27th April 2024, Saturday - 11

Once Mahadev’s darshan was over the next concern was how to reach Mumbai. The original plan was for Bablu to drop us at Pune station which was around 3 hours’ drive away. We boarded the vehicle and instructed Bablu to take us to the nearest good restaurant where we can get some good tasty fast food.  After a hearty meal which was a lunch cum snacks cum dinner, we headed towards Pimpri station. Jagruti was sure that we would get a vehicle which would take us till Dadar.

We fixed a vehicle on per seat rate basis from outside Pimpri station. The Ertiga driver took a halt for filling CNG for the vehicle. After fueling the vehicle we headed towards the Pune Mumbai expressway. As the most elderly person of the group I got the privilege of sitting next to the driver, but to my surprise I found that this seat did not have the mandatory seat belt.

My surprise turned to mild horror when I realized that the driver took the road sign of “speed limit 100 KMPH” quite literally. What I witnessed from the front seat was a perfect example of how not to drive. After a continuous drive at a speed of around 120 KMPH, bending if not breaking all the traffic rules, I heaved a sigh of relief when we finally exited from the Expressway after Panvel.

At the time of leaving from Pimpri, around 10:30 PM, the driver informed that it would take minimum 3 hours to reach Dadar. We landed below the Sion bridge at around 12:45 AM covering the distance from Pimpri to Sion in just over 2 hours. Dhawal & Pooja took a vehicle towards Dharavi with instructions to Dhawal to drop Pooja at her house. Jagruti, Prajakta & yours truly took a cab. I dropped the girls at their residence and reached home. Manoj traveled upto Dadar in the Ertiga & took a cab to his house.

As we finally reached our respective homes in Mumbai, a wave of emotions washed over me. Relief, for sure, at having completed this incredible journey. But more than that, a profound sense of gratitude. Gratitude for the ancient temples that whispered stories of the past, the unexpected encounters, and the shared laughter and challenges with my travel companions.

This trip wasn't just about ticking destinations off a list; it was a transformation. We returned home with memories etched in our hearts, a reminder that the greatest adventures are often found in the profound connections we forge along the way.

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