When Jatin Dhameliya (27) says he “completes one year of life today”, his friends, fellow passengers on board Wednesday’s Bhayendar Fast, understand.

The mood in the train is the same as it was that day—tired Mumbaikars heading back home after work. “Yaha toh roz dhakka khana hain, ghar jana hain, aur kya story hain? Bomb blast ek din hota hain, zindagi toh phir bhi chalti hain?” says one among the group of Gujarati traders, who travel with Dhameliya everyday.

A year ago, Dhameliya was on the 5.54 Virar Fast in which an explosion took place at Matunga Road. He was the only one who survived. That day, his usual friends weren’t with him. But they all believe it was nothing short of a miracle that saved him.

Today, as he stands at the door of the Bhayendar Fast holding onto the pole, Dhameliya opens up. “This was the same position that saved my life. Those inside died in the explosion. The rest who stood at the door next to me were thrown out. When I opened my eyes, I saw myself hanging by the support rod. That memory will haunt me till I die.”

“Train travel and Bombay majboori hain. There is no security here, but we come from small villages chasing dreams,” adds Bharat Jivani (28).

“This door is our territory. We never sit inside as all of us can’t be together then,” says Jivani, explaining why they are always at the door of a train. “We now travel together and ensure no one goes alone. We do not feel secure anymore.”