When I came to start working in Mumbai, I had thought that
it will be all about work and being fresh out of a B-school, I was ok with the
idea too. The thought behind this being- I
have made enough friends in both my Undergrad and Graduation. That level of
understanding and friendship would certainly not bloom in a place where
everyone is truly busy in their own lives. Anyway, my parents were after my
life to get married and if they find me a guy sooner than later, my stint with the
city would get over before I even strike a chord with anyone.
But but but… Mumbai has always surprised me pleasantly and
treated me kindly with a lot of love. And that’s what was in store this time
too. I considered it a true adventure when I decided to stay with totally
unknown people- all new in their jobs and all equally clueless. What if all these are drug addicts- my
instincts kept shouting :P. The only source of due diligence was Facebook where
I checked each one’s profiles (as if that helps and gives you a true picture :P)
and the only interaction was when we talked over phone and met to see the
house.
Who would’ve thought (none of us had even dreamt) that these
bunch of strangers will get along like a house on fire! That too four girls from
different states and backgrounds and upbringing and value systems. No fights,
no ego issues and supercool friendships- hard to believe you would say. The
feminist in me just gives a smug smile over this :)
The Ice Breaking happened over “daaru”. Deepest secrets and
heartfelt stories were shared over drinks and water (in my case :D :D) and
people were dreading to face each other the morning after. Post that, this past
year has been a fantastic joyride with huge dollops of fun and bonding. We wait
to get home from work and talk about our day, complain about our managers,
count the number of days to weekend and crib when it gets over. We vent out
when we fight with our parents and/or boyfriends and love the fact that a
patient ear and an awesome but doable advice is always at hand. Shopping and exploring
this wonderful city is ten times more fun with these girls. We critique each
other over weight, fashion sense like typical girls; over accents and language like
buddies; and over social and political issues like intellectuals. We throw
birthday parties and bachelorette parties for each other amongst the bigger
gestures and make sure each one of us have had their meals as small but sweet
gestures. Watching chick flicks and drooling over the actors or watching horror
movies and then fearing to go to the rooms is a regular weekend affair.
Then, as girls, everyone needs their “space” once in a while
and our mad-house becomes all quiet and serene for a change :D. Each one’s mood
swings, PMS, irrational and illogical behavior is all bore in understanding
silence. But this doesn’t last forever. One dance night in the dead of the
night or random topics which on which we end up talking brings life back to
normalcy. Though it ends up taking a lot of hours from our sleep time :D :D and
ends bringing a lot of cheer and laughter.
In conclusion, I have realized Mumbai wouldn’t have been
even half the fun without these three girls. They truly understand the value of
just listening to your problems and only agreeing and understanding your
situation by just murmuring a “hmmmm”,
an “I understand”, or a “What an ass” :D instead of giving all the
“ideal” solutions and “what you shouldn’t
have done” preaching. I have realized that the best kinds of friendships
are girl friendships where you not only believe in each other but also defend
each other. You want the best for them and you know that they wish the same for
you. These three… they don’t just tolerate my quirks, they cherish them too.
They are truly a part of my own tribe :)
