The route to the beach cut from the highway. It was a typical narrow lane with busy temples, empty schools, lamp-lit houses, many stray dogs, thriving small shops & deserted bus stands (the last one thanks to Covid). Then came the beach.
A hundred boats lined up on the shore, their flags fluttering in respect to the setting sun. Men played cards, women tended to the boats while little birds sprinted across the sand. We kept walking.
Passionate cries & curses were exchanged by young boys busy playing football & cricket. I stopped to watch, clicked a few pics, then moved on towards a jagged little rocky hillock. I finally sat down.
Couples were busy finding crevices to get lost into – teenagers were crossing jagged and slimy rocks to get to the other side. On one end, a couple were having a photoshoot done. The setting sun made me age. I turned, told K i am walking back. He walked back with me.
When we reached the highway, it was pitch dark.
Continued in part 3.
appam stew n prawns patiyo 