The much awaited
vacation did eventually come, and now it's as good as done and over with. Just
a few more days of indulgence, with scoops of lethargy and gluttony thrown
in for good measure. Am not complaining. The
very thought of back-to-the-grind scene looming large, seems to instil a sense
of despair - the eventuality. But then
yes, the grind keeps us going, and definitely look forward to meeting and
catching up with dear old friends. Still, nothing like the seamlessly endless days, with no
early-morning alarms, crushing deadlines, cramming-in-breakfasts and the
forever persisting thoughts of 'isn't the day over yet?!' or the equally
maddening 'The day is done?!' So savouring each hour of the tail end of this
summer.
The best part of
the July-August period is the pleasant weather, be it in South or the West.
Trichy I would think is at its best, with the 'Aadi Kaatru' (the winds
accompanying the month of Aadi) gently whirling around, rustling up the leaves
and swaying the branches. It never did get too rough, which usually heralds the
downpour. And so there was no drizzling or showering or pouring. It was not to
be. But had a wonderful climb up the famed 'Malai kottail', the Rockfort, with family. The
skyline seems to change each time around, save the serpentine Kaveri, which sadly
looked desolate and barren, as if stripped off its right and might. Yes, just
not fair, holding back a colossal, throbbing, gushing life-source, curbing it, impeding its journey, towards its pre-ordained
destination. Well, enough said, at least here.
The trip to Thiruvanai
kovil, with a close college mate, was memorable too. Walking through the
crowded precincts of the Sattram Bus stand, hopping in and out of the local
buses, and catching up, was an amazing walk down memory lane, and
seemed to reiterate the truth that some things never change, and aren't we glad
for it.
The wedding in
Madurai, was so interesting and exciting! Attending a close family occasion
after a long gap, felt good, meeting (almost)all cousins, and checking out the
latest in saris and jewellery, of which i was never, ever an authority. And I
seemed to have just skipped a decade (thankfully!), in the fashion realm, and
realised, even if you've been outside the current, you can sidle in any time,
with a few right moves. The trip to Meenakshi Amman Temple was sobering, after the
glitz and glitter. Was filled with a
sense of calm and tranquil. A sense of being in the right place, a place where
you will always belong, wherever you've been.
And this was
followed up by a quick trip down South, (covering Kovilpatti, Tirunelvelli,
Kallidaikurichi and Rajapalayam) which never fails to drench me with memories,
and gladdens the heart, to be with aunts and uncles who were an integral part
of childhood, even if we are strewn all over now. And then the usual
regular trips of shopping, what with the Aadi and Ramzan sale going great guns,
you are but drawn into the whirlpool. Loaded with bags of knick knacks and
goodies, set forth on the eventual train journey to Pune.
The strange
phenomenon that happened to manifest was that, the place where I propose to land
in, is always forewarned and the rain gods, relocate. So was it in Pune and
Goa.
Pune, a visit
after a gap of two years. Changes, yet, familiarly unchanged. It was gladdening to
weave through the once-familiar roads and haunts, and memories flashing by. And
the best part was catching up with friends. Precious friends, untouched by
distance or time. Realised how true the adage that goes, some leave footprints
in our lives, never to be erased.
Goa in the
monsoons, well, enough has been said I guess. It was a leisurely holiday at
home with family, and a short break at the resort. Love the place, and enjoy the
walks and cycle rides immensely. 
