The soul of Mumbai…

So you all have come back again after a long year with tears in your eyes and contempt in your heart. What have you come here for - to show solidarity or sympathy or just to give me courage – mind you I need none of that. I refuse to forget and forgive those who attacked Mumbai and those who let it happen.
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It has been a year since that night when I was left hurt and bleeding. With trembling hands I may have got to my feet, but all this while I was haunted by what I had to go through on the night of November 26, 2008.
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They came, they attacked, but they did not achieve what they wanted to because I did not get scared of them. In fact, I provided shelter to one of them here.
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I have no bitterness towards them when they walked across my chest and spilt blood on my face. The bloodshed may have continued for a few days, but each bullet shot is still fresh in my memory.
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The blood may have been washed off after the attack, but the stains still remain.
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I have seen it all in during riots, blasts and terror attacks. After each such incident, I had given you all courage and strength to carry on with your life.
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I am tired of how often people use the term “spirit of Mumbai”, whenever I am attacked. “The city is up and running again,” these words have been used so many times that it makes me laugh.
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As the city gets back on its feet, people put the horror behind them, but what about me?
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That people do not have any other option, I understand. After all the compulsion of earning their bread and butter is more pressing, but I stand alone scarred. I am forced to bear and withstand repeated assaults and injuries. I am supposed to put up a brave front and give succor. I am supposed to behave as if nothing has happened!
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I am weary and tired now. Every time there is bloodshed, a part of me dies.
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End this cycle of violence now, lest you lose me.