Emotions ran high as the Taj Mahal Hotel welcomed guests for the first time since the Mumbai terror attacks; many expressed solidarity, but some chose to stay away
The Taj Mahal Hotel opened its doors and ushered guests for the first time since the terror attacks yesterday. However, despite the show of solidarity, memories of 26/11 loomed large during the occasion. Even as several people booked rooms to mark the reopening of the hotel, there were others who preferred to stay away.
The hotel invited the Rawal family, who escaped being caught in the nightmare, for dinner, but not everyone turned up. Niru, Rawal's wife, chose not to be a part of the celebrations since the terror attacks have stayed with her.
Niru's daughter, Tejaswini, who came for dinner with her father Krishnakant , said, "My mother did not accompany us because she is afraid of coming to Taj after watching the attacks on television."
The Rawals were provided complimentary stay at the Taj Mahal Hotel on November 26 since they are Gold Card members. However, due to personal reasons, they stayed there a month earlier.
"We are grateful to God that we had to change our plans and stayed in the hotel on October 26," said Krishnakant.
Piyush Sinha, a resident of Dubai, who visited the hotel with his family yesterday, said, "The environment is not the same as before. The aftermath of the attacks is visible. It will be difficult for me to stay at the Taj."
Showing support
However, despite the gloom, there were others who got emotional. Deepak Dutta, a businessman, claimed to be one of the first people to book a room. "I was in one of the rooms at Taj when the attacks took place and was rescued later. I will stay in the same room now. I have already performed a puja and am looking forward to a luxury stay." Dutta read the Hanuman Chalisa during the attacks to gather courage.
Deepak Deva, who works with a travel group, flew from Delhi just to stay at the Taj. "We've been associated with Taj for several years. I am here to express my solidarity, and will fly back tomorrow," said Deepak.
