Aahaa Chennai

A surprise visitor announces his presence: My brain is now tuned into active mode, lured by the loads of luscious green goods on display, on the opposite side. Doing a bit of mental math. The answer has me excited. The produce I'm eyeing, will satisfy my needs for many many weeks. I must make a note of the exact location. What are the landmarks? If only I had Google Maps... but not a problem coz I do believe, my memory is second to none.

The sign 'Haunted House,' leaves you in two minds as you move nearer. The lil' ones feel jittery. You  hear eerie noises, loud thumps n' screams. Your step falters. You look up. Bunches of deep pink roses nod their heads as if to reassure you and add... imbibe to your heart's content a rich platter of sprightly hue, the soft welcoming touch of fragile petals, the perfect whorls of  an eye-stopping bequest from Nature's overflowing vault and walk in, head high, with a bold step. A big  'Thank you' to:               Nodding scarlet heads with whisper soft, dainty erasers         dabbing away the fear.

I am right here... look below, stark remnants of an act by brutal hands, aeons ago. Ouch! When your foot takes a knock you'll realize what's been going on. Somewhere out there, my family members, a whole lot of them, exist. I am on relying on your inate goodness to cherish and protect them. A poignant epitaph :               Hard buried torso weeps, swirling ripples of love          from soft falling leaves.

Green update: Production lines are  abuzz with perfectly shaped units, stacked neatly, high up. The meticulous assembling of nutient packed components draws eager and anxious eyes that  wait and watch as days fly past. We too wish to join this line is the loud chorus from a bevy of fragrant white stars. 'Nature's Factory' all set to beat the records in terms of quality, output, brand value, uniqueness... The list goes on

Looking at us, two tall, stoical green soldiers, wedged in a convenient corner, you'd never guess our growing inner turmoil. We've been pretty much miserable cooped up day and night, inside a fashionable restaurant. Our requirements can be easily met. We simply need to get out to... glow as well as grow in a cocoon of sunshine, feel a bit of the 'boisterous wind' giving us a wicked nudge, now and then. Just sick  and bored of standing still, forced to listen to the incessant hum of the air-conditioner, the ceaseless chatter of food lovers trooping in and out, the jarring noise of crockery, cutlery, and the non stop smell of  trays and trays of food. Actually... dreaming of a sojourn outside, under the stimulating rays of a  welcoming sun. Our tall friends outside have extended a warm invitation.

The unending heat does make me go dizzy. I've been flying high and low searching for that elusive stuff, a refreshing bowlful of water. The grass looks inviting. Will I get what I need? Ah yes! Just what I've been seeking. A mud pot! A rarity these days. Somewhere exists a good samaritan. Can you hear me? Do remove your earphones. My attractive 'Mynah voice' is back in action singing a poem of gratitude.

A twist in the tale... We are two different entities, longing for placement in a different setting. I am deeply admired and cosseted for my exuberant persona. I too am quite popular with a section of the populace but the toxic fumes I unwittingly spew are a niggling irritant, plus frankly speaking, I don't really relish the endless noise and dust out on the roads. Some discerning and ingenious soul has done us both a favour. We are both well settled now in vastly unorthodox environs, getting pally, enjoying a bit of that well earned time off. Deriving maximum pleasure from the new abode while it lasts. See you later...

My remains , piles and piles of them, do come in handy, as painted rustic fences as low-cost roadside barriers as innovative solid barricades but all the same I would prefer vivid reminders of my whole ebullient self.

I am casting my vote for my favourite fruit Call it a unanimous choice. A line up of friends are eyeing me with heartfelt gratitude for choosing their fruit. Ever willing to provide additional supplies adds another old friend. To quote them... 'We, the Neem family  are visibly present,  thanks to you,  a reliable, feathered ally.'

After being hit hard by images which spell ruthlessness... and sheer neglect, I am longing for... little  dollops of verdant green, for recurring images of long forgotten green patchwork carpets, for those 'foot stopping' mellowy shades of... pink, yellow, white, and I've found them. My eyes are dazzled and the spell lingers on.

I've been subjected to a particular 'edge-of-the-seat' gripping scene on a daily basis. I am shivering with fear for the two little ones perched jauntily above. A predator is circling around. My red hue turns redder as my sense of caution rings a bell.

Here I am... looking bare, desolate, shorn of my vital parts but all the same, getting attention from endless batches of selfie hunters, thanks to a bubbling, effervescent neighbour plummeting over rocks, in a 'happy-go-lucky' mood that is contagious. The forceful flow is drawing oohs and aahs from an enraptured audience but I don't really mind coz I am constantly drenched in spray from cool n' friendly rivulets, that trickle down effortlessly, driving away my morbid thoughts.

With darkness creeping in, I've just migrated to a new place. I am feeling out of sorts. Everything is so different but I am a patient type. It took time but now I am slowly assimilating my surroundings and getting a grip on life. The good news is that the soil has finally accepted me. This will propel me towards realizing my dreams and goals.

My eyes are fully open and watching the scenes unfold. Sadly, my eyes wish to close soon, due to the prevailing 'devil-may-care' attitude. Thankfully, lil' by lil', my eyes slowly regain their lost spark, as they fall upon the looming vista ahead.

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.