Saying something about summer

The water has gone into the fridge. I've finally turned on the ceiling fan in the apartment I moved into four months ago. The auto drivers are beginning to get cranky. I'm beginning to get cranky. The winter cold has left without a trace and a thin layer of dust has settled everywhere. Yes, it's true- gearing up for my second Dilli summer. Groan. 

Having grown up in a city which has a single season throughout the year, I've always taken the heat for granted. It was always an unquestioned reality in my life- I never had to wear winter uniforms for school. I never owned a blanket till I moved to another country. I never woke up to cold, foggy mornings, sipping cups of chai. It was hot, and there was nothing more to it. 

The second big move I made was to a city (well rather, a country) with supposedly four seasons, but in reality, with only one, that everyone living in the city universally but hesitantly acknowledged - rainy. The weather was so very monotone, in a most depressing way. And though there were intermittent periods where rays of sunshine poked out of the clouds, it was never long before the one-note weather returned everyone back to their routines. No prizes for guessing which city that is. 

Here in Dilli though, the seasons change loudly and without apology.

And as they do, my mood is reflective. Actually, scratch that. My mood is always reflective (yes, yes, I know you're nodding vigorously). I've realized that last year at this time, I found everything about this place so daunting. This year, fighting with this city has really taken a back seat (well, so far, at least). Dilli is now just a backdrop, a place where experiences happen- and that's perfectly ok. I'm happy to meet it wherever I can, and to take in the new experiences, and at other times I'm happy to step back and let the normalcy of life take over. I think this new approach comes with some growing up as well- and for the first time, an attempt and need to prioritize. I can't say its not challenging, but putting my own happiness and well-being first (well at least taking baby steps towards it), is helping me- whether that be through guitar lessons with my landlord's son, taking an evening off getting lost in Chandni Chowk or letting my parents buy me some much-needed furniture for my house. 

Summer is here, yes yes, time to move along with the times, and get along with life. Though I have to say, the thing I like best about my life now (well, at least what I acknowledge now) is that there is always something to look forward to. And there always is, really:)