E - DIARY PAGE ? 11 AUGUST 2002

DIARY PAGE - 11 AUGUST 2002

August 11 2002, Sunday.

The shrill sound of the alarm clock woke me up from my sleep. With my
eyes still closed, I sat up on my bed, said my prayers as usual, and
then left my bed.

Though a regular late riser woke up at 5 a.m.for I had to go out
early.

Brushed my teeth, went to the toilet, dressed up hurriedly and just had
a cup of hot tea.

My family was already seated in the car waiting for me to occupy my
seat so that we could start our journey towards our village.

It was a 40 kms. drive. A stretch of 22-kms.of highways, then a break
away into the state roadways, connecting to our village. The morning
air was cool and refreshing and the birds were flying about. The sun
was coming up but its warmth was not so harsh now. The roadside was
lined up with huge trees providing shelter and shade and a cool
atmosphere all along the next 11-kms. drive.

The car was swerved to the left hand muddy road to traverse another
7kms. to reach our village. The road was in a terrible condition. It
was wide enough only for a single car to move along. On the way my eyes
saw and treasured the beauty of the paddy fields. The plants swayed
back and forth to the tune of the music. Coconut palms were grown in
big areas. They were so tall and were laden with the fruit. The farmers
were moving towards their fields with their bullocks and plough. Some
farmers were already working in their fields.

Reached our house. Those people living there gave us a warm welcome.
Had a heavy breakfast and relished it, as we were very hungry.

Relaxed and chatted for sometime.

I had made up my mind to go for my bath to the river. I gathered a
couple of ladies to accompany me for the open-air bath. On reaching the
riverside I found that the water had dried up and so we had to walk
about a quarter of a mile to go near to the water. The water level was
very low.

Some women were already having their bath. They were so thinly clad
that I felt shy to have a look at them. Their wet sarees clung to their
bodies showing out their shapely and even some odd figures.

I drew back after seeing them but I felt tempted and so I dipped myself
into the river waters with all my clothes on. As I did not know
swimming I regretted when I saw the others swimming all around and
enjoying.

This was an exclusive bathing ghat (bathing place) for the ladies
only.

With much difficulty I managed to change into dry clothes.

At home green coconuts were cut and the water was given to us to drink.
Even soft drinks wouldn't dare to compete with this fresh water. So
sweet and refreshing the water was.

Relaxed for sometime. Being a Sunday I would have relaxed at home but
not devoid of duties. Absolutely no work here but others to care for
you!

Soon I stepped out into the streets to go around and meet the people
there. Very few people walked about on the streets. Most of the men
were clad in dhotis and their bodies were bare, the women were in
sarees and most of them did not wear a blouse and they covered their
heads with their saree-ends. A cycle was moving here and there along
the street. Only one main street and one small market area. A calm and
serene atmosphere prevailed all around. Some naked children were
playing in front of their houses.

Back home had a lunch of rice, dal, vegetable curry, chutney, deep
fried vegetables and fish curry. The fish was of from our pond, fresh
and very tasty. Such a tasty lunch!

After the late lunch had a good nap.

Later in the evening we were served with pakodas (very tasty snack) and
hot tea.

At around 7.30 p.m. we started our backward journey. We brought a sack
of rice, vegetables from our garden, raw fish and some coconuts.

Reached home around 8.30. For dinner I served hot milk, bread and
omelette.

The day was hectic but a lovely one. A life away from the busy city
life, which I have caged, only to take it out when I want to.

But O God, I am happy with my life here. I will prefer a change once in
a while.

Switched on the television but there were no good programmes, switched
it off.

Connected to the net. Replied to the mails in my mailbox.

Completed my writing. .

It's already very late. I had a wonderful Sunday.

Packed up and stole into my bed and with prayers went off to
sleep.

11.55 p.m.