'I will never come back to Mumbai'

Blast at Zaveri Bazaar leaves indelible mark on victims' mind; teenager swears to leave city forever
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For 16-year-old Indrajeet Tiwari, the serial bomb blasts have effectively scorched all plans of making a living in the city. "I will not come back to Mumbai again," averred Tiwari, who is recuperating at GT hospital.


Indrajeet Tiwari, who sustained an injury on
his left leg, recuperates at GT Hospital

On Wednesday, Tiwari, who works at a kachori shop in Khau gulli in Zaveri Bazaar, was serving food to people when the blast occurred. Tiwari sustained an injury on his left leg.

The doctors at GT were able to take care of his injured limb, but they have no palliative for the mental agony of the teenage boy.

Tiwari had arrived in the city just a month ago with a relative. "I used to roam around the city during my free time and also worked at the shop.

I had also planned to get my brothers to the city, but now I will not. This is a dangerous place and anything can happen," said Tiwari.

Tiwari's parents are in Uttar Pradesh and have been informed about his condition. "I spoke to them over the phone; they said they will come here and take me home. I just cannot wait to go home," he said.

While Tiwari's parents are on their way to the city, two people volunteered to help the boy. Tiwari gazed at the next cot and said, "Madam, dekho, yeh kitne jale hai."

The man Tiwari points out to is Bipin Patel (44), a resident of Bhayander who has severe burns on his back, shoulder and forearms. His friend sitting next to his cot, said, "It is unfortunate; he has a daughter. How will he make ends meet?"

Ramu Verma (19), another victim who also works at Khau gulli, is so much taken aback by the incident that he is not ready to utter a word. Ask him what happened and he just nods his head mechanically.

Rajendra Gupta (33), suffered an injury in his left foot and right thigh. "It was a dreadful sight; I can't sleep properly. Those images keep flashing in my mind," recalled Gupta.

Asked would he go back to work at Khau gulli, he said, "Madam, aur koi chara nahin hai, jana toh padega, yeh toh hadson ka sheher hai."

The owner of the food stall where Gupta works was also severely injured and admitted to the Bombay hospital. Gupta's wife and daughter were with him in the city a few months ago.

"I sent them back to UP, just two months ago. I am wondering what would have happened, if they were also with me on that fateful day," Gupta said.u00a0u00a0