It is the 27th of April, 2026. 12.57 PM.
42 degrees in Haryana, India.

Years ago while working on an infrastructure project in a nearby area, I was visiting multiple sites with a project manager, discussing the line and absenteeism. Temperatures were around the 50 degree Celsius mark.

"The site worker picks up courage for only 2–3 days a week, Sir, but not more. He needs to spend a couple of days recovering. No different from you or me."

It suddenly struck me that I'd always thought that the rigour of the harsh inured the workers to heat.
As if ‘rugged tolerance’ – a near infallible shield of protection I ascribed to them – was enough, while the need for workspace safety and comfort could only legitimately stay with me.

It was convenient.
It was a defence.
But it worked.  For me.