Life continues for Leopold staff

Dubai: One year since the terrorists had pumped in three bullets in the stomach of Bharat Gujjar 33 at Leopold Café, life continues for this kitchen supervisor who believes that life is not about living in fear.

The café, located in Colaba, came under attack by terrorists. It was shut down temporarily but was the first to open among the landmarks that came under attack by terrorists on November 26, 2008. Today there is a security man standing guard at the café.

Gulf News spoke to Gujjar who was on a three-day break from work and was busy running an errand in Bandra (suburb west Mumbai). He said: "I would love to erase the memory of that particular day from my mind but the fourteen stitches on my stomach are a grim reminder of the manner in which the terrorists went rampaging in the café."

In the shoot out, Gujjar lost two of his colleagues but considers himself lucky to be alive despite being hospitalised for bullet wounds. According to him, the cheer and courage shown by people who were frequent visitors at the café has also been a source of inspiration for not only him but also his colleagues.

Reminder

He said: "Just come over for a visit, and you will hardly believe that Leopold had ever been come under attack. Initially when people came to the café, they were curious about the bullet holes that have been preserved by the owners and to know a first hand account from me, but now everyone had moved on, including myself. The café is buzzing with people and that is how things should be exactly. People ask me whether I feared venturing out unaided or whether the possibility of a repeat attack haunts me.

"I am not going through any of those emotions. My family fears for my life especially my wife who thinks that I will be killed. But then I make her understand that whatever has been written as my fate will happen. Just think about it, I had taken three bullets in my stomach and still I am alive and am able to support my family. My legs ache a lot since that incident but that's the only health related complaint. I was in the hospital for about 20 days. I can't dream of resigning from my current job and working somewhere else. Leopold Café has a special place in my life.

"I just took a couple of days off from work. I have some personal work to take care of and will be back on duty a day before the first anniversary of Mumbai terror strike on November 26," added Gujjar.