I've been living in India for the past 9 months with only 18 posts to show for. Pretty sad considering the amount of experiences and events in just the past 9 months. The most recent events that erupted in Bombay these past 3 days have probably been the most intense few days we've had here in India. A lot witnessed and much more learned.

Thursday early morning we got a call obnoxiously early from my brother and dad, both wondering if we're ok. I vaguely heard bits and pieces of Asif answering the phone, saying "what!" and was probably super sleepy and confusing and going back to sleep. Later in the morning, we found out that the night before havoc had hit Bombay.

Just 3 months ago, we were able to experience the hustle and bustle and rich culture of Bombay, India. We had the opportunity to attend a Shia Bohri wedding near an area called Behndi Bazaar. Throughout our 3 or 4 days in Bombay the bulk of our time was spent in Colaba, where terror struck. It was quite eerie watching the Taj set ablaze and hear of dead bodies inside restaurants, rooms and hallways. We had walked around in that building and also enjoyed a nice lunch at a restaurant in there as well.

But it doesn't matter what my transient experiences were in Bombay...these horrific events hit hard on the hearts of most Bombayites and Indians. A co worker of mine was affected intensely, she is from Bombay and couldn't stop watching the news and thinking of how she had spent so much of her school and college life in Bombay and in particular Colaba, which is known for its popular entertainment, food and art. Luckily, her friends were ok but all were hit emotionally.

Last nite at dinner, the conversations that dominated the dinner table was: how could this happen and what's wrong with the system. How can a few men enter India via sea to wreak havoc so easily?

Today, in the car, I was having an interesting discussion with Ravi our driver. Ravi is a stark contrast from our previous driver (which I blogged about). Despite my cynicism and suspicion towards him, he's been extremely honest and vigilant about every thing he's done for us...from being on time to returning petty change back after a grocery run. He was expressing his own frustration...that all this mess is only b/c of the government and its own inner corruption. Last night, he had to drop a few friends off and at 1 am he was stopped in the middle of the road for an inspection and asked why he's out so late. He was frustrated with the questions and incompetency and corruption of the police in Bangalore and how they can be bought so easily. He showed me an article in the kannada paper about how a few police officers were charged with corruption charges, they made millions in just bribery and bought multiple homes, bars and movie theaters. He told me about how when thieves are caught, the cops take the stolen goods, give the thief a small slap and let him go. He was frustrated with how things were and how dishonesty runs rampant in this city and country and wonder what a common man can even do to attain justice if the ones who are in charge of justice are so rotten. He then went on to tell me of other drivers who work for Google and how they function. When sent to the store to buy something for their employers, the item will cost 10 rs but he'll tell his employer that it's for 30. He comes back happy that he's made profit off of his own employer. Ravi asks him what will happen when your employer finds out? The other driver does not care, he'll find another job...big deal. Ravi's lost hope in change.

Life in India's been good overall, great food, great shopping, I love my job and like being near grandparents and rich cultural experiences. Living long term here though would be frustrating. There's no justice on the low levels and forget the higher levels. I think all this is a great lesson in the value of honesty. Worldly gains will never bring you that peace of mind that honesty will bring you, your livelihood and your relationships.

May God guide us and keep us on the way of the Rasool (s), the way of truthfulness, love and justice.