Of Arsenic and other thoughts

Arsenic. That's what the subway at BO smelt like last evening. Don't ask me how I knew what Arsenic smells like, but that's the first word that popped into my head the minute I climbed down the last step. I was not worried though. It would take more than mere poison to dispose of us Mumbaiwallahs. We live with poisoned water, poisoned air, poisoned language and poisoned minds on a daily basis, so how bad can a little chemical be?

A little further on, I got the distinct smell of pears. The fruit, not the soap. Any poison with that smell? Wonder why I'm thinking so much of poisons today... As I walked on, I looked at the ceiling of this relatively new subway (not even 6 months old). The plaster looks like it's peeling, drops of water gather strategically over already hassled commuter's heads and plonk! That is what is called a 'brainwash'.

More bizarre ideas float by as I continue looking at the ceiling : What if this train thats trundling above my head this very moment, falls through the cracks someday? That would not be a very pleasant experience, I think....

Brrr. It's cold suddenly. The thought of being crushed by a train full of a gadzillion Virar bound people lowers the temperature in my veins. It's a good thing Home is close by. I'll be safe there.