Late noons hold a special place in my life

I’m not only fascinated by the Sun’s journey as it starts to travel west, but also by every next step it takes, a collection of observations and stories etched in my memory since childhood.

As a seven-year-old, as soon as I reached home, I would throw my bag, already dropping half by the right shoulder and set out in Grandma’s orchard to play.

This part of the day holds a special connection for me, as I spent countless days from my high school days playing with the sun above and I with my Trees and the leaves making shades below, the hide and seek formed paths, intricate designs and even such mindful depth that I remember no other than the moment I was in.

Climate and Weather in the 80s and 90s in India were far better than what we experience today.

I’m not sure that, in this digital age, anyone even has a second to stop by and observe the Sun at late noon!

38 years later, I still love this part of the day.

As I sat on the staircase before the balcony, the clouds before me, the wind caressing my face, and the Sun offering a warm embrace, I felt a deep sense of calm followed by a tinge of melancholy in these moments, which are silent, holding the years gone by, and all they could offer is just a glimpse of similarity, while the actual moment has long passed over.

I remain grateful for the late noons, especially in monsoons, where the sunshine doesn’t warn you or trigger your migraines; instead, the wind and sun offer you another play, perhaps to create another memorable moment.

I wonder if these clouds, like the Meghdoot of Kalidasa, are the same ones that have carried my story since my childhood and have returned to meet me?

I have no clear answer, but a mix of emotions, like the sun and the wind overlapping, my grief and hope continue to play, and amidst it, I find some meaningful moments where I return to myself.

Warmly,

Mehnaz Amjad