For once I am posting something that has nothing whatsoever to do with books, apart from the poetry of the season that inspires me to write Yes, I am writing about the monsoons that I meet every day on my way to and fro office…..

Delhi’s long wait is finally over. The mighty monsoon winds kissed the city, as expected (for a change the Met got it right!) in the first week of July. And as the romance has just started, you can still see the Capital blushing in rain. It’s the same story every year; the two lovers meet, sizzle and bond for a period of three months. The scorching summer heat all but vanishes, though humidity level mounts frequently. It’s bearable, for have we not waited with bated breath for the rains? The chirping birds, noisy grasshoppers, the swaying tree branches create a symphony of their own. The city looks beautiful in all its splendour. The traffic moves slowly, waterlogged streets turn into the workplace of the MCD workers. They put aside uprooted trees, clear the overflowing drains, much to the amazement of children. The spectacle provides diversion during their trips to and from school. Anxious parents are often seen making way through water logged roads, looking for their wards.

The rain does create havoc but can we forget the fun elements associated with it? How children, adults shrug off the concerns of their near and dear ones, just to get wet in the rain. Suddenly the warm tea tastes awesome, plates full of snacks are emptied in no time. Shopping and dining plans get aborted at the last minute due to rain but really it’s worth it. The morning showers give us an excuse to take leave from office or at least arrive late. Children  have something other than their run on the mill excuses to skip classes. Bus stands, shop fronts, trees, over bridges become the temporary shelter point for pedestrians, bikers. And suddenly you find yourself stranded at some odd, lonely location for hours, and you are forced to admire and get acquainted with your surroundings while you wait for the Rain God to take a break.  Of course, when you get wet for the umpteenth time and pile of wet clothes to be put in the sun becomes too huge, you are bound to pull at your hair. but hey, it’s all a part of the rainy romance.

Delhi’s tryst with the monsoon has started. It’s time to unwind from the stresses and get immerged in the flavour of the season. It’s time to be happy and spreading happiness all around us. Everything seems beautiful in rainy season, for does it not precede winter and festivities galore?

Today is that day that William Shakespeare was baptised. His exact birth date remains shrouded in mystery. But nonetheless, since this is like the week of his birthday, we from the INDIAreads team invite you to participate in “Map your Shakespearean Characters contest”. You are required to mention your favourite character as well as the one whom you despise from your favourite play by Shakespeare. (along with the why of course.)