When it rains, it pours

It is the irony of the season — the flora turns lush, but roads clog. Petrichor lingers in the air, but so does the stench of flooded drains. The city comes to a standstill, despite there being few pleasures as great as standing by the windowsill and watching the downpour.

And, now, with the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issuing an orange alert for Friday (while Thursday had a red alert situation), indicating a period of perhaps the heaviest rain the city will witness this season, Delhi-ites are being compelled to stay indoors. However, for some of the city’s residents, being homebound is akin to being home-happy.

For instance, Rohan Jolly, who is availing the coveted ‘work from home’ option, says, “Staying at home allows me to organise my work evenly. I spend some time enjoying the cool, maybe reading a nice book. There’s something about the rain and literature.” He then adds, “Oh, and for us working people, it is a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with family.”

Shriya Pant, who stays in Hauz Khas, prefers to keep her kitchen stocked and food prepared, before, she says, “I go 90s-level disconnect. The flatmates and I enjoy some old-school Sudoku and Jenga. We like to cook a big batch of green Thai curry and hold film screenings. If it’s the morning, yoga and exercising work too.”

However, life cannot wait for a lot of people, be it intense rain or scorching heat. For example, most employees of organisations have no option but to head for work. Punisha Sangla, who heads to her office at Aerocity every day, says “Well, I usually end up taking a cab, so the rain isn’t as much a bother. I do, however enjoy a good cuppa while on my way to work. There’s only so much you can do.”

Whether home-happy or car-happy, Delhi people seem to be doing their best to appreciate the rain even though the going is tough. After all, the spirit of the city is best represented in the attitude of its citizens. And barring a few things, all seems well.