Passing Clouds 

The acapella team I was part of in college decided to do a song called "I Can See Clearly Now," which went:

“I can see clearly now the rain is gone
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It's gonna be a bright
Bright sunshiny day”

When we sang the song, I didn’t quite understand what the singer meant.

I moved to Mumbai in July 2013, and July in Mumbai means one thing – the monsoon. Every year I have a fond memory of the monsoon showers.

Within a few weeks of moving to Mumbai, my husband (who I was courting then), took me to Kanheri Caves, which are these caves on a cliff, carved out of rocks that are situated within a National Park in Mumbai.

I remember we had to climb the slippery moss filled stones with passing streams to reach the top of the cliff. Finally, when we reached the top, we took a break and sat on top of the cliff on some steps carved out of the rocks, holding our umbrellas over us to shield ourselves from the rain. As we sat there, I saw clouds come towards us, and pass us by. When the clouds passed us it was grey and raining heavily. The moment the clouds passed us, the sun was out and shining brightly. That was the first time I understood the song “I can see clearly now." Once the clouds passed us by we could see the city horizon in front of us covered by the forests of the Nation Park before us. It was a beautiful sight!

Each year, I look forward to the monsoons in Mumbai. Except for the clothes that take a little longer to dry, and the mustiness that follows, it is the best time to be in Mumbai.  The colourful umbrellas on the street, the cozy weather to sip Chai (tea), and for me, sharing an umbrella with my husband. But what I enjoy the most is how this city does not let passing clouds stop their routine.

Regardless of the rains, people carry on to work. Even when they do get stranded or asked to work from home, they’re back at work the first chance they get. My husband and I often go for a walk/run to Marine Drive, and the rains don't stop the runners/joggers there! I love that this city won’t let even a flood stop it from functioning.

Earlier this year I had the chance to visit Nepal on work. We had decided to drive to a little place called Dhuli Hill, in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the Himalayan Mountain range. However, due to the bad weather, the clouds blocked our view, and we couldn’t see the mountains. Feeling a little dejected, we headed back. But later that day while on the flight back, we passed the Himalayan range, and I remember staring at the grandeur of the mountains standing majestically in a row, with their snow peaks shining bright.

It’s amazing how a cloud, which is essentially water vapour, can hide the grandeur of the mountains, hide the horizon beyond and basically block one’s vision.

Clouds reminds me of seasons of uncertainty where you can’t see the future, and the grandeur of what’s ahead is hidden by what looks like fluffy puffs of cotton. But when these clouds pass, “I can see clearly now the rain has gone."

I often get caught up in the frustration of not being able to look ahead, instead of enjoying the weather! I then remember the people of this beautiful city I live in, who keep moving regardless of the weather. Whether it’s flooding, or it’s the sunniest day in May, they keep working and moving forward.

I have to tell myself that even when I am waiting for the clouds to pass me by in life, keep walking. Troop ahead, because after the clouds pass, “it’s going to be a bright sunshiny day."

Photo Credit : Flickr 

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Roshni Mathew

Roshni is a full time wife and mother who lives in Mumbai with her husband and daughter. They are a part of New City Church, Mumbai where they worship and serve. Roshni loves cooking, the colour purple and travelling.

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