It was almost 4 pm and I was desperate to get some sleep. There is nothing like a sweet power-nap right after a home-cooked meal. My mom has always been an afternoon napper- and she makes the whole process look extremely alluring. She finishes her work and household chores just in time to catch up on half an hour of sleep. God forbid, if you choose to disturb her during her 30 mins of bliss- you would be crossing the worst side of her. This is not the time for someone to ring the bell, or ask her for where something is kept. If you do- then God bless your soul.
Anyway, coming back to the real topic- now that I am visiting my folks for a couple of days, I couldn't resist taking a quick nap with mom. My childhood syndrome of creating afternoon trouble for mom has left gracefully with age- and that department is now under the supervision of my brother. So, once me and mom realized that my brother was out playing with friends- this was our opportune moment to catch up on our power nap.
For an extremely hot and humid city like Kolkata- the true blessing is something called the AC.
I really cannot imagine life without air-conditioning. And to make things worse, right when I was about to drift into sweet sleep, there was a power cut. Almost instantly the room was filled with air so hot that could melt my PJs. Not fair I say! Just not fair.
Helpless and devastated by the twist of fate, I picked up an old newspaper in an attempt to fan myself- and within moments realized that I had gone back in time. We might as well go back to the stone ages I told my mom- why isn't the power back up working!!! My mom was silent for sometime, and then she asked me to get up and open the door to the terrace.
As soon as I opened the door to the terrace, I was greeted with sweet sweet breeze. The air was fresh and soothing, the breeze so light that it brought an instant smile on my face. How I miss the real breeze. I mean AC is awesome! It's a lifesaver no doubt- but this... this is the real stuff my friends. Nothing un-natural, nothing man made- just pure afternoon breeze, that fills you up with the familiar scent of the neighbor's magnolia.
The nap never made it, but what followed was a state of total relaxation. And, I'm gonna end this post with a note that is worthy of inclusion into the aesop's fables -
Sometimes, in an attempt to revolutionize and modernize our surroundings, we tend to forget the simplest means of comfort. Something which is so simple can't be overlooked- so once in a while sit back, relax - switch off the ACs and take a stroll on your terrace! Amen.
:-)
ReplyDeleteIt sure feels good to feel the fresh breeze. And surprisingly, the only time one is compelled to demand one, is when the power goes out.
Closed windows allowing mosquito repellents to work its magic, air conditioning to condition our lives, and dramatized needs for artificial life-support systems, what world have we made for ourselves.
Enjoy the vacation! :)
Awesome stuff! :)
Well said! :)
ReplyDeleteNice post.. just like your mom, mine mumma too likes to take a quick afternoon nap :)
ReplyDeletegosh I cannot think of how hot is it over there right now. I am already hot right now sitting in Chicago. once I step foot into bombay I probably start dropping few pounds of sweat.
ReplyDelete@Linhy- be prepared to face the heat! :P
ReplyDeleteAwww I really loved this post. I loved the way you wrote this because it almost felt like I could feel it. But yeah, I totally agree. Sometimes I do forget the things that are simple and pure, like a cool breeze. It's so lovely!
ReplyDelete