Mumbai
People say I guard buildings. But really, I guard dreams.
Ravi has been working the night shift for 12 years, watching over Mumbai’s sleeping offices while the city dreams around him. At 45, he’s seen every kind of midnight drama the city can offer, but his eyes still hold a quiet dignity that speaks louder than words.
“During the day, these buildings are full of people chasing dreams – promotions, deals, success. At night, when everyone’s gone, I can feel those dreams floating in the air. My job is to make sure they’re safe till morning.”
“I have two children. My son asks, ‘Papa, why do you work when everyone else sleeps?’ I tell him, ‘Because someone has to keep the city safe while it rests. Someone has to make sure tomorrow’s dreams survive tonight.'”
He shows me photos of his daughter’s school achievement certificates on his phone, his voice soft with pride. “She wants to be a doctor. My salary isn’t much, but her dreams? Priceless. Every night I work is a step toward her future.”
“You know what I’ve learned in 12 years of nights? The city is honest in darkness. During the day, everyone wears masks. At 3 AM, you see who people really are. And mostly, they’re just trying their best, like everyone else.”
“People think night jobs are for people who couldn’t do better. But I chose this. I chose to be awake so others can sleep peacefully. That’s not failure. That’s service.”
In a city that never stops moving, Ravi reminds us that sometimes the greatest strength is standing still and watching over others.
– Zara