Thakkar and I were on location at Ghatkopar - to take snaps of the flooding. Thakkar's one of Cheeru's mates from College. And its striking that we both share an interest in doing things for sheer amusement. Thakkar, incidentally, is also the man who inspired Pondy to pick up his Canon S1IS.

We first headed to HN, where, thanks to really good planning, there was no dirt to be found. So we scouted to Powai Lake, and found some lads having a good time.

But that was not enough.. So we headed all the way to Ghatkopar, scouting for a photogenic location.. meaning floodwater. With little luck at Ghatkopar, and an ice-cream later, we headed back to some intersection, that we had spotted enroute.

That's where we grabbed about 30 odd shots. Quite a few of them featured here.

It was time, once again, to admire the everyday Mumbaikar - It was business as usual. And some people were all-smiles before the camera. There was a lot of flooding at that intersecton. Some vehicles stopped, sputtered, and moved on. Others just stalled. And Thakkar floated boats.

While I captured.

The sky had been overcast since morning. But it really started to pour around 1130hrs. And it didn't stop after that.

I could see it pour through the window in my office. SEEPZ is not a low-lying area and the water didn't seem to accumulate, so I never realized how bad it was outside.

Meanwhile, life inside the Office continued normally till around 1530hrs. Till the network crashed. The problem with technology and work these days, is that it takes an Internet failure to convince oneself that something is wrong.

Even, then I didn't realize that something was terribly terribly wrong. I did, however, realize that the rains had still not stopped. So I stepped out to watch the rain pour from the safe confines of our Office Porch. There was water, plenty of it, but it somehow, managed to drain out effortlessly. Even then, the road had a ½ inch layer of water. That didn't look too bad.

Angel called. She was freaking out in Churchgate and had taken the sensible decision of leaving office early and of putting up at a friend's place in Colaba instead of heading home to Thane. Apparently, the Railways had to shut down train services because of the heavy rains. She called me up twice, enquiring why I had not left office yet. I was stupid enough to tell her two things:

1. That she need not worry, because I had an efficient bus service to get me home.
2. I was enjoying my work and would be leaving at 1830hrs after I'd finished my stuff.

When I stepped out finally, there were no buses in sight. All the familiar faces at work were stranded. Men and women huddled together under single umbrellas and it initially looked fun. I waited with the others for about 30mins expecting the bus to turn up. Then, we all realized that there's no way the bus would be able to enter SEEPZ, thanks to the traffic blocking the entrance. So I stepped out with a colleague who had an umbrella. Now I know that you cannot survive with a windcheater in the Mumbai rain. It spares nobody.

Outside SEEPZ' Gate#III. There was chaos. There is usually some order in Mumbai traffic. But today evening there was none. Every vehicle was jostling for space. The under-construction flyover and the construction materials piled on either side of the road, helped in making things worse. The water was about 2inches high. I was in formals and my favourite leathers.

We still had hope for our reliable bus. But after another half an hour of waiting and watching the traffic move 6feet in that period, we were convinced that waiting for the bus would be stupidity. So we thought we'd walk to the end of the road, where the mess would hopefully, be cleared.

As we trudged along, I enjoyed the spirited Mumbaikars. People were totally soaked in the rain but singing. One Sardarji had set up shop selling umbrellas. Atleast that's what I think, because he had 3 of them stacked under his arm. People in their cars were stuck, sandwiched by the traffic in front and behind.

As we crossed the bridge near the L&T complex, we glanced over to see people wading through waist deep water. People had abandoned their motorbikes at somewhat higher locations. I saw riders walking with their helmet on. But everyobdy had some destination to head for, and for a change, nobody was interested in stopping for shelter.

As we stepped on the Jogeshwari-Vikhroli Link road, beyond the Shipping Corporation of India office, the water level had crossed 4inches. We were not feeling tired. Nobody had stepped for breath on the traffic-congested road and we continued to brisk-walk. As we walked parallel to the Powai Lake, traffic coming from IIT was moving at a snail's pace - I figured why - visibility was a low 10feet.

The rain started pouring harder. I think that side of town is a little low-lying. Water was now 2feet high. And it was tough to walk on the road. So we walked on the divider. I was able to finally spot my high-rise building. It stood out like an edifice in the rain. But I still had to turn into my lane. I felt as if I am standing in a roaring river. It was dark but thankfully there was no power failure, so I was able to make out the centre of the road and spot the whirlpools made by the open manholes. I managed to wade through the thigh-high water. I held on to a bus windows' grill with one-hand as I treaded ahead slowly.

I finally made it home. Didn't take the elevator. Climbed all the way up to the 6th floor to find no one home. It was 8PM. We had walked 8km in the rain. Me was hungry. But the only choice was to catch up with my roomies. I knew where to find them. And, so I headed to IIT. My colleague decided to take the risk of heading home in the rain. There was no way any of us were coming to work the next day anyway.

At the KReSIT building, the elevators had been turned off. The water was pouring through their closed doors. I climbed another 4storeys. My mates greeted me with smiles 'We were expecting you'.

At 2100hrs, I left for home again. With the keys. Picked up some milk, bread and jam on the way. Pitied the clothstore owner opposite the IITB gate, who was desperately collecting water in buckets and throwing it out of his flooded shop. Soon, even he gave up, pulled his shutters and left. Other bystanders enjoyed their Vada Pavs and chai. It was life, as usual.

We took the Škoda Octavia and brand new Innova on our drive to Aurangabad. With Dhruvs at the wheel. I really appreciate the guy's vehicular control ability - just like his Dad. I think we hit 110kmph when Aerosmith was playing.

Think it took us about 4hours. Ellora Caves were the first stop. The tourist guide was brilliant. Most guides are paid to be heard, and so it was. The chappy wanted complete silence as he spoke. He described the monolithic structure that stood there, the effort that took thousands of artisans to create such a stunning structure, the finer points in the Shiva Parvathi sculptures, and even recommended the right spot to focus the camera from.. sometimes they seem to know too much.

Later, I got to take the wheel of the Innova. That's when we headed to the Daulatabad Fort. I was severely criticized for driving at 60. Everyone else thought it was too slow, and I was freaking out at going any faster: music or no music in the background. But it was one hell of a beauty - that drive, along the semi-ghat roads.

The fort had some interesting labyrinths inside - purportedly designed to outsmart enemy frontmen. The techniques were simple, but the Guide, with his entertaining descriptions made the experience even more fun.

The last stop was Bibi ka Maqbara - kind of like a mini Taj. This was the funniest experience. This over enthusiast Guide wanted to read out his Sher Shayari to us, and eventually did - it was the most horrible sher I have heard. The guy actually had the nerve to stare at us and expect an encore.

I alighted at Aurangabad station. Was to take the train back to Mumbai at 2205hrs. An entire weekend utilized, in style.

Was lazing around till late morning. Until Paale had this sudden brainwave of driving into town for a haircut. Actually found time for a fantastic breakfast at Vaishali.. Opposite Fergusson College. The only trouble was the wait time. But the Waiter was fun - he took the trouble of confirming that he had Sweet Meethi Lassi - he could see I was starving, and consequently, couldn't think.

Later, Paale took the trouble of taking me to FTII - haven for film buffs in India. To catch up with school time buddy - Nambiar. After some enquiries with the scant population on campus, got directions to his room. Was informed that his room-mate was in. And when I knock, this pretty lady peeks through the door and enquires 'Yes?'. Yikes. Nambiar? The chick in his room was very unlike the Nambiar I knew.

But she explained - room-mate's fiancee et al, and clarified things. Finally found Nambiar in the library in the Admin block. Clean shaven - head inclusive. And bandana in place. But just the same. Forgot to take his autograph though, the guy's likely to be a major film-maker any time soon.. My buddy!

After a light snooze at home, caught up with Malpani alongwith Paale at Barista, Koregaon Park - home of the Osho clan. The place has its advantages - a coffee shop with almost no space in the inside - but with sprawling greens outside.. so you just spread out and chill with the coffee. That gave us ample time to catch up on life.. And laugh.

1930hrs - 'Twas time to gather for a School Reunion - inside the Pune University Campus. I don't know why Campus Security persons in India - overdo their job. Seven staffers at the University Gate repeated the same question - 'Where we were going ?' before letting us through. Luckily a 4km drive into the Campus depths gave us plenty of time to return to party-mode from frustrated-disgusted-tired mode.

Was too much fun getting together with classmates again. This was probably the fourth time I was attending a formal reunion of Alumni. And the best part has always been the introductions, ending with the words 'Class of xx'.

And what followed was even better.. Caught up with Dhruvs, Vids and Adp4 and family that night, meeting them after ages. There was a time when I treated them like li'l kids. Now, I am the puniest of the lot. But its lovely that I still get called Bhai.

Was at Pune again. Me was getting better with the routes. So alighted at Shivaji Nagar. Then took a bus to catch up with Paale at his workplace (he really obliges by leaving Office after I have arrived) and Sovan, the Architect. Absolute bliss at the Hotel Ambassador - beer with friends.

Took charge of Home Sweet Home today.

Had been really comfortable in the splendid company accomadation at Malad with a terrific roomie - Sunil. Plus it takes some effort to be back on your own when you've been so well cared for..

But.

My new place overlooks Powai lake. My bedroom window opens up to a pretty interesting view of the Hiranandani buildings.

Work is about 20mins away. And IITB is across the road. What more could I ask for?

Woke up to Paale preparing an Omelette breakfast for the the two of us. Had never realized that a can of Kingfisher tastes so good in the morning. Yum.

Af'noon was at Joshi Uncle's place. He and Dad were colleagues on the mighty I.N.S. Viraat and the bear-hug that we gave each other lasted for.. eternity.

The best part was meeting up with friends whom I last met 12years ago. Its difficult connecting the 6year old then, to the same 18year old now.

Later that evening, caught up with Nibs - at the Jehangir Hospital Cafetaria. Got treated to sandwiches and iced Tea which tasted yummy. Hadn't met this guy since finishing high school, 7years ago. And he's a married man now. Quite a shocker of a trip!

My first visit to Pune turned out to be super swell - with me wanting more out of the lovely city. Dashed off pretty early to grab the train from Andheri to cST. It took me a while to spot the obscure platform on Andheri Station from where CST-bound trains leave.

Boarded the Deccan Queen at 1700hrs from CST. The train departed at a sharp 1710hrs. The ride to Pune was fun - especially the part when she crosses Lonavala. The place is simply gorgeous and you'd be gaping at the greens even if you were crossing the place everyday. Its got hajaar tiny waterfalls all along the route and quite a few tunnels. Man, the ride was brilliant. I quite liked the Deccan Queen as well. The have a Pantry car, complete with dining tables and chairs and sipping a hot cuppa in a train moving through heaven, was actually worth the while. And best of all, she got us there 10mins. before time.

Pune Station was mostly chaos. The bus-stop was across. Pune's buses are some sort of midget variety, compared to Mumbai's BEST. And they look cute. It wasn't too tough finding the one that'd get me to Paale's office, near the famous Chaturshingi Temple. Paale was my senior at College. He can be listed among the few reasons to stick around in Engineering. The guy has not changed much. His humour and spontaneity are intact, and so were the huge gaps in his teeth.

We drove down to E-Square Cinemas and got our tickets for Sarkar - 2355 show. Their Foodcourt had everything edible on the Menu, but both us were game for sabji, dal, roti and Lassi. So that's how it was.

Sarkar was quite interesting. Having watched 'The Godfather' made me draw parallels. But the Indian element made it amusing. I particularly liked Veerendra Saxena, Sarkar's right-hand man. The guy looks cut-out for the role with the shaven head. And he intimidates to perfection. I don't know how they thought of smashing a man's groin using a dumb-bell. And then filming it.

The other chappy I've begun to admire is Abhishek Bachchan. The 'Maine Bhaiyya ko maar daala' scene was executed to perfection. Have been a big fan of his since Yuva happened.

We headed to Koregaon Park after that as Paale was raving about the Barista outlet there. But it was closed, so we headed home. To be toasted to Glenfiddich. On the rocks. The weekend was made.

I needed to get to Elphinstone Road. One needs to travel from Malad station to Dadar and then switch to a different railway line, to get to Elphinstone Road. Me didn't realize that I could have bought a single ticket from source to destination. So I had to queue up twice. People here respect time and queues. But they're impatient when it comes to boarding and alighting from trains. I reached Elphinstone Road somehow in one piece.

The Tata Memorial Centre has a massive blood bank. They offer an AIDS Diagnostic Test to all voluntary blood donors. The clause is that my report would be stated to me only - and that too verbally. I would have to come in person the next day. No printouts are offered. And all data is strictly confidential, and hence not given over the phone, even if I called. An AIDS Diagnostic test with so many clauses does not make sense to me. I guess the stigma associated with AIDS in India requires such painful considerations to protect the identity of an unfortunate carrier.

I got the test done and donated the blood too. It didn't hurt one bit. In fact, this time I didn't even feel the needle prick. Was mightily impressed with the Nurse's ability.

On my way back, I tried Jumbo King's Vada Pav. This is Mumbai's most famous dish. And 'Jumbo King' has made the distribution of Vada Pavs to Mumbaikars a sophisiticated, hygienic hands-free process. The Vada Pavs are machine made and are served piping hot in paper packaging just like the famous fast-food joints. There's no ketchup, instead one gets to enjoy delicious tamarind chutney. The long queues probably mean good business..

Later that evening, Bene and I headed to Manori. I had not anticipated that we'd be travelling such a long distance for a night of uninterrupted fun. We had directions to take the bus to Marwe from Malad station. Got to Marwe at a modest 2330hrs. From there, we boarded a ferry that took us across the creek to blissful Manori. The ride lasted a short 15mins and the ferry was packed with young couples and other party animals like us. Except that everybody had their bikes.

A long auto ride brought us to the Palm Beach Resort. Was greeted by the other AIESEC Trainees - Renato from Brazil, Gonzalo from Uruguay, Alexandru from Romania, Marco from Ecuador, Xavier from France... Within minutes we realized we had a lot in common - a passion for good beer, and rock music.

The Palm Beach resort consists of independent cottages, overlooking the sea. They even have a swimming pool. Its all nice and quiet. They give you the beds and serve you good dinner. You get your own beer and guitar. And play all night. Which is precisely what happened.

So I had got to enjoy an unplugged rendition of the best tracks of GNR, John Denver, Cranberries, Ugly Kid Joe, Metallica, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi.. you name it.

I also got a first-hand experience of Mumbai culture. There was this Group of music lovers in the neighbouring cottage. They too, were obsessed with their music. And their rum. We shook hands. Had our introductions. And even played and sang together. This went on till next morning. Slowly, one by one, each person started retiring to the cots. Until just me and this guitarist Dude was left. It was probably 5AM. And then he too stopped. Said 'Ok. Good night'. And that was the end. I didn't expect such an abrupt end. But I'm getting used to it now. In Mumbai, you can have a good time together and still remain strangers..

It was my first weekend after a demanding first week in Mumbai. Ben and I hit the streets at a modest 2230hrs. We crossed over to Malad (West). I didn't know we needed a valid ticket to use the Railway bridge. The penalty was pretty steep too. Ben had spent enough time here to be aware of a pedestrian bridge which provides free access to the West. There are rules in Mumbai and its good that I was learning them quickly.

We headed to 'Slice of Lime' for some very enjoyable drought beer. Both of us guzzled a pitcher together. Apart from the lovely music, the place also had some very amusing witticisms on the tablemats:

'The average woman would rather have beauty than brains, because the average man can see better than he can think.'

'When in charge, ponder
When in trouble, delegate
When in doubt, mumble.'

I explored Malad (East) this morning. Its a small quiet place with a lot of undulating landscape. Even this part of town was unsurprisingly active in the morning. I had been put up at our Company Guest House in Upper Govind Nagar, near Dindoshi Flyover. The area has a high concentration of temples. Somewhere in between, I was also able to spot all other necessary shops, including an air-conditioned hair salon, a videogame parlour, but not a cybercafe !

Today was my first day at work in Mumbai. If I go back 12yrs in time, I don't remember having ever imagined that I'd be someday working in Mumbai. Taking the Local Train all dressed up in formals 'n' leather shoes and getting squeezed to a pulp from all the directions. Am kinda fortunate that I don't have to experience all that.. I took the Company bus to work this morning. Its a door-to-door service and makes life a hell lot easier in fast-paced Mumbai.

The ride to work was fantastic - my companion was Bene - an AIESEC trainee from Kenya. Bene is from the Egerton University in Nakuru Province. He surprised me with his expertise with colloquial Hindi and even better, colloquial Tamil ! Bene had spent sometime at my Company's office in Chennai as well. It was a pity we never met there. We shared the same affection for Chennai. And he had me in splits with his experience of travelling in Chennai's public transport - people mistook him as Tamilian and would start chattering rightaway..

We discussed each other's culture, the language, the social setup and ofcourse, leading a bachelor's life. He taught me to wish 'Habari' in Swahili, to which you'd ideally get the reply 'Mzuri'. Better still, he recommends, is to use the 'Jambo' greeting.

Somewhere along the route, the discussion deviated to the Ramayana and Bene discussed the Brahmastra. I was stunned. He knew a lot. And I listened. He had watched every episode of the Ramayana which was telecast in Kenya with English subtitles. I knew less about Indian mythology than him ! He'd also watched some Amitabh Bachchan movies i Nigeria. And had bored himself to death with Rajnikant movies that were consistently telecast on Chennai's movie channels !

Later, in the evening, I was introduced to Kenyan nomenclature. Bene's last name is Thiga - which is his paternal Grandfather's name. His younger brother has a last name that comes from his maternal Grandfather. I've forgotten what the third brother's last name would logically be. But it was pretty straightforward. The sisters took their last names from the Grandmas ! Kinda neat, me thinks.

Work was fun. I report to two Mumbai-bred Tamilians, Chennai-roots. I think I'm going to love my time here.

Visited the Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi today. This was something like the Sri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple visit to Tirupati. The Lord beckoned and I really wanted to go too. Things happened automatically thereafter. Me woke up before day-break and Mansukh, Nike and I caught up at Dadar Station. The famed temple was a short taxi ride away.

The place is usually thronged with devotees and Mansukh's idea of us being present at 0730hrs at the Temple Gates worked well. Darshan was over within minutes and I moved around the premises admiring the place.

Later, we headed to Modakam - a small restaurant near the Temple itself. Its been recently renovated and the proprietor chose to adorn the place with gorgeous stained glass artwork of the Elephant-God ! The place looked marvellous. Modakam, apparently, is the prasad offered to the deity.

We headed to Worli seaface after that. It was a short bus-ride away. I have lived in Mumbai previously but never been to that part of town. Liked every bit of what I saw. The wharf is mostly clean, and the crashing waves tend to splash all over the paved stonewalk. Some kids were really having a blast. I've reached a stage that I can tolerate any amount of rainwater on me but not the salty seawater.

I requested that I be transferred to Mumbai. Not that I had any qualms with staying in Chennai. In fact, I had loved the time spent there. I learnt a lot in Chennai. It was a home away from home. And the hedonistic lifestyle was addictive.

But 'twas time I took up some responsibility. 'Tis time I grew up.

I arrived in Mumbai today. I was greeted by a light drizzle. Had met a person in the same coach as mine, and he suggested that I get down at Kalyan as it would be closer to IITB. He was a Railway Inspector and quite a few people on the platform knew him. It was good that I was honest in telling him I was new to Mumbai. He was kind enough to help me board the local train to Kanjur Marg.

I was kinda lucky to be arriving on a Saturday noon. The local train was more or less empty and I was soon at Kanjur Marg. And since I feared not being able to get down with my three bags in one go (the train halts for less than a minute), I requested another traveller to help.

Kanjur Marg didn't have no coolies. It would be difficult to carry three bags over a bridge in one go. And this chappy who helped me get off the train himself offered to give me a hand. I was already bowled over by the ordinary Mumbaikar's extra-ordinary kindness.

An auto took me to IITB straight. Had to pay Re.1 less than the metered fare. That's how Mumbai functions. Smooth.

Getting into IITB was easy. I still look like a student. And I passed off as one.

Mansukh greeted me at the KReSIT building and soon-after, we were enjoying lunch at Gulmohar. That's when I got the big news.

'We' was among the 53 films shortlisted for screening at the first India International Disability Film Festival 2005. I wanted to start shouting in happiness and I could picture the scene WE (that's my buddies and I) would have created had I been in Chennai. It was my first film. The theme - 'An inclusive society', the focus being on the differently-abled. And they were ready to screen it before a jury of India's biggies - Mani Ratnam, Jaya Bachchan, Nandita Das, Adoor Gopalakrishnan.. to name a few. I didn't realize it was THAT good. I had just let my heart speak thru the silent B&W film.

Later that afternoon, Mansukh, At-it, Patwari and myself headed to meet a real-estate agent for a place to rent in Powai. Nike also came along and was in awe when he saw the place - as much as the rest of us. We finalized the deal soon after. It had not even been 5hrs since I arrived in Mumbai and I already had my own home.

Nike and I headed for Malad after that. I was looking forward to experiencing the lifestyle at my company's Guest House.

I felt pampered.

I was not used to being called 'Sir'. I had not had dinner on a dining table, since I last visited home about 6months ago. I was also not used to having water poured into a tumbler before drinking it.

God has been too nice to me lately. Now what have I done ?