Monsoon Recedes

Chilling out in the China Hut after the exercises

Our days of exercising and chilling out in the China Hut looks numbered. Now that the monsoon is on its last leg, we should soon be returning to our old corner in the Garden, out in the open. It had rained in bits and spurts yesterday, but by and large our mornings have been dry and sunny of late.
The official date for the withdrawal of monsoon from Mumbai, as announced by IMD, is September 27, i.e. tomorrow. But today, torrential rains lashed neighbouring Pune claiming over a dozen lives and a still heavier downpour is being forecast for the next 48 hours. You do not need IMD to be told that its effects would be felt in Mumbai also.
Still, the sight of clear, blue skies on most mornings has come as a huge relief. We have had the most devastating monsoon in decades. Yet, we have not missed our exercises even for a day – thanks largely to the China Hut. This is the only covered structure inside the Garden that has provided shelter and allowed us to exercise in the worst of times.
It would take some courage to step out of this comfort zone and embrace nature once again.

Lt Col Angad Singh (rtd):
Strange are the ways of Nature. Some parts of India are still reporting scant rains. On the other hand, there are states under deluge causing a lot of damage to property, material and men. You will certainly get relief once the rain stops and the sun comes out. God bless you all, be happy and cheerful.