Another walk in the city – I

Its not easy maintaining a blog. Especially when ideas simply do not strike you as to what to write about. Thinking about it, I told myself, "Enough of deep stuff for a while." This one is light and breezy which surely needs no additional explanation.

 

“Ma, not again”, I shouted, horrified. 

It was only yesterday that I had purchased 4 packets of milk for her.

“Most of the milk is going to your stomach only”, was her constant defence.

Sighing, I got dressed for the umpteenth time this vacation. Seldom was I left alone to the privacy of my room. Some errand would come up or should I say, my sweet mother would cook them up and within 2 hours
of her pestering, I would be up and walking about in the main road. Shopkeepers would wink at me, understanding my plight. Or so I figured, putting on the new tracks I purchased over the holidays.

“Look at yourself in the mirror. Wont you?” my mom asked.

Bah! Why was she like this? Always pointing out some non-existent flaw in my appearance. She was right for once. My hair looked all over the place. I grabbed a comb and straightened them and then tried to give it a George Clooney makeover. Hmmm.... there. All flat and neat.  

Snatching the list from her fingers, I took some cash and left the apartment before her words could drill its way into my ears any further.

“Wow, what an evening!” I loudly exclaimed, to no one in particular.

The moment I stepped out of my hidey-hole, I could feel myself, my blood surging with a joy that was indescribable, in sync with the winds of the calm sky that welcomed, along with its observers below, the glorious retirement of the sun. This is where I belong, I thought. Nothing more gratified me than the sights of a busy evening on the streets. Feeling slightly more cheerful, I set off, humming the groovy tunes of the Black Eyed Peas.

I crossed the heavily parked street and took the right on the main road, on foot to the usual destination- the departmental store. The humming was drowned in the needless honking of the oncoming traffic, which, in itself, was a rhythm of its own. Soon, I found myself thinking about my old school days, college issues and my plans for the remaining holidays. Occasionally, I stole glances at the pretty women who walked past me. More like glassy-eyed stares actually. I was too absorbed in my own thoughts to take in anything.....

Back in college, people always thought I walked too fast and they found it quite hilarious. Every time I looked up and smiled at my batch mates, they would straighten up, swing their arms and march right past me. Perhaps an overtly tried imitation of my walking, I guessed as they continued marching, unable to suppress sniggers. But this did not bother me at all. In fact, I strongly believed that a brisk walk, especially during the mornings, would pump the blood up and keeps a man awake and fresh for the entire day. Moreover, no one on a mission who values his time aimlessly rambles towards his destination (with the obvious exception of lovebirds).

I blinked. Standing outside the store, I looked around the place. Everyone was quite busy, bustling about with their own chores and most likely, immersed in their own thoughts too. I smiled, realizing someone was waiting for my arrival at home. Taking a basket to carry the items, I straightened up, swung my arms and marched right into the store!

To be continued....