A Beach Side Story

It was 4 PM when dad and I’ve reached the Puri City. The place is a hot tourist destination, houses the famous Jagganath Temple, and boarders the mighty Bay of Bengal. There are numerous hotels, holiday lodges/homes, and guest houses here. We had a hard time locating the guest house booked for us, as most of these guest houses were referred with similar names by the locals. But thanks to the rickshaw puller with whose effort we managed to find it.

Unlike the neighboring lodges and holiday homes, our guest house reflects the architectural wonder of the colonial era. Standing tall with huge pillars around, the guest house was a big beautiful bungalow overlooking the sea. A long lush-green lawn, interrupted by stately palms, and beautiful orchids, led us to the reception. We were greeted by the incharge there, who also guided us to our room.

After unpacking our luggage, we took a quick refreshment and headed for the beach, which is just at a stowns throw. This was the first time that I’d been to a beach, and the sight was awesome. Dad and I walked along the soft-wet sands, mingling with the crowd. As we moved nearer to the shore, gush of water flushes our feet, and the scene gets repeated every time we approach the shore until we were wet up to our knee.

After sometime dad left as he was tired due to the long bus journey, from Bhubeneswar to Puri. The journey was a bit hectic for me too, but the excitement by the sea is great. I decided to stay for a while and I find myself a sweet, secluded space in the beach to sit and enjoy this unique moment. The sight of the endless sea. Whisper of the waves. Soft touch of salt washed sands. All combine to give a perpetual delight.

Listening to the whispers of those hastening waves I got transported to a world of my own. Where I would be able to think, and imagine beyond ethereal boundaries, all alone and happy. It was almost dark now and the shadows beginning to disappear. The crowd slowly dispersed. Sitting and wandering the sea at this hour I was elated.

The soft breeze helps me recalling those sweet, wonderful memories of my life. As I was visiting the sweet past, a sudden beep brought me back. It was the alarm of my wrist watch.I'd set it the night before in Bhubeneswar. It was 9.30 PM. Dad might be waiting for the dinner. So I returned to the lodge.

Dinner was served, and the food was great. Specially, the fish item, ordered by dad, is simply delicious. I thanked the only cook who’d taken all the hard work to prepare the dish, and served us in such a homely manner.

A quick stroll across the lawn after dinner took us nearer to the beach again. Now it was just the street that parted us from those glazing sands on that moonlit night. But dad suggested we should return to our room and sleep, as it was almost 11.30 PM then, and we are to visit the Jaganath Temple early next morning.

Later, lying on the bed, as I closed my eye, I still heard those sweet whispers as clear as ever, inviting and tempting.