April – May. The rooster wakes up early in the morning, people rise from not so good sleep as the first rays of sunlight creep over the city. The air is light crisp and refreshing; with hidden traces of ocean breeze. The early risers are grateful for the bright day but they become less optimistic but they know about dangerously high temperatures. Within minutes the air becomes heavy and thick as the sun fully reveals itself. It will hang in the morning sky like a brand new golden coin glowing with radiance.
It’s the holidays, schools are closed and workers have taken their work leaves. But adults who still have to go to work though, for them free time is the last thing on their minds. Instead, they will debate with themselves whether or not wearing cotton outfit is a wise idea or maybe their thinnest items of clothing would be a better. They walk out of their residences like soldiers off to war; their office decks, shops, market places, tea stalls, restaurants etc, will be their battle grounds, heat as their worst enemy and the tea or coffee their daily cup will now be unwanted company, replacing with cold juices of varied colours and taste. Business is booming for the ice-cream & cola man. Ideal is crowded.
Traffic is just the worst. Two wheelers, local buses, autos, cars will line up behind one another creating a long snake shaped traffic jam. Their loud horns of various tunes make the hot climate hotter in the minds. Gas fumes from the exhaust pipes will fill up the air; making the atmosphere stuffy and clotted. If you listen closely you will be able to hear murmurs out of frustration. It doesn’t like the burning sensation crawling all over its body and the hot air invading its lungs. A bus driver pulls out his handkerchief, wipes away the sweat on his forehead for the third time that day. Walkers try to balance their feet as the vehicles take every bit of road.
Hot or cool, rainy or windy, fish-curry-rice, spiced with fried bangda or anjal always wins the stomach of local Mangaloreans. People in the City Centre will begin to appreciate air conditioned buildings. They will loiter around shopping malls and restaurants. Young university & college students will walk around in trendy summer wear; the ones with pale skin completions flaunt their summer tans. Trees are somewhat crowded in the afternoon, with locals enjoying the shade amidst the burning sun.
The day is melting into night. The sun shows off one last time; by dyeing the blue sky; with orange, pink, and hints purple. The scanty clouds hover above Earth like broken glass shattered into a hundred pieces. The show must now come to an end. Darkness invades and the city comes to life with different radiance. Street lights, traffic robots, flashing shop signs start to look attractive and enchanting. In the residential areas, households and flat lights up in a uniform pattern, most people leave their windows and doors open. These residential neighborhoods are quiet; television screens and Wi-Fi connections have glued most family members indoors.
For the young, free and vibrant; night clubs and friendly get together are at the top of their list. Some will take a drive down to the beach, have a few chilled beers with friends and the lucky ones will finally get a chance converge with their summer crushes.
And the city waits for another hot day. Mangalore is simply a vibrant city.
