The long V P Road was down under knee level water, hundreds of men women walking, rain continues, so the umbrellas are up, cars, auto, buses submerged, over excited youngsters screaming, jumping in the water was the scene as I began my return journey from Santacruz on one of the heavy rain days. After about a 45 minutes of tiring walk in the dark muddy water when I took turn towards Santacruz PS, walked a little ahead up to that four cross lane, suddenly a small lit board on left came into notice, says
“Bar Open’’. The word ‘’Open’’ gave me a sigh of relief. When rest were completely closed and roads looks deserted because of extreme rain fall. This ‘’Open’’ looked like a shelter. A lighthouse.

What’s the hurry dude? Mind asked. Trains stopped long back, roads water logged, relax here, have a drink and begin your journey again. I walked towards the entry and cross checked with the guy standing at the Gate, Bar Chalu ahey..? Guy nodded his head and replied.. Chalu ahey, to paani bharla. I replied.. Chalel.

The empty bar with water above my ankle, afar Bar man waiting for the only customer to place the order for a drink was a unique experience and I certainly did not want to miss that. Drink was served, and I had a hearty time watching the tv news. Media took out old stock of mumbai rain clips punched with the recent ones and exaggerated the worseness to next level.

This was one of the many varied remembrance of Mumbai rain. It was not so much fun to see my new car getting completely submerged and flowing away, thousands walking home through railway tracks holding each other’s hands, but still Mumbai rain is fun amidst several major inconvenience. It’s okay if roads are water logged for a day, Khar and Milan subway going under water years after years. But afar tall thrust of the wild sea on the boulders at Marine drive is a life time experience. Happens only in Mumbai.

After ten days of continuous rain Mumbai chose to give a pause today allowing sun to rise a little.

‘’Chal ab tu bhi thoda ugg le.’’ Kind of a treatment. ?

With this, surrounding looked so Indian again covering the Europe feel. Continuous dim weather, washed out city skyline at distance looked like a damp water colour painting.

In my long years of living in Mumbai, honestly I have enjoyed monsoon the most. It just pours and pours endlessly, as if it comes to wash out all evils.

Problem isn’t a problem if it is looked at differently. Makes life a really a pleasure.

utpalsheartzout #digitalillustartion #utpalbiswas #Mumbai #Mumbairain

Facebook post on 25th July 2021