There's a sudden change in the weather. The sunny days of winter and spring are making way for the next bout of summer rains. Reminds me of home, of endless rains, of rounds of carrom as we passed time trapped inside our homes.
The rains are viewed so differently across the country that by itself it could qualify as being a measure of the various different ethnic clans and cultures here, not to speak of the geographical spread.
Back home it was always seen with a feeling of helplessness, resignment to indoor sports, (we had indoor varieties of all the games played!), and smelly clothes arranged on the line with fans running furiously to try to dry them. The huddled people in front of the TV, sharing in joy, and laughing in mirth. Yes, TV was a great source of bonding and as a past-time in the rainy season, nothwithstanding the constant fights among us for the control of the remote.
Here the rains bring a totally different emotion along with it. It gives respite from the scorching sun with the dancing peacocks thrown in as a good bonus (not to forget the dancing humans).
But there is also a binding thread with it.
It is seen everywhere equally as a harbinger of a good harvest, a new beginning, creation, and change. It is seen with fondness by the elders reminding them of times gone by. Rains bring out the emotions in two lovers, and makes the longingness grow deeper.
For some rains may be disasters, for the cotton crop, for the low-lying habitats, and for the goats!!
But,
Rains bring with it water.
And with that.
Life itself.