ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR

ROMANCE IS IN THE AIR

LT COL NOEL ELLIS

11/VII/2022

Romance seems to be in the air because ‘lagi aaj savan ki fir vo jhari hai…’ is being sung by the ‘Sparrow Chamber Choir’, Another choir is in the waiting called the ‘Parrot Philharmonic Orchestra’ singing their own version of ‘Aaj rapat jayen to humne na uthiyao’. The ‘Sunbird Symphony’ have tipped the scales to a different level singing ‘sawan ka mahina…. Pa-wa-na kare soar’.

Then there are these oldies, who try to look young and dye their grey hair with ‘Mehndi’ and almost look like punks of the yesteryears. The base of their hair stays white, and they sing, ‘sawan main lag gayi aag, dil mera haayee….’. Uncle chup karo, koi achha hair dye lagao, so say all of us. The Henna smeared hair and beard gives away everything.

Then there are these ‘dancing mud-wasp duets’, chasing each other on branches, singing ‘tera peecha na chorunga soniye, behj de chahe jail main…’, till the lady gets wooed and condescends to go on a romantic date. Off they go hand in hand buzzing, changing ‘tones and tenors’ with listening to the rhythm of the falling rain.

There are some unromantic couples too. Green with envy, they have a song on their lips but mouths are shut because of an argument. The sit on the same perch looking in opposite directions, waiting for who says ‘sorry’ first. “Pahle aap-Pahle aap main chiriya chug gayi khet”.

In the khet, security is tight. There is an inner cordon, then and outer cordon, an early warning group on the fence giving early warning of impending danger. Even in that tense situation pigeons start cooing till someone gives them a shut-up call. They know that all the militants (grains) have to be picked up and their pecking order is clear. Who will eat what and where is very well defined?

Still romance continues. A quick shower has made puddles overflow. The ‘Chiddas and Chiddis’ waste no time. A floating leaf is made into a ‘pool float’. They try it out. Two mount and it slips from under them. Frolic starts, there is laughter and giggling, there is choking and loss of breath as they overturn into the pool. What fun!

There are some who are getting ready for a ‘date’. They stand infront of the mirror to admire themselves, cleaning each feather & drying them with a shake. That small puddle becomes natures dressing table.

The rains have also filled water containers to the brim. The ‘Bulbul Consortium’ know this secret place. One chirp and the partner bums along. Why dip in the open when we have an exclusive bathtub to ourselves. A quick judgement of the depth of water in the container, then a plunge. A shake followed by another, the partner stands by and meekly requests, not to spill all the water he is next in line. Lady bulbul obliges. A dip in the plunge bath to beat the heat and off they go chirping.

Love also could be between mother and child. Mom has worked hard all day and needs a drink. Mom and daughter walk up to the river. Daughter had just been fed milk so she stays guard while mom takes a look around for lurking danger. A quick swig of water she needs and off they leave the scene. That’s eternal love.

Rainy season is fun. Romance just happens. Let us let our hair down. Let us all sing songs, so what they are off note. Yesterday has gone, tomorrow is yet to come and today it is raining, let’s make the best of it. Can you guys share any song which comes to your mind? I wonder!!!!!!!!

JAI HIND