Recently, I presided over a session of khud-ki-adalat* to assure myself that some new developments on personal front must be accepted on the face value and to let everyone have clear idea about it. Specially my super-dominant Mrs AlwaysDoubtful (MAD hence-forth) self. She does show up most of the times, un-invited and has a bone to pick with ever-glad Mrs YouLiveOnlyOnce (YOLO hence-forth)self. The interrogation session went somewhat like this.

MAD: Whats wrong with you these days?

YOLO: Oh… I believe the cupid’s arrow has struck me. Now the world around appears the best place to be!

MAD: Aren’t you nearing half century of age. I think the grey matter inside you is either drying or dying up fast and showing up on the crown.

YOLO: Love is ageless and eternal. 

(Spirit of this lady is so infectious that I always feel half my age in her company!)

MAD: Should I remind you that you are married for two decades and its a blissful matrimony so far. And you have so called, not just one but two angels… a ‘work-in-progress-adult’ and an about-to-be-teen’.

YOLO: A sticky wicket, is that what you mean? Dont worry. Its a winning pitch for my ‘ohana’**.

MAD: Do you think your long-standing partner will have no objection about it?

YOLO: Dont colour it as a scene from a sordid soap opera. Why would one need an NOC from anyone, including better half if one loves that someone earnestly, have grown fond of it and it’s not merely an infatuation? Its my personal space.

(Mrs YOLO sometimes surprises me by putting her feet down!)

MAD (with much sarcasm): Paint the town red! Proclaim your love, out in open…February is the month of expressing and spreading love. Whats stopping you?

YOLO (beaming with sun-shine): That’s what I intend to do here…trumpet my love.

I can see knitted lines on your forehead and eyes narrowing with suspicion. Before you think that there’s “A” rated content ahead let me divulge Mrs. YOLO’s recent crush, love, Valentine…

“AmachiMumbai”***

Dirty minds, what else were you expecting?

Needless to say “Khud-ki-adalat” has given the clean chit to Mrs YouOnlyLiveOnce, sending Mrs AlwaysDoubtful to her oubliette till she finds another bone to pick.

Landing at Mumbai four years back, as a wandering soul, I did not have an iota of inkling about my future affair with the city. It was just another city of adopted residence like a few earlier, across the globe. My affair with the city sprouted without me noticing it and matured gradually, just like fine blend whisky!

Like a mushy eyed lover, I love to call it Maximum City aka MaxC (in a sing song way MaaaaaxC) The trend of using “love”, “baby”, “darling”, “janoo” etc etc for one’s beloved got into main stream much later after I fell in love with my better half. And now if I start calling him so, I am sure he will turn his head in all directions to find out whom am I hollering at. Sigh… So grabbed this opportunity before my affair with MaaaaaxC turns antique.

What was that made my heart tick for MaaaaaxC? Blushing, blushing!

A lot, I must say. Maybe…

… its vibrant pulse

…its spirit that never dampens

…its incessant rains

…its frill like breezy sea shores and hood like rusty mountains

…its attitude of accommodating everyone seamlessly, in its folds

…the spread of food, right from road side eateries to designer food studios.

…it’s persona as the city of contrasts; Antilla to Dharavi.

…its eclectic mix of history and avant-grade; colonial era buildings to Worli Sea Link

…its ever-overflowing local trains or six sigma Dabbawala or Ganesh festival

…its versatility to find solution to every issue, challenge in jiffy (Simply stated “Jugad”)

…the complexity of its rich cultural make up, a melting pot

May be this and may be that…

Whatever it maybe, it simply grows on you, compels you subtly and one fine day, you wake up to realise that you are madly in love with it. Mrs YOLO was ‘happy to be victim’, ‘be struck down’ and thus went gaga over it. No secret then that I decided to tow Mrs YOLO.

Now, that I have proclaimed my love, let me share how I intend to live up to my beloved…

I’ve proposed (to self) to discover each and every nook of Mumbai. Call it fantasy date. May be a series of such would be needed!

I’ve promised to post about everything that makes MaaaaaxC ‘magnum opus’, on my blog. Cant send love letters to MaaaaaxC, its such a period piece. A new age love, new age mode of communication!

I’ve taken solemn oath to embrace everyday with buoyant spirit just like MaaaaaxC and go on without stopping ever till I RIP. I must rise to the stature of my love, isn’t it?

I’ve crossed my heart to kiss the worries bye (Mrs YOLO is a staunch supporter of this) as I have learnt from MaaaaaxC that every challenge could be overcome. Wish to think on the lines of MaaaaaxC and prove the adage, “Great minds think alike”.

In the sea of Mumbai admirers, lovers, I may remain ‘other’, ‘love sick’, ‘besotted’ soul. But who bothers???

For I love Mumbai. A shout out is a must. So here it goes..

“Dear Mumbai, with you its different

 


*Khud ki Adalat – Courtroom for self by self
**Ohana – As per Hawaiin culture, it means family as well as near and dear ones
***Aamachi – Our
This post is a part of the Valentine’s Day blog train hosted by www.prernawahi.com www.vartikasdiary.com, sponsored by Shilpsa,  Kalpavriksha farms & Neha from @bloggingmadeeasier 
For this post, I have integrated picture prompt “With you its different!”, phrase prompt “Fantasy Date” and title prompt “Great minds think alike”

64 Comments

Abhijit Ray · February 18, 2019 at 9:18 am

Good that people love their city. Without love, city withers like everything else.

    Anagha Yatin · February 18, 2019 at 9:46 am

    So true. City is city because of its people. Thanks for visiting Abhikit ji and sharing your thought.

Vani · February 18, 2019 at 1:44 pm

With amchi Mumbai it is definitely different!!! Loved reading your article..

    Anagha Yatin · February 18, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    Are you a Mumbai girl or a Mumbai fan Vani? Glad to connect with you. Thanks for visiting.

Sajid Akhter · February 18, 2019 at 7:15 pm

Well written post. Well I am a kolktata guy and I too love my city. I love the people and places, they are so full of warmth. No matter wherever I go, I feel a new lease of life once I am back to my city.

    Anagha Yatin · February 18, 2019 at 9:53 pm

    Kolkata is a warm place, I have learnt; not only in terms of the climate but in terms of the people and hospitality.
    Being a nomad, I always wonder how does it feel to come home. Good to know it from you.
    Thanks for visiting and sharing your thought.

hellopallavi13 · February 18, 2019 at 7:41 pm

Loved to know more about Mumbai..I have not seen Mumbai..your story gave me how it is ..
“Khud-ki-adalat” Mrs YouOnlyLiveOnce n MrsAlwaysDoubtful made it more vibrant,unique way to represent your thoughts..❤️

    Anagha Yatin · February 18, 2019 at 9:47 pm

    I am sure, you will fall in love with MaaaaaxC too Pallavi. 😉
    Thanks for visiting and for the kind words.

Snehal · February 19, 2019 at 8:57 pm

You look gorgeous in your DP anagha! The post is amazing and I remember the book “maximum city” reading it!! Keep writing..

    Anagha Yatin · February 20, 2019 at 8:57 am

    It must be my love for MaaaaaxC,Snehal, that’s reflecting in DP?
    Between, would love to read the book Maximum City. Putting it on my reading list.
    Thanks for visiting and encouraging.

Ramya · February 20, 2019 at 9:42 am

Wow! You included all prompts Anagha! That’s great. I would love to visit Mumbai some day. This post made me to add this place to my wish list.

    Anagha Yatin · February 20, 2019 at 10:17 am

    Lets meet when u happen to be in Mumbai, Ramya.
    Mumbai, my MaaaaaxC is one who every one would fall in love with.
    Thanks for visiting and appreciating.

Maneet's Blog · February 20, 2019 at 11:24 am

Hi Anagha
Your post was a very fresh read, full on entertaining with the right mix of humour. Loved the choice of words and the yolo and mad tete-a-tete was so creative. Hats off to you for incorporating so many prompts in a flawless manner. Totally loved reading it.

    Anagha Yatin · February 20, 2019 at 3:17 pm

    Thank you so much Maneet for visiting and for kind words.

jameela · February 20, 2019 at 4:41 pm

Woahh, a very well written piece? I luved how Mrs YOLO thinks n wish I could think like it someday ? My MIL is a great fan of Mumbai just like u, she just luv Mumbai n v always ve a nok-jhok abt who’s city is best, I born n brought up in Chennai I believe Chennai is? n she no Mumbai is n it goes on?

    Anagha Yatin · February 20, 2019 at 4:55 pm

    Thanks Jameela for visiting.
    I am sure there’s one Mrs Yolo hidden inside all of us and it will be sooner than you think that you will find her inside!

Mayuri Nidigallu · February 21, 2019 at 12:38 pm

What a refreshing different take by combining two different prompts! So typically you, Anagha! I loved reading about your love for MaxC. Awesome read, and unique thought!

    Anagha Yatin · February 22, 2019 at 1:27 pm

    Thanks Mayuri. Your words always sound jingling jangling in my ears! Mrs Yolo is happy to hear you say all this:)

mommytincture · February 21, 2019 at 3:06 pm

I left the Maximum city a decade back after a two year stint. And oh, how I miss the city. Reading your post, makes me a little more Mumbai sick. Enjoyed reading about your ‘Khud ki Adaalat’

    Anagha Yatin · February 22, 2019 at 1:28 pm

    Now apart from blogging now we have one more interest in common…MaaaaaxC! Good to bond over it.
    Thanks for visiting.

Varsh · February 21, 2019 at 4:35 pm

I was a newcomer in this city too and can totally agree with your feelings. Mumbai grows on you and makes you fall in love with it irrespective of its hard-to-accept lifestyle. Hope you explore it more and more for it never ceases to surprise! 🙂

    Anagha Yatin · February 22, 2019 at 1:30 pm

    Amen.
    There’s definitely a lot left for me to explore and be surprised to fall in love with it again.
    Thanks Varsh

alpanadeo · February 22, 2019 at 2:59 am

Anagha…kasala bhariii lihites…sahiii. Well, I am neither a mumbaikar nor I have visited it that many times but yes who wont be knowing the free spirits of this city. Mumbai is not just about Vada-Pav. The one who has lived their can only understand its true beauty. Am I right Mrs.Yolo?
#vdayblogtrain

    Anagha Yatin · February 22, 2019 at 1:32 pm

    Marathi Mulagi 🙂 So happy to connect with you Alpana on this platform. Its heartening to receive the comment in “My Marathi”!
    Mrs Yolo is on cloud nine with your comment that “bhidali manala direct” 🙂
    Thanks for visiting.

My Words My Wisdom · February 22, 2019 at 4:41 pm

ohh wow… different angle to love. I love Delhi too, what we become highly depends on the place we live in, the city surely leaves its marks on a persons soul.

silja · February 22, 2019 at 5:33 pm

Hey anagha i always love to read you post. You very well know to play with words & narrate the feeling with flow.

MultitaskingMarwari · February 22, 2019 at 11:32 pm

It’s totally a different angle of love… I’m also a big fan of Mumbai as I’m in love with Mumbai shopping. . Awesome post.. Lovely thought?

MultitaskingMarwari · February 22, 2019 at 11:38 pm

It’s really a amazing post combining two different prompts! I’m also a Mumbai lover but I love Mumbai shopping very much.. Keep writing .. Spread love?

nooranandchawla · February 23, 2019 at 8:17 pm

Mumbai is definitely worth declaring undying love to! Nicely written post, really liked the usage of unique writing concepts you’ve used.
#VDayBlogTrain

Shivani · February 24, 2019 at 5:39 pm

That’s such a different piece. Mumbai is a Muse to many, including yours truly. But I fell in love with the way you have written

eshachaks · February 24, 2019 at 6:08 pm

What a wonderful ode to your city….The place we live in plays such an important part in our lives and also somehow shapes us into what we are….lovely read

    Anagha Yatin · February 25, 2019 at 4:15 pm

    Thanks Esha

lifewithmypenguin · February 24, 2019 at 7:23 pm

I was lovely to meet Mrs. Yolo and MAD. I love the city too but yet to explore every corners Anagha.

    Anagha Yatin · February 24, 2019 at 7:27 pm

    I just have started exploring the city Pragya. I am sure there’s lot MaaaaaxC has to offer to every discerning eye.
    Thanks for visiting and sharing your thoughts.

Aakriti · February 24, 2019 at 7:53 pm

I’ve had friends telling me that once you fall in love with this city you can never fall out off it. Reading this blog , now I understand why. Loved how you have expressed your heart out to the city that never sleeps

    Anagha Yatin · February 25, 2019 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks Aakriti

vidhya thakkar · February 24, 2019 at 7:54 pm

lovedd it!! MumbaI meeriii jaann!!

    Anagha Yatin · February 25, 2019 at 4:14 pm

    Thanks Vidhya

Dr. Surbhi Prapanna · February 25, 2019 at 2:33 pm

Wow what a write up dear, I loved so many things in your post. first, the way you settled the plot and start narrating, it hooks readers and like others I also had a great sense of curoisity what will happen next? second the use of prompts, I think your post is best..third the ending..I had been to mumbai few times but did not get a chance to explore more. after reading your post, will surely try to visit this awesome place soon. great work as always. #Vdayblogtrain

    Anagha Yatin · February 25, 2019 at 4:12 pm

    Thank you so much Surabhi for the kind words. It really made my day!
    Do let me know when you are visiting Mumbai next, will plan to catch up.

Anshu Bhojnagarwala · February 26, 2019 at 11:17 am

Arre wah, that’s a total legit affair, MAD and YOLO. I am in love with this city too, though it’s been 12 years now. And yes, there are times when I shout and sulk at its maddening traffic and 4 months of rains, well, which lover doesn’t, at the end of the day I still love it. 🙂 Loved your post, Anagha. A fresh and different take!

    Anagha Yatin · February 26, 2019 at 3:27 pm

    You said it Anshu. Thanks for visiting.

Obsessivemom · February 27, 2019 at 6:34 am

Oh this was such a fun read – I love the dialogue between the two yous. I’m glad the YOLO you is around.
Mumbai deserves all the adoration. It really is a city that grows on you so much that all other city-loves pale before it. I lived and worked there for a few years and it’s an experience I treasure.

Roopali kadam · February 27, 2019 at 7:00 am

Your post remind me that,many of my friends who have lived in Mumbai have similar kind of feelings for the city. Loved reading your post as always..

ritwika16 · February 27, 2019 at 11:04 am

I can so, so relate with your blog. I love aamchi Mumbai. Fell in love with this City of Dreams 17 years ago when I landed here as a new bride.

anurbannomadic · February 27, 2019 at 11:11 am

Awwwwww, you just struck a chord with me. I love Mumbai, there would be no other places in this country I would rather be. Very refreshing post.

https://anurbannomadic.com/2019/02/21/with-you-its-different-humor/

Piya Gajbe · February 27, 2019 at 5:27 pm

Beautiful write up.What smooth narration.I loved it.

Vartika Gakhar · February 27, 2019 at 7:00 pm

Not at all surprised to read this fantastic post by you, dear Anagha. Such a fun read and a wonderful interpretation of two prompts.

Priyal · February 27, 2019 at 11:26 pm

That’s an amazing post , I visited Mumbai twice but still left so much to explore from this place. Hopefully in my next visit I am able to explore the place nicely

whenpenfellforpaper · February 27, 2019 at 11:57 pm

I read this article in the initial days but didn’t comment.. now when I read it again.. I was really admiring your flawless work.. the city of hopes indeed… so many people.. so many languages. .. everything is so many… really.. I toooo love this hustle bustle… this chaos…nicely expressed

everylittlethinghappiness · February 28, 2019 at 9:55 am

I would like to say I have a long distance relationship with your new found love. A connection where we dont speak much, dont meet often but whenever we do its the most amazing time of my life. 🙂

AuraOfThoughts · February 28, 2019 at 3:34 pm

Every place gives us different experiences that are cherished. Loved how
your inner self questioned and answered….lovely read !

Cheers
MeenalSonal

Priyam Sharma · February 28, 2019 at 6:53 pm

I could identify with your blog! I too have stayed in Mumbai and loved the freespirited city.
Loved the fearless PDA 😉

Maya Bhat · February 28, 2019 at 10:53 pm

There was a time when I dreamt of living in mumbai. Thanks to daily soaps which showed mumbai as a dream land ?.

Well written piece of work. ❤️

Shalini · February 28, 2019 at 11:20 pm

What a refreshing outlook to love a city that was! And i loved how you chose Yolo over MAD. Im A total yolo kind of person! And what can i say about Mumbai, who can not love it??

Really amazing read!!

Rajlakshmi · March 1, 2019 at 4:58 am

You sure are a woman in love. It’s been long since I have read someone express their love for a city in such a creative manner. You are making me fall in love with the city even though I have only seen it from the airport ?

Shraddha Niphadkar · March 1, 2019 at 8:50 am

As a Mumbai born and raised girl, your writeup touched me. Yup, there is no other place than my city! <3

Prerna Wahi · March 1, 2019 at 9:45 am

I love the way you have blended two prompts so beautifully. Love your interpretation of them and thoroughly enjoyed this piece!

    Anagha Yatin · March 2, 2019 at 6:21 pm

    Thanks Prerna for #vdayblogtrain opportunity. It was an enriching experience. Thanks for visiting and for kind words.

Ila Varma · March 1, 2019 at 11:44 am

We feel a sense of belonging with our city…rightly illustrated and given different angle to #Vdayblogtrain.

Disha · March 1, 2019 at 10:44 pm

Well, glad to connect with someone else also as crazy about Mumbai as I am. I have shifted back to Mumbai after a span of 4 years and seems like nothing has changed. Yet so much is different. Lovely post! 🙂

Misha · March 1, 2019 at 10:53 pm

haha.. Love this take.. have been to mumbai but m sure i ll be loving it more this time.. and yes..,, the city is in us somewhere

Active Life Living · March 1, 2019 at 10:56 pm

Words can communicate a lot of love and feelings towards anything. In your case, I can clearly see how much you love Mumbai.MAD and YOLO concept was very different . Totally loved it!!

Princy Khurana · March 4, 2019 at 1:03 am

communication is so crucial. i have been to Mumbai once, but would surely would love to see it again, #blogtrain #vday

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