A Day In The Beach

Blue skies reflecting the sun on the white sands was by far the most gorgeous sight on a sweltering Sunday afternoon. Multi colored umbrellas blowing in the winds adorned the sandy beach. The pristine aquamarine water seemed to shimmer in the sunlight. The mood was festive. I could see people basking in the sun, playing ball and having fun. Little kids with buckets were making sand castles and trenches. There I was momentarily lost in their worlds. For a minute all the things I took for granted in life flashed before me as time stood still

Growing up, beach visits were a ritual in my life. Every vacation warranted a mandatory visit to the marina, the quintessential southern coastal waters of India. The trips were often characterized by cries of ecstasy from the kids and moans from the adults. The over zealous kids were often cramped into “The Ambassador-The Iconic Indian car" with all the adults squeezed into the gaps. The bumpy car ride seldom seemed to dampen our spirits. As we would head closer to the destination we would be glued to our windows. The car would screech to a halt and we would jump out with parents in tow. It was always pure joy as I can remember even today.

The sights, the smells, the people, the waters always captured our otherwise sultry drab summer days. The beach side food stalls would often entice us to no end. Grabbing the spiced pappads in one hand, molagu bajji’s in the other we would still salivate for more. With mouthfuls of spicy, tangy tastes we would rush to the foamy waters. These waters never change I would say to myself.

Huffing and puffing we would end our beach visit with the most delectable chat at the shoreline restaurant. Tired of all the eating and playing we would head home tired but blissful. The day would draw to a close with the adults assembled on the floor for a game of "Rummy-A game of cards" and the kids would snuggle up on the beds and talk about the fabulous day at the beach.

Eons later as I stood there on that sweltering sunday afternoon reminiscing my childhood memories I realized the ephemeral truths of life.This very planet that we live on is an ever evolving living organism.It needs protection and nourishment like everything else around us.We cannot take this gift of nature for granted.Who knows what tomorrow might have in store.As I played in the sands and watched the waves crashing on the shore, I acknowledge this truth and hope to capture this day forever in my beach memorabilia