am. It was time to take the Mumbai local to work. By now I was ready to take the local. Taxis would be too expensive from Santa Cruz to Lower Parel and I had to sit in traffic. In the mornings I would also have to be able to hail one since there aren’t that many in Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz is full of rickshaws that are not allowed in South Bombay.
I woke up at about 4am in the morning severely stressed about taking the train. People like my dad had unnecessarily stressed me out about the train. He likes to tell me that someone will numb my nose with a needle and then yank out my nose stud. Others joked I would not make it on the train itself due to the crowds.
Khar station was a 20 minute walk from grandma's place and a 6 minute car or rickshaw ride away. Since it was my first time, grandma arranged for Bhima to drive me to the station at 8am. I didn't realize he was also going to take me in and make sure I got on the train which was really nice. Bhima parked the car, showed me where to buy my ticket, and then waited with me as I looked out for my friend Tanvi. Tanvi was coming from Borivali so she was already on the train and would text me when her train was arriving. Bhima and I were both waiting at the woman's compartment and when Tanvi texted. I thought I was just going to get on and find her so I initially hopped on but definitely did not fit so I was hanging out the door. She called and said she was waiting for me down on the platform so I got off and walked to where I saw her waving at me from the other woman's compartment. On the trains there are three women's compartments. 1 at the front of the train and 2 in the middle. There is also a first class ladies compartment but that was equally as crowded so Tanvi said it is not worth it. Tanvi was an amazing guide. She showed me exactly where to stand to get in the train compartment and which trains I could get on and where they were going. Trains come every few minutes and let me tell you they are packed. Like I don't think they could even add any more trains they come so frequently. Tanvi showed me how you have to literally jump on the train as soon as it stops and move in towards the middle where people are seated. If you are lucky to get a seat everyone crowds around asking which station you are getting off at to claim your seat in advance. They don't play here.
To get off of the train if it's crowded like it is during rush hour, you have to make your way slowly to the door through the jam packed crowds. A lot of people loiter near the door so you have to continuously ask what station they are getting off at or they will just be in your way. Thankfully Tanvi did all the work for me today so I just had to go with her. From Khar station to Lower Parel it is about six stops and takes about 15 minutes. It is a very fast and efficient way to travel around the city and I was looking forward to having more freedom by taking the train.
In India it is festive season and the current festival is known as Navaratri. Each day there is a different color everyone wear and today's color was red. The sea of people today was all dressed in hues of red. I joked to Tanvi that I almost told her that I was wearing red so she would be able to find me until I realized that everyone was also wearing red! At the station where we got off there were several pandals celebrating the goddess Durga so Tanvi took me to see a couple. The main goddess who is honored during Navratri is Durga and she has 9 other incarnations that are also worshiped at this time. I love seeing the idols and admiring just how much care they take over their gods. The dress the idols up in so much gold too! I finally was able to see just how many thick gold chains she had wrapped around her neck.
On the dot at 6:30pm I finished work and Tanvi came back with me on the train. She warned that she was going to jump in the train and that I could follow after. I jumped in after her and somehow both got seats too! If you stand close enough to the door you really don’t need to make any effort as people will be sure to push you on and off of the train. It is insane how much pushing and shoving happens within the few seconds the train stops at the station. Overall, I had a good first Mumbai local experience. It was a lot of fun and definitely an experience like no other. I have never had to deal with such crowds before. I am sure the novelty and fun of it all will soon wear off but for my first couple times it has been fun. I can now say I am a true Mumbaikar.
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