SUNDAY, APRIL 21, 2024
Smitha Bhandare Kamat
And the waves of Caranzalem beach gently lapped my feet and my soul whispered “Thank You”.
I waited expectantly and watched patiently for the next wave to break, froth and move past my feet. Nothing seemed more magical than enjoying the warm feel of the mighty sea that had sobered down due to the low tide. It was over eight months since I had last been to a beach. It seemed like a lifetime away, like another world altogether, it was rather a cleaner and more inviting beach of Cavelossim, and moreover I was enveloped with the love and warmth of all my family members. In fact, it was a sequel to our new year celebrations and it brought back sweet memories. The beach always brings back memories and if my tears were to flow they would ever so easily drown in the saline waters rushing to the shore.
I stood rooted in the sands, permitting the sands to devour my unkempt feet; pretty soon I lost sight of my stubby toes, followed by the heels and the ankles. The non judgemental sands had firmly gripped me in its warm embrace.I stood gazing at the setting sun, enjoying the calm waves of a low tide day, the gentle breeze wafting the tresses that had come loose, the sonorous rhythmic sound of the ocean, all these elements added to create a peaceful environ and I felt immense amity with myself.
It was as if accidentally a fractured part of me had healed and become whole again. As if the string of my fragile heart that had snapped during the lockdown period had been mended and the waves were strumming it back to life, filling it with an exceptional and exclusive melodious music for my soul to savour. I found it hard to acknowledge that I had missed the sea, so very much. Certainly, I had missed my families, missed my friends my students, even my foes but the sea was not on the list.
That particular evening, there was hardly anyone. It was lonesome and enthralling at the same time. At a distance, there were a couple of kids playing football or cricket, and their occasional young, loud squeals and victorious cries seemed to be in perfect sync with the soft murmurs of the sea, creating a soothing melody, an orchestra of sorts. I wished time could stand still and I could sip the beauty of the luxurious moment and sip it leisurely.
I turned and waved to my better half beckoning him to join me and enjoy the waters of a gentle sea. He smiled and waved back, not wanting to step in the waters. I desperately wanted to hold hands and stroll in the tranquil waves with him, but knowing him and his aversion to public display of emotions I just shrugged my shoulders and let go. I turned my attention once again, to the waves and the beauty surrounding me.
As I looked ahead and was lost in the vast expanse, I felt him come stealthy behind me wading through the waters. He came right up close to me and gently touched my hand for a brief second and then let go. He didn’t look at me, neither did I, but his very presence complemented and completed me. He always does the anchor in my life.
