I remember, when I was around 6, like most of the people I had a great fascination with Mumbai.

"The city of dreams", as usually depicted in most of the Bollywood movies. I often thought that once I grow up, I will live and work there only. Mind you when I decided that I have never even been to the city. But well don't we all know that glam and spark of Mumbai?

After a few years, I got to visit the city for the very first time. To my 8-years wide-eyed self the city was marvellous, even better than what they showed in the movies- the tall buildings, amazing beaches, locals, the cold breeze and facilities that were only available in Mumbai at that time charmed me.

The second time I visited the city again, was when I was a teenager- and in mid-summer. It was around the time I literally started hating everyone and everything. The experience I had this time with the city, needless to say, was totally the opposite. Also, with an almost changed personality, I was forced to go see sightseeing. So this time, I noticed the heat, humidity, rush in locals, too much population, people running endlessly, power cuts and pollution so even with nice sights to see I was repealed. I hated the lifestyle people had, even the luxury always running and rushing, getting stuffed in locals - it seemed like they had no life.

There was one thought I had in my mind

"What good is city of dreams, if it won't let people live?"

Now that I am a so-called adult, and visiting this city after good 10 years. The first thought I had that might slightly offend some people was, "Mumbai is getting old."

The thought I think was mainly because, all the bling: the tall buildings, malls and facilities are not anymore limited to Mumbai only.

With a bit mellowed down a bit from my everything is trash phase. I noticed people this time, the diversity: in their way of talking, language, color, cast, religion, nature, and much much more.

I met the rude auto wala, who I wished to punch in face but I also met the auto wale kaka who was kind enough to take us to our stop when everyone else said no.

I met a total sweetheart vadapav kaku, and so many of people who didn't stop to chit-chat but had a beautiful smile and nodded in acknowledgement when they passed us.

As an adult myself I could seriously feel and understand that rush and hardwork they all were putting in irrespective of who they were. And I remembered that quote

"Dreams aren't the one's you see while sleeping but are those that do not let you sleep."

I still wouldn't say that I am all in love with the rush of Mumbai, but with a little more experience, I simply have come to an understanding for the city of dreams.

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