Love at first sight

The moment I say, “I love band stand”, I get these ‘I Know why’ smiles from people. For those who have been to band stand, the rocky sea face in Bandra reclamation, band stand is synonymous with a beeline of couples cozying up, even in broad daylight.
However, my love affair with Band stand started the same week of my landing in Mumbai. Having spent most of my life in Delhi, sea side in Mumbai was a natural attraction, so when my niece took me to band stand, I was mesmerized. Mind you, Band stand was like this awkward, reserved boy who did not know how to present the best foot forward, as it was a sunny, still afternoon with nothing romantic about the place, but as I sat on the rocks with waves crashing against the shore, I knew this is the place I would love. I dreamt of the time I would have, sitting there alone, with my hair thrown back by cool breeze and sun setting on the horizon.
And band stand did not disappoint me!! As my local guardians stay quite close to band stand, I have been there in morning, and like a typical hostler, have been there at 11 in the night. The best was when I went there after July 26 havoc last year. The sea was its high, there was a fine mist in the air, the breeze was almost cold, tingling me as goose bumps rose as response and then it started raining, The rendezvous I had that day still lingers …
Ten months down the line, having visited Juhu, Silver, Chaupati, Aksa, Alibagh, Marine Line and other sea faces, the affair still continues. While Juhu and Chaupati are picnic spots with more people than I can bear as acceptable, Aksa is a beautiful but dangerous beach with infamous quick sand and reported cases of at least 2- 3 deaths every year. And Marine lines with its beautiful Queen’s necklace view and posh location has really dirty water at the shore and then you can not dip your feet in water! So half the experience is lost. All you do there is sit on the wall and look at the sea. Alibagh with its secluded beaches and no high rise buildings to spoil the view has its merit but traveling by a public transport takes a toll on you if you have made a single day program. Silver, the one closest to my hostel is a cleaner, quieter beach than Juhu and I have been going for evening walks during my summer training, but it is no substitute. So, all in all, I long to be at bandstand and jump at the mention of going there. The fate teases me too. My visits are restricted to once or twice a trimester.
Off late, especially after a month of to and fro to Kandiwali East, I have reached adecision. If I were to stay in Mumbai, it would have to be Bandra with no more than 10 minute distance to Band stand! The separation and suffering would reduce, I hope…