WANDERERS – I

Hot summer in its peak, swearing to get sweat out of the beasts wandering anywhere under the Sun and none got spared, however few trees bent to show they cared! Red mud off the ground… none seen on the road to ask for a thing that would eat away the thirst. Some remote noises of heavy load vehicles to beat the silently laid route! En-route was the peacefully sleeping lake reflecting lush green trees that stood by its shores. Then a road that fell steep down to the destination…

A destination was thought about and eventually he was heading to his destiny knowing very well where he’ll land, what he’ll find! It was new, but he knew from his very own imaginary view of what stood ahead. Walking down for a mile under hot Sun carrying a bag that was packed to stay for days or years until the purpose was solved!

The town was unlike many of the other towns and had a long history for its existence which he was aware of and had seen pictures of a few places that didn’t really speak anything about being there – right there!

Walking on the road with Nike shoes and Lee jeans he looked more in his profession as a geek than one among the locals who gave obvious stares at the alien! He smiled and most didn’t smile back, he didn’t worry but kept walking even as he didn’t quite manage to get any help from anyone about the address of the cave. Google maps didn’t show the route to cave either as they or anyone was not really keen on a cave that was discovered in 12^th century in a remote town somewhere below the abdominal area of mother India.

The water bottles were exhausted and none sold one anywhere nearby and he was losing patience which he had promised not to. So much of sweat that can fill up a cup, but not to kill the thirst he thought and continued walking still trying hard to enjoy the sight that was deserted. He found a hoarding that showed up some direction to the cave and felt happy for not walking the wrong way.

Standing underneath a big tree, enjoying the breeze for a while he felt a sense of rejuvenation and looked below. There were no steps or escalators but a muddy slide of about 10 feet from where he stood to the entrance of the cave. There were half broken walls that served as compounds and about 3 or 4 rooms glued to each other on one side behind which a few glimpses of the famous lake reappeared. It was all muddy, leafy, untailored and untidy. But there were all smiles on his face looking at this scenic beauty and the tired mind was falling into peace…

Continues…