I had a realisation that I had never truly explored my own city. I knew the neighbourhoods of Pittsburgh better than I know Mumbai's. To help me to start addressing this, Kartik flew in from Delhi just a day after my return from the US.

January 18
Kartik arrived at noon. After a late lunch at home, we headed to Bora Bora, which overlooks Juhu Beach, to enjoy a couple of beers while watching the sunset. Dessert before dinner, we stopped by Naturals Now for some freshly churned ice cream. Later, we met our friend, Aastik, at Prithvi Cafe for dinner, followed by a leisurely walk around Juhu. During our stroll, Kartik engaged in a candid conversation with one of the security guards at Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow Jasla — they discussed Abhishek's future.

Aastik and I had both attended the same school, albeit at different times. It felt nostalgic to walk around the area together before heading to Amar Juice Center for some pav bhaji. To cap off the night, we enjoyed a refreshing G&T at home.

January 19
After breakfast at home, we had dosas and filter coffee at Arya Bhavan in Matunga. As per usual, Kartik needed a couple of refills of sambar, treating it more like a beverage. Moving back up north to Bandra, since Kartik had a photo at Jasla, he got one outside Mannat too. Bandra Fort, a place I really wanted to check out, was unfortunately closed.

From Bandstand, we went to Mount St Mary Church, where we solemnly prayed for our livers. Jokes apart, it’s a beautiful area, especially walking down the steps that link Mount Mary Road and Hill Road.

Subko Specialty Coffee Roasters and Bakehouse at Mary Lodge deserves a special shout-out. Housed in a restored 1925 bungalow, there are 5 experience zones. The vibes are immaculate. At Subko, I got a SIF on the Rocks (South Indian Filter coffee sweetened with condensed milk) and Kartik got a Jaago can (chilled concoction featuring oat milk + Subko house blend espresso + house jaggery syrup).

Dinner was at Veronica’s, which was also an absolute delight. Kartik described Pass the Pastrami as the best sandwich he’d had. I kept it simple and on theme with a Mumbai Chilli Cheese Melt.

We then headed to Doolally Taproom, for beer. I’ve always loved their Alphonso Mead, but the Coffee Orange Mead was also delicious. We ended the day with some great laughs watching the All Star Standup Comedy lineup perform at The Habitat.

January 20
A historic day. My first Mumbai local train journey. Shame that it took almost 24 years for this to happen, but then I have rarely needed to travel on my own in the north-south direction. Most of my life has been spent crossing over from east to west. This was also the day when we traveled on the metro, a BEST bus, a local taxi, Uber, and also, my car… Lots of modes of transport for a day.

Breakfast at Kyani & Co. in Marine Lines — Irani tea, bun maska, veg pattice, keema pav, veg pulao with dhansak, and mawa cake. We roamed around for a while, spent time in Kitab Khana, drank some healthy juice in Kala Ghoda Cafe before checking out the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

Later, taking a turn, we headed to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) headquarters for our scheduled tour. On the way, we passed The Asiatic Society, Bombay Stock Exchange, and the Reserve Bank of India. We took a quick round of the RBI Monetary Museum.

The BMC HQ has opened its doors to the public for the first time in over 100 years. Enthralled, we explored the magnificent building. Indranil from Khaki Tours walked us through the history of Bombay and the architectural details of the building. I highly recommend a visit.

For dinner, my entire family gathered at a cousin’s place, and I was meeting most of them after a long time. Food and drinks stretched late into the night.

Funny incident — Kartik went clubbing and got introduced to two people who were soon to be my co-workers when I started my stint at Future Factory two days from then.

January 21
Kartik returned at 9 am after partying all night and was passed out until 7 pm when he finally woke up to meet a school friend for dinner.

January 22
A holiday was declared at work, my first day got pushed. Yay. We spent half the day at home and then went to meet a Manipal undergrad friend who was in the city for the marathon. Coffee at Boojee Cafe, roaming around Bandra, and catching the sunset. Frankie rolls at Quality Dry Fruits, Juhu. Lastly, a round of beer with Aastik at Independence Brewing Company.

January 23
I headed for my first day at work after dropping off Kartik at the airport on the way.

The end.