With all the boys running away to the back of the alley to look at the camera, only one of them stared at the camera

In Mumbai’s bustling shopping streets, storefronts overflow with colorful goods, lively vendors, and a constant stream of customers. But step into the back alleys, and the city reveals a different side—one where commerce and daily life blend seamlessly.

Behind the shops, these alleys are not just places of business—they are home to many who live and work here. The scent of cooking food drifts from open doorways, laundry hangs overhead, and children weave through the narrow passageways.

As I walk, I notice young faces among the crowd. Some appear to be on their way home from school, while others may have just finished helping their families with chores.

The moment they spot me—a foreigner with a camera—their curiosity sparks.

If I lift my camera, a game begins. Most of the boys laugh and dart away into the alley, disappearing into the shadows like players in a game of tag. But not all of them run.

Some hesitate, caught between curiosity and caution. They watch as their friends vanish, yet something keeps them rooted in place. Their eyes flicker with uncertainty, intrigue, and the thrill of the unknown.

I have no way of knowing how they see me, this stranger in their familiar world. But for a fleeting moment, in a quiet corner of Mumbai’s backstreets, we share an unspoken exchange—a small yet memorable encounter, sealed in my mind long after the moment has passed.

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