An unusually hot climate, a vacation away from home for the first time, a destination closer to the equator and a mix tape on a 90 mins casette - this is what I remember mostly whenever it comes to summer memories. Now, amongst the aforementioned, I would only bring to your kind attention the last one in the list. At ₹1 per song (approx), around a dozen songs more or less on both A&B sides was what comprised this cassette with the brand Coney written at the top corner of the cover and the spine. Silver lightning bolts adorned the cover artwork with spot lamination. And on the cassette inlay card written in green ink were the titles of the assorted songs. Amongst them, right at the top was this song "Shenbagame', sung by Asha Bhosle-ji. A song that till date teleports me back to this first summer vacation in Madras. Perhaps, one of the few things that honestly calmed me down in that sweltering heat.

--------------

Rest well in peace, Asha-ji 🙏🏾