Mumbaikar's triplet...

I have lived many years of my life in Mumbai. Yet, I cannot claim to have seen and experienced everything about it. It has so much more to offer. The excitement. The friendliness. The rush hour. You name it. Navigating the uncertainty in this great city. Adjusting to the dynamism of this bustling metro. Realizing those dreams which made someone come to this amazing place. In short, what makes the average guy in this city tick? Cannot speak for everyone. But, here are the three things that appeal to every Mumbaikar in one way or the other.

Local train. Would be really difficult to find one who has not traveled by trains. A vast majority of the citizens have their destiny intertwined to the "on time-ness" of the local trains. It would not be heretic to say that Thane local and Virar local are the lifelines of the city. Hanging from the trains and jostling with hundred of others simply to get in are experiences by themselves. The compartments are called first class and second class. Sort of a colonial hangover. But, today both of them are equally crowded. Only difference being ticket checkers exist in first class predominantly. How can one forget the "video coach"? It cannot be described. You have to travel by it to experience it. A lovely window that offers earnest guys a peek into the psyche of the fairer gender. Almost every other college guy wants to be in that one! Wait a minute, I think most of them travel regularly by one! Suffice to say, the window makes the whole trip via trains worthwhile for many. Next is the vada pav. A perennial favorite. Introduced to the western world as the "Mumbai Burger". Its fast. Its yummy. Vegetarian's delight. Basically, it is mashed potatoes with a dash of mustard, turmeric, chillies, coriander and onions. And the wonderful mix is sandwiched between two bread slices, locally called pav. Add some spicy garlic chutney and a "cutting chai". You have the most delicious source of energy available to every Mumbaikar. Last but not the least, it is the mango. Nothing helps beat the searing summer heat like the mango. So many types of mangos. But, the alphonso is the dearest. In May, the whole city is lit up by the yellow fruit. It would be rare to find anyone in the city who does not consider this fruit a favorite. The average aunty loves bargaining for the mango as much as eating it. The mango is what binds the rich and the poor. Whether living in the highest towers in South Mumbai or in the shanties of Dharavi, a smile curves up on the faces at the sight of the mango.

This triplet may not be as beautiful as the Pythagorean one. But, it sure does bring back memories. Aha ! A vada pav, a glass of fresh mango juice and the afternoon Thane local...