If you think that South Mumbai is just a furnace baking its people ruthlessly, then there is one thing that may help to change your outlook. While the summer sun sucks up energy from your reserve and well-preserved south Mumbai buildings look down helplessly upon you, it’s a relief to know that there is a saving solution. Just around the corner. All you need to do is drag yourself to the Varanasi Juice Centre across the Gateway of India and ask for a glass of Sugarcane juice.

Last Sunday, while I walked dehydrated to the extent of medical supervision (well, almost), the empty street speckled with shimmering mica seemed to mock my weakness. But the Varanasi Juice Centre (established in 1960) which is just five walking minutes away from the Gateway of India, offered me a respite. Freshly squeezed Sugarcane juice for just Rs. 14 a glass.

As I stood there open-mouthed ready to gulp every sip that assured me hydration, I stared in awe at the stainless steel crusher working its magic. It was a tall, clean glass of sugarcane juice that held the power to revive me.

Not every juice corner guarantees you a glass of freshly squeezed juice of such deliciousness. And if you are a college student complaining about a meager allowance, then there is good news. This shop offers a discount to all students. Defense personnel, government servants, teachers, press members, senior citizens, handicaps and bank employees (!) can enjoy the same privilege. Just bring your identity card along.

After I drank the last sip of my tall glass of sugarcane juice, I was ready to take on the blistering streets of Colaba Causeway and the cacophony of the hawkers there. Varanasi Juice Center - a feasible form of recuperation, definitely a sweet ending to a long day.