Bird Watching

 

Its a typical winter morning in Delhi. The sun is trying to break out of the thick fog. The tip of the TV tower is faintly visible from the top of the highrise. 

 A flock of birds head towards the top floor, and descend onto the bowls of food on the parapet wall.
"Breakfast at Sharmaji's" has become a ritual for these migratory creatures. Flocks keep coming at regular intervals, interspersed by a cute parrot couple.

The sun has now risen above the lush greenery and the fog has given way to clear skies. The scene is now set for the next visitor. A solo, sovereign and supreme creature circles around the food bowl. Just like in golf, sighting it is a rarity, the reward for hours of patience. The eagle has landed.

Train of thought

I came back to Hyderabad after a 2 week Sojourn touching Sangam Ka Kumbh, Sahity Ka Kumbh and Sangeet Ka Kumbh. (The epitome of religious, literary and musical confluences). My heartfelt thanks to Shailesh Pradhan, Balvinder Sharma and Pavan Jha for keeping their hearts and doors open. 

Everyone at home were quite delighted looking at all the gifts I got in Jaipur. I started unwrapping each of them and finally the last one was left. To everyone's surprise it was empty, but I started feeling that it was the heaviest. It was the "train of thought" fueled by fond memories, ignited by love and affection, and running on lasting friendship; threatening to cross the tracks and barge into the fields. It started swaying, "Let it flow, let it flourish, let it flood"  but an inner voice calmed it down, "let it stew, let it spin, let it simmer, it will then be tastier". So friends the next set of stories have started cooking. I am just looking around for some spice. Stay tuned.

(Thanks to Mihir Pandya for producing that magical picture on a full moon night on top of Nahargarh Fort in Jaipur)