Queen to a Nobody

My flight took off when the sun rose in the sky. We flew straight into the Arabian sea and then the pilot did a backflip to enter the mainland, leaving a gorgeous view of the Mumbai skyline. I could see the trans-harbour link, the tall office buildings in Lower Parel and the necklace view of the Marine Drive. My heart thumped painfully for a few seconds as I said goodbye to my beloved city. I am going to miss this city of dreams and I made a silent promise that I will be back to stay there permanently. Right now, I am off to Bangalore.

No, the heading is not a misnomer. I used to live in the Andheri area for about four years. From the roads to avoid due to everlasting construction to the best general stores that would deliver things at odd times, I knew it all. I loved how I knew all the shortcuts and there was a sense of familiarity. I knew where you could get your furniture re-upholstered and buy PVC fittings. I do not know what one does with a PVC fitting but I know where you could buy one. My friends would ask me random things such as the nearest Nature Basket, a nearby Thai food delivery restaurant, places to buy Bengali sweets or where to find auto-rickshaws. I was Zomato, Google, Uber, Justdial combined into one awesome being. It seemed like that I had tried all the food joints, pubs and bars and my commentary on the best places to try was endless. It felt home and I was the Queen of Andheri — the know-it-all Queen.

Now, I live in Whitefield Bangalore. Whitefield is like the Thane of Mumbai — an area in the outskirts and people living in the city would not even consider part of the city. Oh, how the mighty have fallen! Now, I am a nobody. I do not have a list of numbers on my fingertip for odd jobs. I have to search and ask for every small detail such as a place to buy fresh vegetables, the nearest mall or the laundromat. It makes me feel helpless and I feel like a stranger in this city. And, my husband has lived in this area for a couple of years. So, the tables have turned. And, my charming husband is duplicating my smug face when he used to ask for directions! To wipe his smirk, I have made a resolve to rise again and start adapting to the new city. Bangalore, here I come!!

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