Away from home, nearer to peace

After 6 tough days, Sunday embarked. I wanted to too do everything, rest, watch a movie, have a nice evening with my girlfriend and a nice dinner. Instead I went to a dam with a couple of friends. 

I woke up late at around 10 am (blame the drink party, night before). With laziness gripping every inch of my body, somehow I managed to go through the morning rituals. It was my monthly cleaning day. Needless to say I not only missed it, I further messed it. It took a monumental effort to carry myself to the mess. The appeal of lunch was revolting under the circumstances but to be near my girl (girlfriend) was the major motivator. After a placid lunch and a very well fought game of scrabble, I was reminded that we were to leave for Paithan dam in the afternoon. 

Every nerve in my body plead, screamed and debated against it. But a promise remains a promise and we (I, Kiran, Laxmi and Sandeep) went ahead. The sun was scorching above. I was not expecting too much from the trip. Instead I was looking at the amount of sleep which I will have to forgo. Sandeep's car left our building at 3:15pm. Thank god the car had a air conditioner. For a moment I laughed on the sun for shining so bright. 

The route was partly familiar as we embark it every day to come to office. Every passing second reminded me of coming to work tomorrow. The building were I work crossed by and it was the first time in 21 months that I/Kiran/Laxmi  were going beyond that point. What seemed like an end to a world opened up to a new one. I was surprised to see, how many more factories were present in that area. It was quite unexpected. After a drive of over 45min we reached our destination of Paithan Dam. 

The car came to a halt. The doors were flung open. Now the Sun was smiling at me.  It was even more brighter and was piercing the skin. The first view of the dam was not encouraging either. A upward inclined topography hid most of the view. Difficult part came as we geared up to climb what seemed like a small hill. A sense of triumph enveloped me when I reached atop but also made me realize of my worsening physical condition. Got to kill that smoke or it will kill me.  

Then I lifted my, head up to see what has been hidden so far. A vast expanse of water. Peaceful, magical, thirst quenching water. The sun looked so small and the river so big. The heat was fading away as we headed near to the river. The best part of the whole view was that there was no definitive end. You can just keep on looking farther and farther and yet you will see just water. Mysterious yet so calm, dangerous yet so tempting. Wow!!!! It has been quite sometime since I was beside a river or a sea. The memories of  'Chat Puja' at our native place sprung to life. 

What could you ask for more when you can sit hand in hand with your girlfriend,  feet immersed in water and two of your very close friends watching your back? I cannot!! I was the most lucky person at that point of time. After spending over 3 hours near to that soothing river, the Sun decided to call it a day and started setting. The river turned golden and consumed the Sun. 

The rest of the evening was spent in a park which was full of fountains. 'Center shooter' was my favourite. Also, at the end of the garden there was a building which was partly museum and partly temple. The environment, the aura ... moved me into fantasies.  How good it would be to live in such a building once, etc etc.

After having dinner, I slept on my girlfriend laps for the whole journey. The car halted again and this time the doors were flung open to harsh realities of life. Office tomorrow, pending works, payment of various bills. The only thing different was the spirit this time. 

The river remained patient throughout the day taking on the heat, only to be a winner in the end. Need to hold on to your patience and consistency. The Sun will set.