Mumbai recently went through a very tough situation when the biggest landmarks and tourist hubs of the city were mercilessly attacked by terrorists. Cops, foreigners, locals, men, women, children…everyone suffered. Thousands watched the TV as shocks after shocks were delivered to the supposedly safe haven of the city. And now that the whole episode is over, its time for the blame game to start.
But is that the only outcome? Everyone is furious at the way humans are being treated like cattle by these terrorists. We’re furious at the brilliant politicians who sat on their fat bottoms while the city limped its way back to life yet once again. When will it all stop? Will it ever stop?
Mumbai is home to millions of people…and that’s not an exaggeration. Once you’ve lived here, it will always be home. Home is where you go at the end of the day – the place you always want to return to no matter which corner of the world you are in. It’s the place where you feel safe and secure. And yet, today I no longer feel safe in this city. It will always be home – but am I being foolish by choosing to stay in a city that is being targeted as the hot-spot for terror? I’ve sat in front of the Taj heritage wing on numerous occasions and watched the beautiful people who come there in their shiny cars. We’ve gaped at the wonder of the Oberoi hotel and walked right in front of the place. I was in Café Leopold 3 nights before the shooting incident – I was sitting at the table near the entrance…facing the street. I shudder to think that it could have been me…it could have been then. It could be anyone…anytime…anywhere.
My heart grieves for the people who’ve lost in the battles that took place in this city of dreams. It also bleeds for the places that will never quite be the same again. Just like the twin towers are no longer a symbol of economy but of terror, Mumbai’s landmarks too are being revamped as the victims of tragedies. The Mumbai stock exchange is just as famous for the blasts as it is for the daily stocks struggle. Café Leopold, one of Mumbai’s oldest corner places, which was once famous as “Since 1871” will now be known as “the place where the 2008 attacks started”. The Oberoi and the Taj, famous for their celebrity clientele and the icons of South Mumbai will attract tourists for a different “terrific” reason now.
My father used to tell me stories of quaint little eateries and tiny shops in South Mumbai where you get the best possible stuff. He would swear by the authenticity and the value-for-money of these places. Today, I remember all the places that succumbed to the fight against terror and I wonder…will I have any stories to pass on to my kids? What will be the legacy I leave behind for them? I’ve heard tales of kids in Kashmir learning to fire a gun as soon as they can walk. Is that the fate of our kids too? Will they too have to “deal with it” they way we do? Instead of an inheritance of innocence and wonder, will they be left with an inheritance of terror?
