Sleep(y) in Karachi

Maybe it was because of the heat of the day, but nights in Karachi were relaxing times. This would basically the time when the horrible daytime beating sun would finally give the people of Pakistan a break from their misery and let them replenish them for another day (only to beat them with its scorching heat and light the next day…)

And so the vicious cycle would repeat itself, only broken by the rainy weather that would bring a little relief in terms of weather.

However, what I most clearly remember during these hot painful summers was the deep sleep that the day would induce. I remember even falling asleep with no power, no fans. The sleep that would come on would be almost drug-like.

I guess it would be the combination of the day’s hectic routine, the sweltering heat and the comfort that the night time would bring. The smell of Mospel to ward off the mosquitos, the heavy scent of the ‘raat ki raani’ that so lovingly entwined our window’s railing, the occasional shrill whistle of the local security guard (seeti walay baba), and the chirping sound of the many a moles (chachondar) would all help set the atmosphere for night time…