Mumbai

A year back when I was posted in Manchester on a McKinsey assignment, I often yearned to be back in Mumbai. I was willing to forsake the pleasant English summer for the heat and humidity of my hometown. After all, this city played host to all my friends. More than I could ever keep in touch in with. No dearth of them. Every weekend I was spoilt for choice between the number of possible people I could meet. In fact, there were so many of those with whom I even made several plans to catch up that never materialized due to lack of time.

And now I long to be back in Manchester.

Suddenly this bustling metropolis seems emptier than it has ever felt. One by one, I seemed to have lost almost every one of those persons I had the option to hang out with. Most of them have left the city. Some have drifted out of touch into their own circles. Some refuse to talk to me. Another couple of months and I expect to lose the remaining few as well. Office has become lonely. Weekends lack their sheen. Powai seems so distant.

Now I yearn to be back in Manchester - crazy weather, Picadilly gardens, Trafford Center, Deansgate Locks, football obsession, the lure of London and all the wilderness...