In the quiet town of Nagercoil - Swapna Anandaraman
It was five in the morning. The sun has already shone its first rays of the day. The little town of Nagercoil, on the southern tip of peninsular India was slowly waking up for another pleasant day. Dhorai let the sun's rays brighten up his room and got ready for his morning walk.
He walked along the familiar path which led to the backwaters of Sanguthurai beach, the sight of which always inspired him. He felt the familiar cooling breeze which has delighted him for the past fifty years. It brought with it the lovely fragrances of the rich variety of flora and fauna.
The fresh green trees which covered both sides of the waters made it a magnificent sight and enchanted him each day as it was never before. They always gave the peace and energy he needed for the day. He enjoyed the birds twittering as he stood by the waters on his favourite little corner.
After spending twenty minutes there, Dhorai hurried back and got ready for work. His office was at Chennai about 600 Km from Nagercoil. Thanks to the arrival of super fast trains, he did not relocate to Chennai, when his work was transferred. He and his family continued to live in their favourite town.
He went to the train station and got the superfast train at 8'O clock. And there he was - at his work at quarter past nine. "What amazing inventions these trains are!", he wondered.
Just then he was awakened by the voice of a tea boy in the train.
"'Sir….,coffee….,coffee..., tea…,tea…".
"Wonderful dream! If only it was real...". Dhorai stretched his body lazily.
Soon he could smell the unique aroma of the familiar enchanting breeze. He realised the Chennai-Kanyakumari express will soon reach Nagercoil.
Dhorai was going to his home town of Nagercoil to attend a wedding. He has planned to treat himself that day - to relive the place he loved and cherished most. The next day will be spent with his friends and relatives at the wedding.
The train reached Nagercoil. Dhorai got down and started to walk his own path.
"Sir, taxi?", asked the taxi driver.
"No....but thanks",replied Dhorai.
He bought some lunch from a street shop and walked to the backwaters he cherished. As he walked along the lush green paddy fields he took his sandals off.
The scene was spellbinding. The river reflected a brilliant thick green from the trees which grew on both sides. The sun was strong, but the pleasant breeze with the unique aroma filled him with peace. He realised his connection to this place - where he had spent his entire childhood was ever so deep.
He cannot believe it! Here he is - sitting in his favourite corner with all the time in the world and nothing else to worry about. He stayed there for very long.
The sun had set. He broke his reverie. It was time for him to go. But he will come back again and again to this most magical and transforming place on planet earth.
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