Summer is here

Summer in Mumbai 

 I wake up at 4 AM by the loud and persistent call of koel from the top of countless mango and asopalav trees dotting our home in Bandra. I open a window to the darkened world allowing sharp and scented summer sea breeze filling up my nostrils with intoxicating smells of raat ki raani, chemeli or juhi flowers from the garden as far as a mile away. 

All these heralds arrival of summer. We like to spend the summer season in Mumbai. Going anywhere in summer is pointless be it London, Lucknow, or Lonavala, one ends up meeting people from Juhu, Borivali, and Bandra. Mumbai summer is special, like most things of Mumbai, with small telltale signs of an invasion. 

Sunlight filters in the house early, newspaper arrives an hour early, and morning walkers are out in droves. Roads are devoid of roaring school buses and frantic parents ferrying children in cars as schools shut for vacation. Trains are less crowded, putting a smile on the face of every commuter as he boards. Television bombards us with advertisements of cold drinks, fans, air conditioners, and talcum powders. Neon signs of Kingfisher & Bud Lite beers glow everywhere. 

 Marine Drive, Girgaum chowpaty, Bandra promenades, Juhu chowpaty are thronged with people, descending to inhale salty sea breeze and to feel unshackled from their tiny homes. Afternoons are long, languid, and dragging. Restaurants do a brisk business in their AC section. Museums AC halls are full of people who do not know the difference between history and geography. Cinemas are full and malls overflow. Mumbai does not get too hot in summer, though humidity knocks you down. Bright sunshine is the best part of Mumbai's summer. Sun sweeps off all the haze and the Mumbai skyline sparkles and glitters. 

 Mumbai's already infamous nightlife comes alive with a furious gusto that makes one wonders if the city sleeps at all. Bars, cafes, lounges, and restaurants remain open till 2 AM, and coffee shops are up and doing brisk trade again at 8 am. Mumbai’s ceaselessly throbbing life slips into even higher gear in summer, making me more restless. 

I keep looking at the sky to look for clouds, dark and brooding clouds that will salvage my soul with drenching rains, making me more restful.

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