I was again running late and Aditi was losing patience. Gulping down the glass of electrolyte, I grabbed a mask and raced down the stairs to catch up with her, much to Kaaju’s interest. I have been looking forward to my mornings oflate, and even after a week, the novelty has not worn out. I enter the park, accustomed now to the familiar sounds of the laughing club, the welcome barks of the two stray dogs who seem to own the park, Suprabhatam playing on a mobile and arguments between the two teams playing throwball.
Today, some children have sneaked in their pet German Shephard and soon all dog lovers flock towards them. Someone even fished out a packet of Glucose biscuits and all three dogs enjoyed the treat. Never understood why pets are not allowed in our parks.
I am not ashamed to admit that I enjoy the snippets of conversation I pick up during my walk. From Family disputes to property advise, from heart breaks to career plans, from a Grandchild’s first birthday plans to neighbourhood gossip, from health challenges to rising prices, I witness the drama of everyday life. From Sarees to trackpants to Salwars to Pants to shorts, from branded shoes to chappals to barefeet, there is indeed no dress code. From joggers to seniors with walkers and walking sticks, from those with headphones to those chatting loudly with friends on other benches, from the pushup & stretch experts to the quiet ones who never look away from the walking path, we have a sample of humanity. I soon passed the young lady who keeps talking to herself-she scared me the first day, but I soon guessed she was harmless. Maybe she is still looking for someone to listen to her.
The black dog, Bholu to me, like everyday, parked himself in the middle of the walking path. I tried to avoid him and manoeuvred myself from behind the bench. He didn’t even bother. Wonder why after parenting two dogs, I am still scared of strays. Gollu, the other dog, must have been a referee in his earlier life, I see him watching the throwball match with rapt attention many times.
There is a small temple facing the northern border of the park and everytime people approach there, the devoted ones remove their footwear and bow down in the direction of the temple. Well, I too, bowed down and offered my salutations, much to Aditi’s amusement. Guess what, I still donot know after a week, as to who is the presiding deity of the temple and recipient to my prayers.
A young girl’s raised voice caught my attention as she vociferously told her mother and Maama that she was no less and would not go back. As I neared the bench, heard the Maama trying to reason with her and offer to give the groom whatever he asked. Wondered why was this discussion happening among strangers in a park, but they didn’t seem to care about the curious looks at all. From the pieces I caught during my other laps, she seemed adamant. More strength to her.
So much of plastic and wrappers littered behind the benches. I am really tempted to ask the throwball teams and laughing club to organise a cleanup of the park. Do you think they will care?
I check my mobile and discover that I have completed 3.4 kms, happy and proud, I decide to challenge myself and try two more laps as the breeze is still welcoming. The first lap I spend trying to gauge the age of the trees, and admiring the young sprouts and creepers on the trees. Am I the only one, who finds foliage more beautiful than the flowers? As I start my last lap, I am mentally ticking off my day ahead and looking forward to my first cup of coffee at home. Did I tell you about the couple who waved at me as I was leaving the park? Am I going to make new friends?
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