26 Nov 2008, Mumbai, India.
8:55 PM - My Office in Sewri, Mumbai
I was in my office working on project when my team mate Ashwin asked me - "are you coming?". I said - "No buddy you leave. I have got some more work to finish by today end of the day." And then Ashwin left for the day while I continued my work.
9:04 PM - Sweri Station, Mumbai
I was waiting at Sewri railway station for local train to get to my home at Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. At 9:15 I boarded the train and reached home at 10:40 PM. I switched on the TV and was staring on it for about next 20-25 mins in total disbelief, what was shown on the TV was about attacks on Mumbai. My friend Amit Siwach called from Pune and asked about my safety.
There were 9-10 terrorist attacks in south mumbai just around 9:40 PM. The Taj, Trident, Nariman House, CST Station, Colaba, Ville Parle and list goes on....
27 Nov 2008, Mumbai, India.
7:25 AM - Kharghar, Mumbai
Since it was 'ThanksGiving Day' and I was having an off from the office, I was sleeping when I got a call from my cousin. He asked about my wellbeing. Next call was from my wife around 8:43 AM. Next from my father, from my friend Hemraj Sharma and my phone keep beeping for almost whole day. At around 12 PM my friend Sunil was at my room and we watching the news for the whole day.
28 Nov 2008, Mumbai, India.
01:25 PM - Sewri, Mumbai
I was in office and there were less people in the office. At around 2.00 PM our manager informed that there was some news about firing at CST station. Everybody need to stay in the office till furthur information. In the evening we were asked to leave early and instructed to inform our respective managers as soon as we reach our home.
For next 2-3 days me and my friends keep checking various news channels for the latest update on this horrible act.
29 Nov 2008, Mumbai, India.
Finally we got the news that our brave commandos cleared every location from the terrorists and a huge crowd was celebrating at Taj and Trident. People were asking NSG commandos for their autographs. Cann't say how proud we feel at that moment about our heros - NSG and ATS.
Bottomline----
I am living in mumbai since Nov 2007 and had seen so much in this city. Train blasts, MNS power show are the toppers. But I think this episode is going to tease me for long time. First time when I landed in the city, never saw anything special in it. Even I hated it as it was more crowded then Delhi. But now I feel the difference. The true spirit of the city is unbelievable. At the time of crisis, people forget everything and help each other. And the very next day city is on the work again leaving behind those horrile nighmares.
A salute to our brave heros who lost their lives while making us secure!
