The Chronicles of South Bombay (1960s-70s) Page #3

Bombay’s Hidden Heart: A Love That Defied Time and Transformed a City

• History
• Romance
• Short story
• Fiction

								


For Ashok, this wasn't just about saving a library or a brick structure, it illustrated something deeper—the preservation of Bombay’s unique identity that he has recently enlightened after meeting Ajay. 

The library was also the place where he began to develop his feelings for Ajay. But loving Ajay wasn’t easy. It was during these interactions that he started to accept more of what he had been fighting for a long time within himself. He realised the more he would fight these feelings and the more he would resist, each time he used to see Ajay, they would hit him with a stronger intensity.

Even in a city as open as Bombay and the kind of freedom he was charged with, without being accountable to anyone out there. However, there were dangers as they could never hold hands in public or show their affection like other couples. Ashok was sad and the only reason was because their love was impossible and had to remain hidden as at that time, it was still a crime. Our colonial masters may have left the country, but their laws are still keeping us under their control. It was only in the 21st century that we were able to get rid of this colonial mindset and be brave enough to accept the people as they are. 

It was only through closed doors and whispered conversations they were able to live and be who they actually were.

Ashok struggled with this, feeling torn between his desire for Ajay and the fear of what could happen if anyone found out. He decided to share his feelings with Ajay as soon as these things sort out. 

“In 1965, the city was a cultural powerhouse, home to the Hindi film industry, iconic art deco cinemas, Irani cafés, and jazz clubs. The Gateway of India stood as a symbol of both colonial oppression and India’s triumph over it. As India prepared for its second Indo-Pakistani war, the city was becoming more conscious of its role in shaping the nation’s cultural and intellectual future.”

As they organised for a community meeting at the library, they found a hidden chamber linked with an old bookshelf. As one pulls the book, the door will slide open. 





“According to the locals and some historical accounts, the Town Hall, where the Asiatic Society of Bombay Library is located, contains hidden compartments or secret chambers. These stories are part of the building’s mystique and are very popular among visitors. Over the years it has gone under various renovations and restoration projects, and these sometimes reveal previously unknown aspects of the building’s architecture, including hidden rooms or compartments used for storage purposes. There is still no clear evidence of a specific hidden compartment and it still remains a mystery.”

Inside, they found letters and photographs documenting the lives of notable figures who had often visited the library. These artefacts demonstrated a glimpse into the affluent culture that Bombay harboured and strengthened their case for preservation.

Ashok and Ajay’s fight to save the library gained momentum when their campaign was covered by the prestigious newspaper of the time, “The Bombay Chronicle”, leading to gathering great attention of intellectuals from all over the city beginning to support their cause. Stalwarts of Bombay- Writers, actors, and activists- at the cultural scene joined the rallies they organised making the preservation of the library a symbol of the fight against the unchecked modernization of Bombay.

One evening, as they were preparing for a major rally, Ajay took Ashok aside. “There’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” he said quietly, his voice tinged with hesitation.

Ashok’s heart raced, he was nervous, what was it, but at the same time he was filled with joy and excitement somewhere, if Ajay was also feeling the same way for him.

“I—” Ajay began, but before he could continue, they were surrounded by a group of activists. The moment passed, leaving Ashok filled with anticipation and uncertainty. Ashok kept on thinking what it could be, he decided when the time was right, he would ask Ajay about it. 

The next day, the rally was a success. Hundreds of people gathered outside the library, holding signs and chanting slogans. The more media coverage brought the issue to the forefront, and the city’s municipal authorities finally agreed to meet with them.


In the days that ensued, the support of the masses in the city increased. The developer decided to push through with the demolition, but the public outcry made it difficult for him to even roam around the Fort area. Ashok and Ajay spent countless nights in quiet toiling on legal strategies and gathering more evidence to present to the court. Ashok was still stressed about what it could be that Ajay wanted to tell him the other night. 




By the time the case went to court, the library had become a flashpoint for a larger debate about the future of Bombay. There was only one question that was looming all over the minds of everyone who got to hear about this case: Should a city sacrifice its past for the sake of economic growth, or was there a way to blend progress with preservation? As many intellectuals pointed it out as the “Destruction of culture, in the name of Development”.

As soon as the hearing started in the court, the room was sealed with supporters, including prominent figures from Bombay’s cultural elite. Ashok, anxious yet determined for this great cause of preservation, submitted the letters that he and Ajay had discovered inside the secret chambers, proving the library’s importance as a historical landmark. 

The judge, after much deliberation, ruled in their favour. The verdict came as the library would be preserved, but it would also be restored and modernised to become a cultural centre for the city—a place where the old and new could coexist to increase its footfall in modern times, keeping its progress in mind.

The victory was more than just a personal triumph for both of them. Their collective action brought them even closer than ever before. In the aftermath of the court ruling, the library was ordered to be restored by the Bombay Municipal Corporation. And its reading rooms once again filled with scholars, poets, and curious minds to learn and thrive in a welcoming space. It became a space for cultural gatherings, hosting literary fests and art exhibitions, bridging the void between Bombay’s colonial chronology and its contemporary fortune.

They stood outside the courthouse, surrounded by exhilarating supporters, celebrating their joy of being able to protect the beauty that Bombay harboured.

Ashok finally turned to Ajay. “What were you going to tell me the other night?” he asked.

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