4 reasons why a true-blue Delhiite like me fell in love with Mumbai

Born and brought up in Delhi, I am a Delhiite in the truest sense of the word. Hauz Khas cafes, Select City shopping, Chandni Chowk street food, Connaught Place cinema halls--they run in my veins. But just before I go on, I want you to know that I am a relatively well-travelled Indian and have been to almost all the major Indian cities, only to reach to the conclusion that there's nothing like Delhi--not even close.

However, I happened to visit Mumbai recently for the first time in my life, only to realize that sometimes in life we're too quick to reach our own conclusions. To be honest, I landed in the city with conjured images of people hanging out of local trains, worse-than-sewage beaches, grotty slums and traf-fucked roads. But it was nothing like it.

Here, few things which completely bowled me over. Trust me, initially; I was more shocked than happy.

A Big Shout-out to the Jhakkas Bombay Police

Sitting back in Delhi when I used to watch Umang, the show organized especially for Mumbai Police with the B-Town glitterati present in full force, I used to wonder why there was this special treatment for Mumbai Police. I got my answer during my brief stay there-because they goddamn deserve it. They are the most polite, compassionate and committed set of policemen I've ever come across in any state. Plus, It's like they are omnipresent, which is why the city is so safe.

The Cooler-Than-Cucumber DriversI remember how on my way to Bandra, my cab driver abruptly pulled the brakes as two young men on a bike suddenly appeared out of nowhere at the junction. As I recovered from the jerk, I was just ready to blurt out my first gaali, but I somehow gulped it down and broke into a smile, instead. You know what led to the change? The fact that the driver didn't lose his calm one bit, and just said, "kya kar raha hai bhau". The bikers apologized in response and we moved on. Now isn't that such a welcome change from Delhi's patent dialogue "Tu jaanta nahi mera baap kaun hai"?

Bindass People

Mumbai was a liberating experience. Firstly because, unlike Delhi, you can SAFELY take a cab and reach home post partying, any time of the night or the day, of course. Secondly, because the city has the most non-judgmental set of people I've ever come across in my life. And the best part? No one stares no matter what you're wearing.

So this one time, owing to the insane traffic, I decided to take the local train, even though I was clad in shorts. I was super-conscious as I stepped inside the train, but to my surprise, not even a single guy stared at my legs. Back home, I have to think a hundred times even before wearing sleeveless. (exaggeration, but you get the point, right?)

The Chowpatty

This public beach-cum picnic spot-cum lovers' point, adjoining the Marine Drive made me realize the need for some open space in saadi Dilli. After a hectic day at work, just sit by the beach with a friend, boyfriend or family, and you'll feel rejuvenated; way more rejuvenated than you can ever feel post a walk in our restricted colony parks.

Plus, the street food is to die for--paav bhaaji, bhel puri, paani puri--my mouth is watering already. Not that I'm saying the food can get any better than Delhi, but the Bambaiyya vibe is just amazing.