Aahaa Chennai

Let's line them up: They are touted as 'the perennial favourites'. Here they are... away from the spotlight. The 'hive-of-activity' neem tree, the 'ever-so-stately' peepal tree,  and the 'eyeball grabbing' mango tree. They are seeking a new hearth and home.

The start of a complicated process... Shaping the idea: aligning the sequence, unravelling the intricacies of the delicate whorls, ensuring the symmetry, ultimately leading to a mesmerizing whole. With hard work and ingenuity, even a complicated setup can be unfurled.

A receptacle for passers by: An architect's dream: Display of wares: Family time:

Turn your gaze this way. Sad but true! I belong to a neglected lot and more often than not today I'll be there, tomorrow I won't. Termed a weed, I often tend to hide amongst my more favoured brethren holding my breath, hoping I'm lucky to escape the clutches of aggressive hands bent upon ruthlessly pulling me out. Observe where I hide. A cosy spot, isn't it? Meanwhile, one of my friends is  greedily soaking in the water meant for the coconut palm. Alas! Some of my family are gone right before my eyes. The locals know me by the name 'Kizhanelli'. They say my tiny leaves are pretty useful to treat jaundice. I've heard some say... each and every being, is important in their own way. Ain't this true?

I am literally straining under a heavy burden. Thanks to help from a benevolent sun, a nutrient rich soil, some kindly souls who have ensured timely quenching of my thirst, my hard work is showing results. Oh! A hailstorm of gooseberries. Amidst the tangy bites, let me remind you today is my day off.

Don't write me off. This is just a temporary phase. I am determined to emerge out of this hiatus, shrugging off an air of gloominess, after all I must say... my inner strength never fails to rise to the occasion. The sight of friends around me, spreading cheerful vibes, does motivate me to shed my frailties. I see them nodding their heads at my new optimistic outlook.

Seated inside a wire mesh enclosure, I do adapt. Thrust upon a rusted fence, I do adapt. Wedged inside a hard stone with no signs of water, I do adapt.