My Travel Dairy: November 2008

Its Nov 26th.
I recieved a call from my sports instructor to report at the ground. Well... I said to myself... what if I could miss this... Is there anyway??
Finally I reached the ground... there were bags and water bottles, but no sight of them. I glanced through all over, where could I find running people... but no sight...
This has been a great chance to escape... a thought purged into my mind...
Finally I could'nt take up standing alone there, informed few people sitting nearby... spectators who usualy are there viewing all activities. Inform them about me, when these people return... "I was actually here"
Both nodded
"Good".....as if I had been courteous to them for being here on time :-)
Entering home I was on top of my voice..." hey I am free.. lets go out!!"
Excited everyone was ready in minutes... by auto then by local train... man we are here in Mumbai malls, foodies... so fun so good...
We shopped, shopped and shopped till our hands said, can't carry anymore bags!
The 'CENTRAL' was a big place to be in. The dinner too had been awesome... what else we need for a perfect day to have... I was telling myself.
There was one person in my group who was criticizing me that I made him missed his cricket match... and here & there I had been pinching him saying whats fun is there to watch one sided games...
"C'mon forget it & enjoy...please...." my 'please' was having a pleading tone.
Mumbai is a place where no one can be deprived of fun and excitement. I had always visualized it to be a beautiful city to be lived in and work.
About the worst fact about Mumbai is that it takes away a lot from you before giving a lot to you!! My philosophy ended when this note came in.
"Lets go home atleast let me see the ending of the match... it must be in final overs!"
"ok.. we are going.."
Its 9.17 local train and 9.45 pm home. We switched the TV & watched the matched... oh! wow so coolly these men in blue have won.... I can bet now this series will be wrap with 7-0..... India making wonders really... this will be a dream coming true series 7-0 ..I was quick to put my expert views.... but had to cut short when...
"hunnn.... lets see what happens, who knows what tomorrow holds"
"okay... I am damn tired & need sleep"... I headed straight to my couch.

Nov 27th 8.00am
I am way to my office.
Lift opens with few children & men. All quite. Then one spoke.... "Ball le aana, niche khelenge"
I wondered why this children have no school today. One of them said "Aj chotti de di gayi"
"De di gayi"????.... I was wondering... or did I hear it wrong.
8.15am
I am at the security check North Gate. It looks no normal check.
"Why is it so tight security....? Who is coming today... I mean VIPP?" in a mischief way I smiled to the officer.
It usually happens here that when the VIPP is coming you get to go through such damn security checks which takes your precious energy and mood. They makes you feel so vulnarable... I hate it.... I hate it.... sach mai... :-)
But prompt came the reply from the security personnel...
"Mumbai sieged...Have'nt you seen 100 people died & the terrorist are on run"
Oh! my God, where should I take this head to hide... I felt so sick learning that....
"Sorry! I have'nt watched the news..."
How could I have learn't... I am a fan of CNBC.... with the market's meltdown... I don't go through them too!!
At office I hurriedly open few websites to get the latest... called home to tell them to switch on TV and dare no one goes out. Then my phone started ringing with calls from lovable and concerned people all over the globe... Is everything ok with you??

"Oh GOD! I JUST MISSED A DATE WITH TERROR... MAN WE JUST RETURNED AT QUATER TO 10 HOME FROM THERE & ALL THIS HAPPENED AT 10"....
I had to inform all of them...

I hated to see the beautiful TAJ Palace burning... where I have taken so many of my picture opposite it...
I hated to see the brave police personnels dying....
I hated to see the people, hotel staff, tourist and foriegn delegates dying...injuring....running....
I hated to see the all innocent people being the victim of this heinous terror act...

This beautiful Mumbai... where I live and work... has been torn to peices... the hearts broken... the dream slashed.... the spirit to bounce back gone....
I am sad... I am ashammed.... I feel terrible as if I have been attacked!
I feel so helpless....... :-(