Mumbai Locals

There's something special about train rides. Maybe it's the steady sound of the wheels, the way the train moves as if it is dancing, or how so many strangers are packed together acting like they're not secretly judging each other. For my cousin "Sai", however, trains are much more than just a mode of travel; they are a love story-a noisy, sweaty, messy love story, but still a love story.

Consider, for example, the locals of Mumbai. These are not trains but battlefields dressed up as public transport. Getting into one at rush hour is akin to enlisting for an episode of Survivor, with instead of a prize at the end, there's a sore shoulder and the hope for a possible open seat. It's all so fascinating, according to Sai, an eternal optimist. She sees people running very fast toward a moving train, straining like Olympic athletes. She wonders whether there is some secret training program that teaches them to beat the laws of physics.

And then, when you are on the train? Oh, it is when the magic comes. The unwritten rules of how people behave cease to exist (not that you could open the window if you wanted to). Personal space? Ha! That's a mere myth. Everyone is squished in so close you might be able to read the minute particulars on your neighbor's life insurance policy if you wanted to. And Sai views this as an opportunity. Every person is a story for her to be uncovered. She has a serious-looking man with a newspaper; maybe he was thinking about retirement so that he never has to worry about the crowded train again. Then there's the young woman with headphones nodding along to music only she can hear, oblivious to the world around her.

Sai's favorite passengers, the ones who start conversations making a temporary friend in those hours is nice. It becomes like an unspoken agreement: "We're stuck in this mess together, so let's talk." Of course, every conversation isn't a great one there's usually that one guy who wishes to share his political views with the world. But for every annoying loudmouth, there is a civil stranger waiting in line to carry your bag or share an umbrella when the rain gets heavy.

And then there are the stations. If trains are the big show, then stations are busy backstage. Sai loves the energy of places like CSMT. It is overwhelming: announcements like a constant song, buzzing thousands of feet moving on platforms, and a vendor yelling vada pav as if that was the key to happiness. But in all that noise, Sai finds calm. Watching the trains come and go standing on the platform is quite soothing. She's been known to get a little misty-eyed watching a pretty train go by.

Announcements must be the highlight of train travel. Clear, robotic, and on repeat-they somehow managed to find a special spot in Sai's heart. She knows them so well that she could probably work as an announcer should she ever get tired of her regular job. Something about the monotone voice telling you to watch for the gap, even the gap is only about two inches.

For Sai, the train rides aren't just a means to get somewhere. They're a little life, messy, surprising, full of sudden beauty. Whether it is in the crowded crowd, rapid friendships, or the simplest pleasure of seeing the city go by outside the window, something about trains makes her want to return. And really? We can all take a lesson from her perspective. The journey would become the best part in a world that is always hurrying towards the next big thing.

Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this post, follow me on Instagram for updates about my blog and let's connect. Share your own stories or experiences with me. I would love to show them! Big thanks to my cousin Sai for inspiring this writing with her special view and great love for train trips.