As a kid growing up in Bandra, I was always fascinated with the world of Archie comics (pre-MTV era of course). The whole "Riverdale", living in a houses as opposed to us living in boxes called apartments, an ultra liberal/progressive society and mainly, having fun..it always warranted for me thinking that grass is greener on the other side.
Fast forward 17 years, and I'm here in the US of A, working as a senior management professional and I can't help reliving those childish moments spent at Bandra, be it reading Mario Miranda's humor (Mrs. Nimbupani - remember?), Andorras, Majora's, Hersch, Tava, Balajis, the kulfiwala who stood by the HongKong Bank building at Turner Road, or simply being robbed with overpriced soft-drinks at the Sea Side Café (for the view they said, very nice they said).
That part of me can never die, being the son-of-a-bitch capitalist that I am, somehow the innocence of growing up believing that there was a better life for me out there, somehow, believing that I can make the world a better place, somehow, hoping that I could make a difference, it has all come to this: Life takes over and you plunge in feet first. Between the career paths, the late working hours, the new country and new life and essentially growing up, you realize that the one thing you cannot change is your essence. I always wanted to be a hip-kid (I guess the fact that I WANTED to be one ensures that I never could be), now I'm on the other side appreciating the indian culture so much more. The values (yes, I know im pontificating at this point), the family loyalties (and the pains that come with dealing with unwanted relatives) and being Indian, its something that I wouldn't have any other way.
I hope to come back to it all day, especially reliving the innocence and the friendships that were once forged, reconnecting with those from my past, reliving moments that we possibly could never have done any other way (remember bunking the repub day parade in 1989? Or reading magazines in class) and most importantly remembering those that were once with us, be it family or friends.
We always thought that we were the young guns, try going to a club right now and it feels like we're over the hill, mainly because we are. Are we turning into those parents who once said "Arrey baba, don't live you're life like that, listen to us, you will one day realize our words"? Are we really? I guess the twilight will come someday, where will we all be then? Would it really be a second childhood? Would I be ready for it? Lots of questions, the path goes on.
