Of dangling mangoes, and strutting peacocks...

• The guest house opposite our place has been closed since the Coronavirus lockdown. And, I can't help but eye the succulent mangoes dangling from the  tree in its parking lot. I could easily climb over the gate and fulfill the destiny of these once-a-year irresistable booties, or beauties; anyway you look at it, they are fit to bag both the titles.  But, at this stage of my life, I have no proclivity to excel in yet another profession. So, I let them be. Also, the legend has it that the mango-laden trees, together with the mellifluous songs of the koël  invoke the rains. And, we need rains badly. The deadly combination of heat and humidity is beginning to affect us all, as we spend the afternoons, lying on the cool floor of the living room, squishing innocent ants, as they go about their business.

One morning, I wake up to find four peacocks happily swaggering around under the very same tree, completely at home. One of the males, trying its best to attract the female, by fanning out its iridescent plumage, breaks into a graceful dance.  But, the peahen just can't bring herself to taking an active interest in his gorgeous courtship. Another attempt is made, and then, in a fraction of a second, the whole trove of treasure, studded with gems, precious stones and gold is stowed away to be displayed at a more appropriate moment.

My mom says sightings of peacocks is an auspicious sign... rains might descend upon us, after all.  Even the neem trees are beginning to bear fruits...an old Rajasthani folk song related the maturing of neem fruits to the arrival of monsoons, which, in turn, heralded the departure of the young bride to her maternal home...the lyrics are simple, capturing an uncomplicated time, when everything was interlinked. But, I have often wondered, why the rainy season, considered the most romantic time of the year, should have been picked to keep the young couple apart.  "The reason", says my  wise mom, "was to impel them to yearn for each other with all their heart, body, and soul"...Makes sense. 

Today,  at 7 a.m., I heard the mating cry of a peacock, and rushed outside to find instead the peahen strutting fervently on the narrow parapet, which runs all along the terrace of the empty guest house. And, a few moments later, an eager cry arose from the adjacent coconut grove, answering her call. The light blue of the early morning sky shimmered, and split open to reveal the glorious feathers of the patient solicitor as it landed next to her.