Walking it Off : A walkers walk.

Six in the morning, a group of five people walk an empty road  in Mysore. Its mid April, bright enough, the sun will be out soon and so will the heat and sweat. The roads are undulating, a series of crests and troughs. The group currently takes on a gentle uphill slope. A retired University Professor, the leader of the pack, wise, grey haired walking the royal gait, hands crossed behind the back. A young girl, second in line, with a short hair cut, ferocious scowl ready to trip up any of the three behind. A scrawny boy, in the middle of the pack, with close cropped hair and the wit to make a room light up. The youngest in the group, a little girl, falls in right behind, her short quick steps scampering to keep in stride with the leader. A huffing round kid, drags himself at the end of the pack, sneezing and eyes blurred with allergies yet scanning the ground wary of toads. Ever so often there is a sudden rush, a break in the ranks, as a pebble rolling down the road is mistaken for the dreaded amphibian hurtling to grab hold of the precious pair of clumsy ankles.

The walk with Grandpa was a great way to experience Mysore as a kid every summer. On weekdays it was a walk to the park or an excursion on foot to the Mysore zoo or a simple get away for an alternative to Nana's breakfast. I for one never looked for alternatives to Nana's breakfast.I indulged in a double breakfast holiday routine many a time. Its not too tough to guess which of the five was me. On Sundays the walks lead into the city to the St.Philomena's Cathedral for mass and then on the way back, a trip to the butcher shops would guarantee that my prayers for the lunch were heard.

My love for the walk has subsisted since and has fed off some great experiences. A walk in the school farm with a small gang of rebellious boys and girls. A walk along the beach every turtle season for years together at nights, with bag full of goodies. A walk from T-Nagar to Besant Nagar through Kotturpuram along the Adyar. (wow I seriously had no Idea where I was!) A walk (more like a run in the swamps, )I took out of college with a few friends on one of those days I cared two hoots about any kind of authority. A rare accidental walk through silent valley on a memorable road trip.  I miss the daily walks with Ramola and Nikita (my pet Labrador retrievers) around Besant Nagar as little pups, and more recently at the Village.After a long summer day of work on my way for a Frisbee game, I just had a sudden urge to turn around and walk, and a walk I took from 96th to downtown Manhattan.

Have a sense of direction, or walk with some one who knows the locale. Having great company always makes for memorable walks.  Walks are best enjoyed in self silence. Even with great company along you will notice that you will have the urge to keep to your self for a few moments ever so often and every one respects that. Don't hesitate to ask for directions.  No point getting lost. Listen to the surroundings. Even deciding to walk the crowded city streets with no agenda can be relaxing. A photo walk is not a walk, I have realized that since I picked up the camera and a new hobby. No iPod nonsense plugging your head. Be alert and aware of were you are (yes intoxicated walks home are not counted)..

cheers,

Ajay

The longest ride of my life: A demise in the family

April 22nd . After a terribly long day in the sun with an office outing, I was all set to watch the big IPL Semi Finals at home. CSK taking on Deccan Chargers, it promised to be a great match, as it turned out to also be.

My mom was finally on her way back from UK after being held up for more than four days on account of the volcanic activities in Ice Land. It was a relief to know that things had worked out in such a way that she would be back before I left for New York on May 1st.

My dad was going to pick her up at the airport, and we decided to have an early dinner. I wanted no interruptions so agreed to get an early dinner. Rashmi had also plans to watch the game at resto-pub in the city with some of her mates. We were half way through our dinner when I received a call from the retirement home where my grand parents live. My dad answered the call and said that he would have a look in on the way to the airport as Nana (granma) wasn't quite well.

Two overs into the game I had an urge to check up on my granma and I called dad, only to find out that she had just passed away. I heard it but it hadn't yet struck me. I called Rashmi to find out that she was on her way back. I rushed down and informed the cook telling her that I was leaving for the home (its about 2km from my house.. She was shocked as she had just visited my grandparents at 5 pm that evening and had seen her walking around and chatting with her friends.

I mindlessly rushed into my room changed into a pair of jeans, did my hair, collected my wallet; feeling nothing but adrenalin all the way to the gate. Just as I was locking up I got a call from a close friend who had missed the starting of the match and wanted an update on the scores, I wanted to just give him the answer he wanted, but the words that came out were, "hey Bajj, my granma just passed away...". My friend went on to speak for a few minutes, but I just could not follow up and reply, Nana's passing away had just sunk in. And it hit me hard, I excused my self from the conversation and continued to the road barely crossing it ,unable to see through the tears that had welled up. I caught a rick, and headed on the longest ride of my life.