Deep Down South, still etched in my heart......

Just while watching the pictures on facebook of the book launch of Preeti Shenoy’s new novel at Landmark, Forum Mall, Bangalore-mesmerized by it all yet again.

Wished to be there- when I had first read about the invitation, I felt so excited- to really wish to be there, completely forgotten that am thousands of kilometers away from Landmark...

Yet in my mind- I travelled through that corner where I stayed, the long roads, trees and PG’s around- and all the young masses.

Passing by the juice shop, the lil’ library, the corn cob seller...looking at the bright lights of CCD above and turning right ...the main road and awaiting to cross in midst of such heavy traffic.

Then a long walk straight..and then a busy street to cross over again...then comes forum, and just when I stepped in- I always use to be craving for being at Landmark as soon as I can...the pleasure that puzzles me- the contentment I find in midst of books...Landmark was the biggest ever book shop I had been to- and more so it had enormous collection of things- other than just books- magazines, stationery, toys, movies, shows, crafts et al- you think of it, they have it...

Landmark use to be a dream place-- one of its kind I wish to own someday...

The fleeting memories of Bangalore- the red volvo’s- (335 and 500C mostly) I loved travelling in,
walking and eating the boiled corn cob and peanuts from the road side vendors,
the juice shop – the lady who makes it all fresh- without even a hint of water or sugar- just the natural taste of the fruit- I loved the red grapes one!,
the food restaurant, outside which we use to meet- Swadisht Aahar,
the systematic division into ‘Mains’ and ‘Cross’,
the surprise downpours and learning to carry an umbrella all the times,
the daily needs store- and exploring its aisles,
that mysteriously huge crowd at the ‘ginger tea’ shop....
the green vegge sellers on the roads- with coriander, kari patta, and a variety of other greeennss...
..the flower sellers!! never bought but clicked pictures at times..
the south indian thick rice, idli sambhar, rasam, curd rice, the yummy chaney at our PG- all the authentic flavours!
huge techno parks, taking you all the way to some foreign lands...and the renowned places- HAL, ISRO, Isckon Temple...


and at times.....in the city of unknowns a good gut feeling when seeing a few familiar face....

With the Google Map, to explore the unknowns...it seldom felt fearful then...

...but that one rainy night when it rained all around the city- I was returning back from the place near freedom park after appearing for the CAT exam,

and I felt like being lost- followed up the instructions too well and kept the cell phone back home...unknown of what I might face in the following hours...it rained unstoppably since 6pm...water clogged roads and being in that area for the first time unsure of the route to follow- it was getting dark- and to whomever I asked the way they all directed me towards some different direction, swirling around the same roads up and down saving the flame of hope to blow off from the problem pouring down from the sky....asking and asking—walking and walking—boarding/ de boarding the bus and walking with the water filled shoes- that was the test of time- alone away in the city so unknown- imagining every good moment I had or I wished to have- every person I felt safe with- the harness of hope I hold on tight...

...the purple umbrella on my head- and walked to the ‘Richmond Circle’....after about an hour- I found it- the moment of victory- that burnt another flame- of freedom....! 

(...but I think in an hibernating state since am back home....)


and the water soaked feet......>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

..carrying with me the memories- glimpses- and experiences from the past..............
and Kerala vacation,
still retaining the Kochi Konnection. . . .