Mumbai Winters...if there is anything like that.

The first two lines of this piece came to me some mornings ago, when I woke up feeling an unusual (and welcome) nip in the Mumbai air. Rest of the words took a couple of days to follow.

Mumbai Ke Jaade

Khushiyon Ki Shawl Odh Lo Yaaron
Mumbai Ke Jaade Aa Gaye Hain
Naram Moze Bhi Pehen Lo Yaaron
Thandi Raatein Bhi Saath Aayeein Hain

Chai Ki Pyaaliyon Se Garm Karenge Haath
Scotch Ki Chuskiyon Se Shaamein
Vaseline Ki Dibbi Nikal Gayi Hai Baahar
Ab Thandi Hawaaon Se Hongi Jo Baatein

Subah Ki Neend Zyaada Pyaari Hogi
Ceiling Fan Se Thodi Dushmani Bhi
Chaadar Se Yaaraana, Office Na Jaana
Kucch Aisi Hi Hamaari Kaifiyat Hogi

Building Ka Watchman Aag Ke Aage
Raat Kaatega, Aungh Aungh Ke
Uske Dulaara Gali Ka Kutta Bhi,
Aa Jaayega Thodi Garmaahat Paane

Khushiyon Ki Shawl Odh Lo Yaaron
Mumbai ke jaade aa gaye hain
Garm moze bhi pehen lo yaaron
Thandi raatein bhi saath aayein hain

Mumbai Winters (a rough translation in English)

Wear the shawl of happiness, my friends
Mumbai winters are here
Put on your soft socks as well
Cold nights too have come along

Cups of tea will warm our hands
Scotch sips, the evenings
Vaseline box has come out
Shielding us form the cold wind

Morning sleep will be sweeter
Ceiling fan, slightly bitter
Love with sheets, hatred with office
That’s how all of us will feel

Building’s watchman will light a fire
To doze off the night, in front of it
His pet street-dog will slowly crawl in
To get a bit of warmth from it

Wear the shawl of happiness, my friends
Mumbai winters are here
Put on your soft socks as well
Cold nights too have come along