Rains bring back memories. This time last year, I was in a relationship. My father was in a hospital. I managed to avoid spending my birthday at the hospital. I walked in the rains with my boyfriend holding hands under a gigantic rainbow coloured umbrella. When the rains ended so did my relationship…it was bittersweet.

Rains make my city beautiful. Town looks absolutely gorgeous. The statues look clean and everything looks reborn. The buildings look rain drenched, the surroundings look green. I have missed working in town especially when I see these sights.

Walking in the rain during my college days. Knee length water, waterproof bags, at some point the pretence of protection leaves us. I love the feeling when the rains lash my face. They sting it, the water pure until it touches the ground. The wind blows against my hair and I feel chilled and the only thing that resolves this is chai at home with my amma making hot tiffin to go with it.

However much we crib about the kheechad and the flooding, an intrinsic part of us is overwhelmed with the feelings that come over us when the monsoons come visiting. We want to have that garam chai with the pakoras – standard Mumbai rains desire. What would this season be without the buttawala and his cart and having masalafied corn?

Driving to Pune in the rains brings with it its own set of nostalgic memories. Green as much as the eye can see. Fog, mist and lovely scenery. Stopping at the Food Mall and having vadapav – again standard thing to do but with the rains, it becomes imbued with more meaning.

This season will bring love, joy and laughter for me. I can feel myself smiling already…