MUMBAI MORNINGS AND SUBTLETIES

MUMBAI

Mumbai Mornings:

I guess I should get used to this city, it's insane population, the overcrowded trains. I've always heard Mumbai was the city of dreams to many artists, their dreams get fulfilled at the cost of sacrificing their luxuries. But I have not come to Mumbai, to become an artist or anywhere near the theatre arts. I had to choose my own path and be selfish. Two and half years and then I'll be out of this country forever, severing the ties I had here. After 20 years of simply being the scapegoat for parents' wrath and not so funny jokes of cousins and peers, I decided to come out of Chennai, although I really didn't wish to. I couldn't stand another second of being in that toxic environment. I'll come to that story later on. Luckily some of mom's colleagues were really close to me, and one such human was Catherine Aunty. She was my mother's classmate and she is really the kind of person who I can rely on. If I wished, I could stay at her place with her daughter Jane, but they stay far away from the place of work- Lonavala. She helped me in getting an apartment nearer to BNM college, however it was in the posh area of Bandra. And the rent is twice or maybe three times than that of what my parents earn. I could've stayed in Andheri or Ram Nagar, but I didn't wish to. After scrutinizing the apartments, I found something that was in my budget. "Lily Cove Apartments". 9 floors, 4 houses per floor and 2BHK. I couldn't stay alone all by myself, it was a strict instruction to rent an apartment with someone I know. I've only started going to college last week. All the non-Mumbaikars, have been staying at their guardian's place or have made the necessary arrangements. And after 3 years in hostel, I am not going back there. I want to do something on my own. However, it involves a little bit of Marathi-something I really don't know how to talk, bargaining- recapturing all the bargaining skills of my grandmother, and a part time job if possible, to adjust to the financial constraints. Aunt Cathy was the negotiator, she kind of made me understand and helped me with the movement. However, when I asked about the potential roommate, I was going to share my room with, turns out that person was a Delhiite and came to Mumbai to become a movie star. Wow, a Joey-Chandler scenario. Yes, that's right. If there's anything I'm so confident about is the sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S and some bookshops. Chandler, Monica, Rachel, Ross, Joey, Phoebe were with me more than my own real life friends. I hope I get to have a good bonding with her. The house owner also said, she rarely stays in Mumbai and she often goes out of cities and countries. Must be someone successful. Landlord hasn't given much details, and two days from now, I'll be in this apartment. Nishika Rajan- you've crossed level 1.

TWO DAYS LATER:

The house was such a vibrant and all aesthetically pleasing. This person must be really into art stuffs and I see a lot of wall paintings, I did realize that I have another bedroom, finally a bedroom where I can be myself, dance, sing, yell, and paint and no one to disturb. You'll eventually understand my emotion if you're a single child and has always shared your room with your mom and your hostel friends. I get to have something I really needed all these years- PRIVACY. And my room has a huge window through which I can see the whole Mumbai and I really loved the view from there. I still have a lot of things to unpack. Aunt Cathy and Jane asked for assistance, I didn't want them to come and stress themselves. Jane just returned from her 12-day tour to NASA and I want her to relax. This looks just like house I dreamt of having when I get a job. I hear some footsteps, I thought that was the roommate- the potential Joey/Chandler. I pretended to be busy so that she would start the conversation and to my horrifying brains, I didn't believe what I just saw.

"Come on! I need that role so badly, what else can I do? Can't I audition once again. Try to understand please."

It was a deep soothing voice and I assumed wow she must be a soft speaker, but I didn't look at them.

"alright, just update me if there's anything I can do. Okay." The call ends.

And I looked at her....im. it was a guy? I was confused with his presence at my place. He too looked at me and apologized.