Mumbai. The City of Dreams.

Hundreds of people walk into this city weighed down by nascent dreams. This city sparks endless hope in the hearts of all those desperate and destitute souls eager to make a mark, and some simply to breathe.

This city takes one and all in, invites them, embraces them. And once people are inside the door, it starts its thing. Sucking the life out of people in exchange for getting them close to their dreams. I’ve been watching it for 35 years now. Seeing the game it plays, the way it ensnares the impatient night and day.

So here’s the truth. This city is heartless, it is ruthless. It beats you down bloody, lonely, scared. But a good teacher is all those things and more. It teaches how to be strong, to fight, to survive, and eventually thrive. It moulds you, shapes you, prepares you to face life.

That’s what I love about this city – it teaches nothing worthwhile comes easy or for free. And some are indebted to it for life, just like me.

Asha Seth