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S
ummer
in
the
gardens has its own
charm, if one doesn’t
dwell too much on the
sweltering heat! it is a time
when Nature shows off her
lovely greenery by way of
lush tea bushes, an emerald
canopy of trees, with that carpet of grass one sinks into
while walking around. As far as the eye can see there is
soothing greenery, often interspersed by colourful dots,
as the brightly clad pluckers go about tipping the ‘two
and a bud’. The hot sunshine, punctuated by cooling
showers, leaves behind a sparkling clean world and
almost overnight the streams chuckle gleefully as they
fill to the brim. Small children with homemade tackles
catch little fish, or scramble around hooking tiny crabs
for a delicious meal, carefully wrapping them in ‘kochu
pattas’ (wild yam leaves) as they wend their way
homewards. One often sees them sailing tiny, colourful
paper boats amidst noisy chattering and laughter – the
simple pleasures bringing them so much joy.
One could come upon a small snake while
taking a walk in the garden…equally startling
for both parties, of course, but a pleasure to
watch the marvellous colours they sport as
they smoothly glide away. it is a different
matter should a larger variety of this species
make an appearance, in which case it’s
better to beat a safe retreat! i’ve often felt i’ve left
my shadow behind, so fast have i vanished from the
spot, during such encounters!!! Then, there are
multitudes of colourful birds, singing their own songs,
which is such a treat. Startled clouds of brilliantly
coloured butterflies rise in the air as one comes upon
them unawares. Yes, each new day Nature unfolds
beautiful experiences.
During this season the fragrance of tea leaves being
processed in the factory is simply heavenly. Many a Tea
lady has wondered why such a perfume hasn’t been
bottled yet! when this scent wafts in to the bungalow
on sultry nights, one cannot but stop whatever one is
doing, to simply inhale it.
These are the summer melodies which stir our souls,
filling us with peace, for then we realise that, “Happiness
flutters in the air whilst we rest among the breaths of
Nature.”
THE wMTiMES TEAM
Editor : Sarita Dasgupta
Assistant Editor : Rupa Saikia
Coordinator : Sunny Uthup
JULY 2015 63
Summer Melodies