Aahaa Chennai

Help at hand for a wounded neighbour who needs some cheering up. Spreading  layers of green healers to help soothen the scars Offering comfort to allay the sense of acute disfigurement. The dismembered pieces of a 'once-pulsing-with-life' green citadel, lying uncared for, are  perking up and regaining  lost vitality thanks to soft touches of green.

We believe in collective effort. Consider it as banding together for a common cause. We are happy being together plus there is an added benefit. Our bonds are growing  stronger.

The journey is long, painstakingly slow but when I reach my destination and my goals are met, it does make the effort seem worthwhile. Hello! Now I can sit back and relax and enjoy the view. The colour strikes a chord within me.

I am desperately seeking that extra bit of attention . So here I am, ready with an unusual display. Showing off a swollen belly. Sporting a hump like a camel. Umm! Don't turn squeamish. Just a case of boils, maybe... I may look different but I am still your friendly neighbourhood tree.

Whether  dark hued or of a light shade both of us happily co-exist in the same or similar terrain. We are both equal. There are no 'I am up, you are down,' kind of feelings here. There is enough space for both our generations to move ahead side by side. The idea is quite simple. Just respect each other.

That eagerly awaited season, you and me have been longing for, is here. I spy three different types: a. The highly sour type b. The hard skinned country variety, with 'ummango like' zero sourness. c. The best of the lot according to veterans. Also, a long time favorite of the kings. Having had my fill, I am trying something new. Umm! Tastes good. I'll cheerily add... I am not a picky eater.

I am really really thrilled! It's  time for the 'up close and cosy' hour with mom in the garden. Peering closely... capturing the awesome vibrancy of colours. Spotting a feather... Could the owner be nearby? Unlocking the mystery of fallen seeds and seed pods. A fascinating journey... into the realm of shapes. Watching out for hungry ants that sneak in and  circle around. Tired out. Need to rest but before that... counting some tasty brown treats. Treasured memories of enjoyable and sometimes wacky moments outdoors.

I am feeling lonely. I would like someone beside me on the bench to soak in the green flavours. Oh oh! Someone is indeed there. A lil' green someone trying to find his moorings. A big thank you to the feathered friend on the tree. The seed you dropped landed right. At last... I've found a tiny green  friend, a bit shy but just right there beside me. Psst! A secret. I don't choose my friends based on their looks.

I see someone waving the white flag. I am sending my representatives to add to the number. The crowd has increased. Many more heads wish to join. Under Nature's banner we do garner the pride of place.

I've come up with something different. The job is done in a jiffy. No searching for someone to clamber up, pluck the pods, open,  remove  the seeds. A strong gust of wind and my seeds are spread far  and wide. Nature's signature stuff is truly amazing!

I've suddenly realised it. A matter of 'better late than never.' "I-do-need-to-move-around." Thankfully I am small and lightweight and with a lil' bit of help from the wind' I've done it. Psst! Look down. Amidst the scarlet petals I do stand out. The lemon leaves have been trying to shake me off. The frangipani flowers are trying to investigate who I could be. The giant showy betel leaves are none too pleased. Methinks... the combined perfume needs a branded label. Ah! I've finally done it... caught your eye with my traveller tales.

I remain a long time favorite, a 'must have' in many a garden space. However, I do have my own quirks. Watch me hang 'upside down'. For long I've had all the attention, until others, looking like they've emerged from an artist's palette, barged in. Despite the the new age crowd, my 'inverted look' indeed has a following. I've managed to maintain an  air of friendliness cause I believe... there is enough space for both to co-exist... the  contemporary as well as the old.

'Not doomed...yet.' A little head of green making its way up seems to say. After months of waiting, when the unsightly picture of roots sticking out tugs at your heartstrings, when you quail in agony at the thought of the looming empty space, once filled by a eye-stopping, wide girthed, forceful green giant, a glimmer of hope arises from the depths of despair. Nature heals.

Here I am... looking active, ready to face the day... the jarring noises, the rising dust, scores of wily competitors, and those lurking enemies swinging their  axes. Really glad to have survived the day Now it's time for some shuteye, to soothen  the inner turmoil. The fact is... I've been attuned to listen to signals, my bio rhythms. Do not disturb. I need to bounce back ready to face the morrow begs one droopy Rain Tree.

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.