The Girgaon Chowpatty wore a deserted look thanks to the blazing heat of the afternoon. Few people who dared to brave the heat sat beneath the old palm trees near the beach drinking Coconut water. I sat down under such a palm tree to cool my heels for a moment. When I saw the map of Mumbai I realised I was a long way away from Malabar Hills. It was a numbing fact and I couldn’t command my legs anymore. But I got up and kept trudging forward.
I was walking past the renowned Wilson College. The outside of it was decorated with amazing poster and colourful tapestry. Right in front of it, there was a campaign conducted by an NGO. The slogan was eye-catching it read “Read India, Lead India.” Many school children assembled in the middle of Chowpatty celebrating the act of reading as many others joined them.
Taking a left I could see an empty bandstand. I was on my way to the Malabar Hills along the Walkeshwar Road. Once a natural hillock with many trees is now more of a concrete jungle with many high rising buildings. Reminiscence of the hill can be seen amidst the buildings. Ascending the Walkeshwar Road I entered a department store to buy some crisps and cold drinks for later. The serpentine road was taking me up ever so slowly, I was walking among the residential area which seemed to be an important looking colony. The plush looking houses, penthouses, elegant architectural wonders are all clustered over the hills in an optimal fashion that leaves you spellbound and awe-inspired.
I was knocking off the final few meters of the trail. I reached the center of the Malabar hills to find more elegant houses lined together. But I was left a bit heartbroken as I didn’t find a single tree to hoist my pack, have my lunch and eat some cake. I came back to the main street and the GPS pointed me to the Kamla Nehru Garden. I entered the garden and was instantly smitten by the fragrance a garden offers. ‘There is hope after all.’ I thought.
I found a cottage with a bench under its shade. I kept my pack on the bench and walked up to the railings to find the mesmerising view of the entire city of Mumbai settled around the shores of the Arabian Sea. The sea was spread across the horizon the waves that felt aggressive and full of vigor from Marine Drive now seemed to be mere ripples in a silent lake crashed by a throw of a stone.
The view was shrouded by many trees and the birds perched on the branches of the tree cooed, chirped and cawed. A cool breeze soothed down the afternoon heat as the day drifted towards the evening. I sat on the bench listening to the sounds that nature offered me as I was trying to find my words. Suddenly there was a deep roar. I was startled, Where did it come from? It was my belly as I hadn’t really eaten anything except for a few cakes.
I had my lunch in the park. I polished off the lunch my Mom gave me for the day. I took a stroll down the park and came out. I got on the bus to CST station as it was time to go home. The engine roared, leaving behind a cloud of dust in the air. Coming down the Walkeshwar road I could see the Sun setting behind the horizon leaving an orange tinge in the sky. It was 5:45 as I reached the CST station. I boarded the train and was contemplating the day. It was yet another day in Mumbai but for me it was different. With a light heart, I was looking out of the window as the train headed towards Thane.
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