Sequel to previous post:

7:21 AM:
As we see the arriving train from a distance, people start moving around, adjusting to their positions. Bags and purses are fastened, and dupattas are tucked in. I always take the third first class compartment (video coach) and pretty accustomed to all the regulars there. As the first two I class dabbas pass you get to hear some comments – that the train is full, or empty. Funny how things are seen in binary: if the doors sparsely occupied, the train is empty, else its packed. Local trains in Mumbai run typically at 140%-210% of their rated capacity and stop for 10-12 seconds, so no matter how able bodied you are, you cannot get in unless you are habituated.
With huge efforts, the entire platform filled with people is sucked in the train, and we depart. There is enough space inside to rest your foot. If you are lucky, you can stand comfortably on both feet. If you are blessed more, you can read a book, or a newspaper folded in a style particular to Mumbai.

7:33 AM:
Thane station. Disgrunted protests by people in the compartments about Thaneites boarding “our” trains, when they have got exclusive trains for them. But resultant, there is better space, and reading is comfortable.

7:54 AM:
Kurla Station. My destination arrives, and about 20% of the commuters are emptied here. While you manage to squeeze out, eager to breathe in the open, your clothes and your hair are in a mess. You start ascending over the foot overbridges while trying to comb your hair and get your appearance neat.

7:56 AM:
My bus is standing at the bus stop! 313 Kurla Station West to Santacruz Station East. The smiling conductor greets the regulars and hands out the ticket before I pay him four rupees. Back to reading the book, usually bookmarked by the ticket I just bought.

8:10 AM:
“IN” time recorded by my office computer. No fun until tomorrow!

¶ Blogged by Priyank Thatte | Tags: Mumbai

Typical scene, daily-

6:55 AM:
‘Oh God, I’m late again’, I say, barely managing a shabby shave, washing the brush and engaging the razor back in place. I rush to the kitchen and greet mom ‘Good Morning’. My sister is peacefully busy doing her favorite activity- looking at the mirror. I try to find something to say and annoy her, which she gracefully ignores. Mom is again unhappy at me for running around the house ‘making a mess every morning’. I pour a glass of milk and gulp it down my throat in an instant. In no time I rush to my room, take a quick shower and come out smelling clean and fresh. With liberal amount of deo sprayed I go back to the kitchen, knocking something on the way.

7:05 AM: Time is running too fast
‘Clutt, clop clop, zeezzz’, and there was my omlette ready to be served with plenty of sauce, pepper and salt. I love my breakfast.

7:15 AM: damn!
Ready in my formals I’m about to dash off when I see mom packing my lunch. I snatch it, apologise for being late and promising her not to be late again. It’s not raining, thank God.

7:20 AM: somebody stop the time…
I take the auto to the station and toss him a 5 rupee coin. How nice the railway station looks- brimming with commuters going for offices and colleges. I walk to platform #5 and pray that I didn’t miss my 7:21 Kalyan fast. As I gear up for the next challenge and blurt a ‘Good Morning/Namaskar’ to other regulars, the train is announced

Rest of the story in my next post.

¶ Blogged by Priyank Thatte | Tags: Mumbai

Video Coach: (n); Gents First class compartment attached to the Ladies First class compartment and separated by low partition in the suburban local trains of Mumbai. The number of these coaches maybe two or three, depending on size of the local.

Typical Characteristics:
- It is the hottest place in the train
- You stay in touch with the latest fashion
- Your source of entertainment- gossip, fights, arguments etc.
- I have heard stories of people falling in love and getting married
- Regardless of which direction the train is moving, guys are always facing only in one direction.

I wouldnt be surprised if ‘outsiders’ do not understand what I just described, but a Mumbaikar will surely nod!

PS: Difficuilt to concentrate when travelling in Video coach

¶ Blogged by Priyank Thatte | Tags: Mumbai