The monsoon season had arrived in Mumbai. Gray clouds covered the sky, and relentless rain poured down with deafening thunder. The city’s drainage system quickly reached its limit, and roads turned into rivers. Traffic was paralyzed, and daily life was disrupted. This dramatic season highlighted both Mumbai’s resilience and its vulnerability. Nikhil gazed out from the window of his high-rise apartment at the city blurred by the falling rain. In contrast to the chaos outside, the room was quiet, inviting his mind to introspection.
This year, in particular, the importance of disaster preparedness during the monsoon season was being emphasized. Learning from past flood damages, the government, NGOs, and companies were collaborating to revise evacuation plans and strengthen infrastructure. Nikhil, as an investor, was also interested in investing in disaster risk management and resilience-related technologies. Themes related to maintaining urban functions and human lives were deeply connected to the business and social issues he had been involved in. Disasters mercilessly strike the most vulnerable parts of society, further exacerbating problems like wealth disparity and information gaps that are usually less visible.
Listening to the sound of the rain, Nikhil attempted to sort out his feelings, which were in a state of some kind of “disaster.” Since Natasha’s proactive approach in Delhi, his heart had been violently stirred again, but encountering the housing problem there had raised the question of what should be the “foundation” for his own life. He felt that now was the time to face that question and unravel his feelings for the two women one by one.
First, about Priya. He imagined how she would act under difficult monsoon conditions. She would likely be busy confirming the safety of people in poor areas through her NGO’s network or arranging necessary aid supplies (concrete goods procured with money, such as food, medicine, blankets). Being close to the ground and extending a helping hand to those in need. That was her true nature. Her quiet passion for shining a light on the shadow parts of society and her unwavering inner strength that was unfazed by any difficulty. The peaceful tranquility he would likely gain by being with Priya and the meaningful connection as a member of society. They seemed certain as a foundation for life. The values she embodied were deeply connected to the fundamental issues he had faced in Delhi, such as the housing problem and poverty. It wasn’t mere idealism; it was a strength that faced reality.
Next, about Natasha. He imagined how she would cope with the chaos of the monsoon. She would likely, without panicking, quickly issue instructions to ensure business continuity or give concrete directions to secure the safety of her employees. Or, she might leverage her business network and influence to solicit donations for affected areas or organize volunteer teams. Her leadership, problem-solving skills, and “manly” ability to execute, which shone precisely in difficult situations. The stimulating exhilaration he would likely gain by being with Natasha and the possibilities that would expand by aiming higher together. They would be a powerful driving force in navigating the dynamically changing world. The values she embodied were deeply connected to economic activities that kept moving forward, such as urban development and business. They were realistic and possessed the power to move the world.
The two women, like this monsoon, seemed to represent different ways of coping with unpredictable societal “disasters,” different forms of resilience. Priya quietly but surely supported people’s hearts and communities, while Natasha dynamically and efficiently solved problems and provided the power to move forward. Both approaches were essential in this complex world. And both women, in their own ways, influenced those around them and shone brightly.
Nikhil sorted out that he was drawn to Priya because he resonated with her human depth, empathy, and quiet strength in supporting the foundation of society. This fulfilled his introspective side, his interest in society, and his desire for a stable “home.” On the other hand, he sorted out that he was drawn to Natasha because he was fascinated by her energy, drive, and ability to forge the future. This stirred his extroverted side, his ambition, and his desire for stimulating “challenges.”
Both were a part of him, and the charm of both was hard to let go of. However, the question of “life’s foundation” he felt in Delhi was gaining weight in his heart. Like disaster preparedness, life also needed certain “preparations” and a “foundation.” He was beginning to feel that it should be based on a sense of security and stability that couldn’t be gained solely from glamour or stimulation, and on the values he truly cherished.
Amidst the continuing monsoon rain, Nikhil carefully sorted out his feelings one by one, re-examining his feelings for the two women from the perspective of their respective charms and how they resonated with different aspects of his life. This wasn’t a comparison of who was better or superior. It was about which “foundation” for life to choose. A life with Priya, a life with Natasha. Each path began to take on clear contours in his heart, like the city of Mumbai washed by the rain. It wasn’t yet the “decision” itself. However, the quiet and important “preparation period” towards that decision was coming to an end. When the rain stopped and the sky cleared, he felt ready to take a step based on the sorting he had done in his heart.
