Aahaa Chennai

Through the window, the view draws many pairs of eyes. Their gaze, moves up and down, left to right, trying to count. Outside, the heat is unrelenting. The soil looks worn out. The leaves are drooping, peering down for signs of  moisture. The wilting blossoms lift their heads up, trying to figure out where those bounteous rain clouds have gone. Shh! Don't go away. Someone nearby is ready, putting on a  display. The tall gooseberry tree stands  proud, unmindful of the heat, decked in layers of accessories, swaying gently, rocked by a heat laden breeze, its branches, looking different from the usual, with the soil beneath it, dotted with pale green, flattened rounds, adding to my collection, reminding me of the tangy flavours of the gooseberry spread and the gooseberry soup plus the energizing gooseberry stew of the last season.

Surrounded by high rise apartment blocks, modern villas, bars, multiplexes, restaurants, a nearby highway with constant traffic and honking, piling up garbage heaps, yet a small piece of green can give you a feel of those green swaying fields, lush meadows and pastures that you tend to yearn for.

Considered tasteless, yet it induces... A feeling of fulfillment after a few sips. A feeling of exhilaration, which spreads as waves of freshness, across your body system. A 'just what I need' feeling at the very sight of it. A feeling of  intense relief, at holding a cup filled to the brim. A feeling of satisfaction, that remains unparallelled. A feeling of relaxation as the throat gets soothened. A feeling of contentment, as the heat and  hours of thirst induced tiredness melt away, A feeling of 'back to normal,' when you've had your fill. A feeling tied up with tradition plus hospitality, when guests welcome it with a smile. A feeling of thankfulness, for  being able to have it day after day after day. The tune is familiar... a priceless gift, they call it - Water. Water Series:11

Across vast stretches of sand, over a wet blanket of  grass, traversing a nearby pipe, then, down the cemented steps to over a bougainvillea clad wall, atop a twisted branch, beneath a yellow tinged leaf, a journey continues but ends abruptly, inside the shiny floor of a  green bucket, where a  tiny body goes round in circles, then climbs up then slips down, but does not intend giving up, then turns desperate, trying to unravel a puzzle... 'where am I? Where are the leaves and the sand...?' until a gentle hand tilts the bucket over sand and fast moving legs, scamper double quick, eager for that taste of freedom. The journey continues...

Amidst the piles of books, the scores of sample papers, the skill testing MCQs, the setting of study timetables and rigorous schedules, step outside awhile, to view pieces from 'Nature's  Design Portfolio,' for the day. Perched high up or unusually low, red and pink blossoms radiate cheery vibes, couriering packets of reinvigorating pellets to tired brain cells, which are then ready, for the next round of war... for the many many tough questions posed, from an array of topics. 

The nectar was missing. The insect cried out to the petals. The crinkled petals gazed forlornly at the stalk. The stalk nudged the friendly  leaves. The leaves poked the strong stem. The stem swayed shaking the tired roots. The roots bulged out of the soil seeking solace...water. Ah, wetness at last! A kindly soul, passing by, sipping from a bottle, sprinkled some water. Water Series: 10

The small curry leaf plants, cropping up here and there, look tempting, reminding you of a job to be done. For those who tend to be, finicky about wet curry leaves sticking to the tongue, there's some relief at hand. Dried curry leaf powder mixed into buttermilk with a pinch of salt, hing and cumin powder plus some crushed ajwain seeds and sipped little by little, does make those humid summer afternoons fly. Cool buttermilk with the memorable flavour of curry leaves, coating your tongue, propels soothened taste buds to convey the message and as if by reflex action, you hold out the cup for some more. A traditional drink but suited for modern times too. .

It's that inevitable time of the day, the mornings... when there's  a rush to finish the work piled up, to get the stuff for the lunch boxes, readied and packed on time, when your eye is on the racing clock, and you just about manage to catch your breath, and take a quick peek through the nearby window, to find... two silently resting specks holding  onto green lifelines, parcels of delight for your weary eyes, epitomising total calmness, sending a message across.

Each day, at dawn or dusk, set a few minutes aside, locked  away, for a specific purpose. To pause and admire... the classic pose of a bud, a bird out on a walk, the peculiarity of an insect, the perfection of a leaf, the tenacity of a trunk, the awakening of a flower, the creation of a fruit, the many facets of  seeds, a pest in action. Nature's power: to kindle endless curiosity.  

The clock struck 4 pm. It meant 'kitchen time' for the little cook. Little hands juggled the lemons, fingered the warts on the shiny skin. A smelling session followed for a whiff of that lemony scent. The cut halves were examined, discussed and squeezed hard. The juice from a few lemons trickled into a jug. The seeds were filtered and removed. (Therein lies another tale.) The required amount of sugar was measured and added. The next step. Water entered the experiment. The juice made by 'doubly active' hands, was ready to be served. The 'filled to the brim' cups reached the nearby table, where a group of 'ready to cheer' family members, awaited their summer evening dose of refreshment. The little one awaited their response. . How many 'wows' did she count? None. Her lips trembled. 'Uggh! Aah!' She closed her ears. She could spot faces screwed up, mouths making disgusting noises, faces t...

The sun wakes up smiling and decides to make its presence felt. The patch of rain clouds spread over the Eastern sky pause awhile. They do not wish to leave. The cool wind blowing, caressing soft cheeks, bringing with it a whiff of shiny drops, dithers... Should it stay or leave? The warm wind, ready and waiting nearby, takes over and just when the sun decides to bring in its strongest rays, the rain clouds rush past in a fit of mischief and let go a few drops, drops that can be counted. Truly, did it rain? Oh yes! It did. Within seconds... the rain clouds vanish and the sun gets extra busy, drying up those few wet dots, showing up, here and there, on the ground and on the soil. The leaves sway gracefully, aglow with the touch of those few refreshing drops, they were fortunate enough to receive and enjoy. Water series:8

Peering into the glass of water in your hand, your mind shifts back, miles away... The eyes are searching for something. Where is it ? The tiny n' round prescribed pill, broken into two halves, nestled inside a small palm, lies waiting. Minutes tick away... and a hand stretches out with a cup. Ah! Water at last. The action begins. Water trickles inside the throat along with a half portion of the pill. The small face contorts. You can hear screams and groans. Water spills. Did the pill go in? No, no! It is stuck... somewhere on the tongue, which tries and tries, desperately, to dislodge it. More water goes in. Some more is needed. Tender hands soothe. A calm voice cajoles. Comforting hands hold tight those anxious n' flailing arms. Then comes a cough, a bit of spluttering and some tears, plus, a bitter taste in the mouth. Amidst the copious tears, inside the usually cheery eyes of a brave n' young pill taker, who is wan...

The child was excited. The bottle was ready and so was her plastic bucket filled with water. The task: to fill the bottle without spilling the water. Could she do it? 'Focus,' said her mind but her fingers were shaky. Just a matter of acquiring that 'finger-hand-eye' coordination. Oh no! The water spilt. 'Never mind,'  consoled grandma. 'Try again.' This time... the bottle stood upright inside a bowl. Whatever was spilt fell into the bowl and was fed to the plant nearby. After many tries... the child laughed aloud. She had done it. There were claps all around. Not a drop was spilt. A gurgling sound... the child enjoyed cool sips, from the water, she had painstakingly filled into the bottle. Nature ensures... Learning is fun. Water series:6

One sunny morning, a magical tale unfolds: A meeting was on. The plan was drawn up and finalised. The team leader spoke of many tall friends awaiting their arrival. Preparations began. Dark clouds gathered. The participants, then, descended upon the venue, a paradise of trees. They began the painting job in earnest, adding one silvery drop at a time, to the vast expanse of lush foliage. Next came the turn of the flowers, the buds, the fruits, birds, the bees, the squirrels and insects. Not to be left out were the branches, the trunks and the soil, which, showed off their shimmery coats. Last came the turn of the roots, which took more time, because, they needed a much deeper coating. The painting of raindrops strung all over the trees looked inviting. The wind thought, the trees were decked with too many pearly necklaces and took away some. The sun rose up high and smiled. The white fluffy clouds rolled past in happiness. The raindrops ha...

   "Readying for travel" A journey by bus and a checklist : Handbag/backpack- yes Phone/devices - yes Purse/wallet- yes Handkerchief - yes Pen - Yes Medicines ( if any) - yes Pocket address book- yes Pouch with Small change - yes 'To do' list - yes Cloth bag for purchases - yes A hand stretches out to offer something. The words... 'you've forgotten this,' echo in the background. Oh! A bottle ...and water. The water inside the bottle, ensconced in a safe corner inside your bag, rolls around merrily, as the bus climbs in and out of  a pothole. Water Series: 4

I woke up in the middle of the night. and rushed to check the tap. It was closed. I heaved a sigh of relief. A dream.... Water all around me from an open tap, kept open, awaiting the arrival of water supply, which  finally announced its presence in the early hours of the morning, with  a gup..gup...gup...gup... the noise of water pushing its way past, through an air locked  pipe. A reminder note: To check for open taps, leaking taps, especially, if you intend to travel. Water asks: 'Can I remain the No. 1 on your "to do" list?' Water Series:3

The teacher began... I am searching for something, that, at times, tastes more delicious than your favourite ice cream. Can be had... anytime, anyplace, warm or cold. Removes my headache. Makes me feel like I am alive again. Mellows me down to a happier frame of mind. Gives a super fresh feel to my skin and body cells. Tastes good with friends. Can even help me make new ones. Helps me earn many a smile or a heartfelt 'thank you' when shared. Can be had free or for a price. Cools tempers. Soothens whimpers. Dissolves anger. Has countless fans... the eye, the throat, the head, the tongue, the hands and feet included. Could be the instigator of fun, sad, exasperating or irritable moments. Can be the focal point on many a table, A mounting challenge in several localities. Tastes extra special after a struggle to get it. A must have companion, whom children have always loved down the ages. A clue... look in your bags. Water...

Under the blazing heat of the fiery sun, many green hands are calling... to assuage their thirst. A part of our tradition: Sharing the water we have. Water Series: 1

An arrangement, a structure, a pattern, a rhythm, a flow, a presence, a  variation, all the above, paired with a glowing yellow colour, that vies with the sun, for the pedestal of brilliance. Nature strikes it rich ... when it comes to levels of amazement.

The mango tree beckons... The flowers...aplenty. The leaves...many luxuriant layers. The stem... solid. The shade is inviting and a small someone, enamoured by such attractive prospects, has decided to call it a home. An ongoing  spinning class by a master weaver. Nature's exhibition stall is up...anytime, anyplace.

Water rules our lives and seeks a reprieve from misuse and wastage. My ebook... Water sends Smses: Have you got it? by Vidya Vasudevan Can be downloaded from the link below. https://www.amazon.in/Water-sends-SMSes-Have-you-ebook/dp/B07NHCWVGV/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1550214932&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX118_SY170_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=water+sends+smses&dpPl=1&dpID=51ldRAStSKL&ref=plSrch Available for free this weekend between... 14 February midnight - 16 February midnight PST PST: Pacific Standard Time Your reviews welcome and most appreciated.

This morning, I am stunned by two contrasting panels, positioned side by side... Soft pink and creamy buds, resembling  oval candy pops, stand proud,  aglow under the sun, unaware of the danger lurking nearby. Nature sets the pace... Highs and lows are an inevitable part of the growth cycle.