Just like I wished and hoped, things took a turn for the better as the new year arrived in all its pomp and glory. After almost a month, the nagging cough decided to leave me alone. Hurrah!

All my favourite activities neglected the past weeks were patiently waiting for me to pick them up once again and I happily obliged. Walking, drawing/painting, music lessons, the works.

The best part was when last week friends invited me to join them to spend the evening at a nearby hillock, which gives a splendid all round aerial view of the city. I jumped at the opportunity. It was a climb, but a small one, and I could do it.

There was a small hiccup in our plans though when the time came, for it looked like rain. The sky was dark and thunder rumbled. What’s more it started drizzling. But soon the sky cleared and we were on our way in two cars. Destination, Sasthampara.

It was a steep climb. There were roughly cut stone steps and iron railings for support for those who needed it. I kept glancing back to check whether the trek down could be managed. Going down is more trickier for those with not too strong knees, a fact very few people seemed to know! It looked okay to me, so it was onward all the way. I must say I managed it well enough.

The view from the top was breathtaking. The haze did spoil the view by diminishing clarity. There was smoke in many parts of the city. It looked like everyone was burning leaves just then. The breeze was gentle and the ambience just right.

Someone was flying a beautiful kite. A pair of lovers sat close together whispering. A set of triplets dressed in identical outfits sat with their parents. A little girl could be heard insisting indignantly that she needed more time in the park. A little boy posed for pictures with his dog held close. A man sat lost in thought, staring into the horizon.

As the time for sunset drew near, the sky was painted a vivid shade of orange by the sun. But it was soon swallowed by clouds waiting at the lower level denying us the spectacular sight of a fiery sun dipping into the Arabian sea. Oh well. you win some, you lose some.

Soon it was time to return. On our way down we stopped to have refreshments at the lone shop. A cat could be seen curled up in a circular depression in the rock. The moment it heard someone open a packet of chips, it was up and meowing. Some for me too, please. Meow. mrreow…!

What a beautiful evening it had been! And how wonderful to realise I am back to my old self! 🙂

©️ Shail Mohan 2024