"Terrorists can do anything they like,” 52-year-old businessman Dilip Khadaria said. “We are businessmen, we will be going back to work. It won’t hamper our business, it won’t stop our work."

While the city’s top brass were generous in their praise for the man on the street in the aftermath of Tuesday’s bloodbath on the rails, many outsiders were in awe of the resilience that put the city back on its feet in no time.

The way Mumbai came back to life after the initial shock within the first few hours has etched a valiant picture in the minds of thousands in and outside the city.

”One thing is very clear. Whenever the city faces any calamity it is the courage of the common man that comes to the fore,” said ace Bollywood film director Rakesh Roshan.

We are Mumbaikers and we live like brothers in times like this. So, do not dare to threaten us with your crackers. The spirit of Mumbai is very strong and can not be harmed.

Mumbai residents displayed their resilient spirit by returning to work yesterday. But many questioned India’s approach to terrorism. “We keep priding ourselves on how we bounce back after these blasts and Mumbai’s ‘spirit’, but haven’t we got it wrong?” asked Anshuman Datta, a vegetable seller. “Shouldn’t we be priding ourselves on our ability to hit back at those responsible?"