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Okay this city has cost me dearly. I have spent the more money in bars and restaurants in Mumbai than 'I' have spent on education. I have lost more money in Bombay than most people lost money in BSE Sensex. And it was not Sensexy either.

For the record, my 18K worth N78 phone was pick pocketed from Andheri Station. And the worst part is, I know when. Down to the milisecond. Right when I was about to board the train and a guy bumped into me. But I was too busy being a Delhi guy. Being arrogant and being 'Jatt'. I shouldered him back with double the anger and the Delhi guy attitude. But the phone in my other pocket was bouncing off. Into the slimy sick sweaty slithering hands of some slummy pick pocketer. Down to the godforsaken nano-second I knew it. But this arrogance. And the phone was now gone. Before I could step a foot on the train, I realised it. But, I could do nothing. There was such a maddening crowd. I was helpless. That phone was freshly purchased in Bihar.

So heartbroken I was, that I did not buy a new cellular phone for 7 days. And when I finally did, it was worth just Rs. 2.5 K. I was being cheap. But when Devdas loses his Paro, he settles for cheap porn. (Hope mom is not reading). So the 2.5 kilo ka haath now typed ill fated smses on 2.5 hazzar ka Motorola. Life !

No ! No no ! This is not the end. I know at least 2 times, some Marathi Manoos tried to pick pocket my wallet. But thank KFC for the big butt I have, the wallet never slipped out. But those rascals, put a cut beneath the back pocket in two of my trendiest trowsers. May god make their socks bad odoured for whole life. Hope they die of bad odour.

Even still..this was not enough. When I was leaving Mumbai, I was robbed again. This time of my own foolishness. I left my ATM card in the ATM. I accept my mistake. But you know what would happen in Delhi and Kolkata...if I left my card there ? Somebody will take the pain to find out my address and return the card to me. And then he would feel that he did a deed worth Rs. 11,000. But in Mumbai no, it's all about money honey. All dhando. All return on investments. And what's even better is Return on No Investment, Return on Foolishness, Return on Simple People commiting small mistakes. So a gold chain wearing, bike riding, dark complexion, six feet Mumbai kar with a Kotak Mahindra account, lifts my ATM card in Andheri(W), New Link Road - Kotak Mahindra Bank and does what I always wanted to do. Shop for worth Rs. 11,000.50.

What i hate is, that it's my money he stole. What I even hate more is that I lost the convenience of a ATM cum debit card. What I hate MOST is that he did what I never could do with my money - Spend it !

And there's more, I never had a more rickety love life than in Mumbai. I become fat. I ate what I hated to eat. And I became ever so secluded.

Now that you know how much I hate Mumbai, let me put a twist in the story. I actually loved Mumbai. For the first thing, it gave me back the thing I long needed for 1 year. My friends. All of them here, in one city. Mumbai taught me what business is, what customer service is, what business in not about. Business is not about earning money. It's not about being thrifty. It's about being passionate, open hearted and still being practical. Business is all emotion but still emotionless. I don't know how you will understand that, but that's the way it actually is.

What I love more about Mumbai is the sea. If only i could live near the sea, I wouldn't want anything more from life. It is still the final frontier for man-kind, still the most inspiring, the most intimidating, the most romantic. I can't talk more about it, as I can't even afford to dream about it. I think that dream will also cost Rs. 35 crores for 800 sq.ft.

But the best part about Mumbai is that it takes you mind off the money. At least it did in my case. It made me feel that way. I could see that all money would be waste one day. That one day when I leave this world, all this money would be useless.

I think Hindu scrpitures should recommend Mumbai as the place to visit to attain Moksha..as freedom becomes real time in this city ... and for all the things I said earlier.

BTW: For all the gyaan on Mumbai locals, bhel puri, film stars ... consult getlost.com or google.com
BTW Again : If a Delhite loves Mumbai, it is one of the greatest sins in mankind. I confess my sin, Mumbai is great, but Delhi is greater. Sorry my Mumbai Mitras!