Something about the Skyline

by Imran Alam

We were on the 10th floor of Lilavati Hospital and I don't even know how we got here. All I knew was that the view was something to die for and that's what had stolen my eye.

It was a few days into my Mumbai trip. The wedding was in full swing by now. My cousin's place was swamped with people every time I visited them. New faces, some old faces I hadn't seen in a while and some recurring ones. Somewhere along the wedding dances and discussions, I found myself enjoying it more than I thought I would.

I hate weddings under normal circumstances. It's just the same old worrying about what to wear, showing up to show my face, having to worry about taking pictures for my mom and being here personal care taker, not being able to eat anything and leaving.

Weddings are way different when you are closely involved in them. It's like your whole purpose for all the events and for all the days. I was involved in my fair share of work. When it comes to helping out in the house and or showing some dance moves just to create a vibe. The food tasted different here on the west coast. The people sounded different as well. All this while I found myself having a lot more fun than I would've gotten back home.

I am 20 now. The age where adults talk to you like you are one of them, meanwhile you have earned enough trust from the teenagers (the ones who are usually the outcasts) that they tell you things about themselves, you are also not old enough where kids find it boring to hang out with you. I was mixed in all conversations from people falling in and out of love, what life should be all about, talking about history, antiques and culture, while playing with pokemon cards with kids.

Growing up I wasn't really allowed to voice my opinions much, now people came up to me asking for it. I found myself in tables of discussions where I would have otherwise hesitated to be.

When people come up to you talking about their problems, you realise you are at that age where you are trusted enough with the responsibility. The responsibility of keeping a hold of their stories and ideas with you. I think that was something I had been craving for all my life. It was a part of my nature to listen to people and what they have to say. To make them feel comfortable with themselves. I loved listening to people.

While all this happened I occasionally saw myself going on walks to see the city. I had my headphones on while I walked around the part of the city, my two feet were capable of taking me. I went to Bandra Fort, a place that was completely from what I remembered. The part that did seem familiar was the Sea Link. It was a very hot day but to me it still felt nice. I didn't sweat much. I went to Bandstand next for a walk. One ear in the conversation with one of my cousins who had just kept talking about this girl he had a crush on. One ear, listen to the sea waves. When both of us decided we had enough of the sun we headed back to our hotels. I had shifted in with my extended family who came from Geneva.

Their Airbnb was in a very good location which helped in going places and coming back easily. I had the liberty of doing things at my own pace while I lived with them.

One of my favourite encounters of this whole trip was my Swiss cousin, Musaab.

He had never met me before this I believe.

The first time we ever had proper conversation with each other and we almost instantly clicked. He loved talking. I enjoyed listening. That was enough for us to have a conversation about all sorts of things ranging from sports to food to movies to our different cultures. You'd see him practically stick by me the whole wedding. Having Swiss Cheese (my nickname for him) around was fun. He spoke french in a way I wish I could.

"I'm sorry I talk too much sometimes." We laughed and we talked a little more.

It was his first time being involved in a traditional Indian wedding which for someone even involved with the culture can be overwhelming. We sat near each other explaining, what the concept of a Niqah is and why the bride's siblings are so desperate to steal the groom's shoes.

I was in the hospital, right now, because of him.

The hot weather was something he wasn't used to, coming from a cold climate. The sun's rays directly on you did make you feel worse. Being adjusted to the intense heat I face in my own city, this wasn't a task. For his dad, watching his two kids sick was an absolute disaster. The food being much richer compared to theirs wasn't helping either. Me and my aunt (his mom) had to come to the Airbnb in the middle of the night to check on him.

Me and my aunt had literally swapped places. She stayed with my mom for their sister talks at night while I stayed with her family for the luxury of personal space.

This time I told her that this time, she should be with her kids and stay the night with us. Her kids needed her.

The situation didn't get any better for Musaab forcing his dad to take him to the hospital to get him checked. I willingly went myself to help him out.

As my uncle rushed around to get answers for his kids condition. I stayed with Musaab while he kept running to the bathroom, occasionally throwing up.

It was one crazy night. I felt bad for the kid's worsening condition. He couldn't sleep in those hard waiting chairs. so he slept, using my thigh as his pillow. All while his dad frantically runs around to get medicines and cross questioning the doctors.

The best part about that night was the view from the 10th floor. I had some time to myself in the waiting lobby there as Musaab and his dad were inside the doctor's office.

You could see the Mumbai skyline there, at least Bandra Reclamation. It's something about this city I had fallen in love with. The view was just a reward for all the efforts I had given this night.

"It's a great view here. I wish you could see it." I told Musaab who couldn't witness the beauty of Bombay nights because he had forgotten his glasses back at our place.

Speaking of Bombay nights, There was something about the city which caught my attention. Most things were under construction. It's something I didn't think much of until now.

This city was so much different back when I was here.

I was so much different back when I was here.

I wasn't capable of handling relationships well. Take responsibility and accountability. Take care of people myself and people around me while also having fun.

I think I needed Mumbai to show me a mirror reflecting myself. I was everything I once wished I was. Capable of way more if I gave myself some time.

Just like this city, I was constantly getting better.

I need this trip to show me that.

I admire the skyline a little more. Something about that skyline made me want to be here a little more.

We left at around 3 am with Musaab being in his dad's arms while I held the medicines and his slippers. It took us a while to settle down.

I pretend I was asleep as I overheard a conversation between my uncle and my aunt. "He was of such big help. I could trust Musaab in his care for the whole night."

I had a little smile on my face while I slowly fell asleep.

I am one of those grown ups now.