I don’t quite remember exactly how it started but I do have a vague idea. I’ll try; Dad was diagnosed with diabetes but at a very initial stage. So in order to control his blood sugar he began a daily ritual to go for walks.
Though he tried different routes he majorly went to a neighbourhood park adjoining an orphanage for girls. The house was attached to the park as if it was its very own lawn. I’d accompany him most of the time since I’d have nothing much to do than watch more and more TV (Yea, there was once a blessed time when all worries seem to end at homework). I do remember getting a little envious whenever I’d see them playing around together all evening. It’s quite ironical somehow since now that I think of it; I was after all having a walk with my own father...it never occurred to me that they might just have reasons to envy me.
Anyway, thus began my habit of always accompanying him for his evening walks. Well, most of the time. I do remember I missed quite a few of them. Dad might never have realised it...but I think they are the only times I actually remember having bonded with him. Infact they were more than just father-daughter quality time...they somehow shaped me into becoming a loner at heart. They are the reason why today I love going for walks. Preferably alone. I’m not a regular but they are my only refuge. And somehow I always remember dad when I’m out for a walk. They sort of connect me to him.
It’s pretty sentimental. Hehe.
Even when I’m in delhi...after a bad day or neck breaking stress I just drag a friend along and go out for a stroll. (Haven’t yet been able to gather up the courage to go for a walk alone in delhi till now. Its just freaky...you know the hype about unsafe metro cities)In fact, going for a nice, long walk with your dear is the idea of a perfect date for me! Hehehe. Candlelight dinners are just too cliché. People talk about busting stress and doing this and that...I wonder...what is better than a walk? What is better than just being yourself for a while? Its like having a heart to heart chat with yourself. ..or maybe a picnic for that matter.
Parks have always been my favourite haunts. My friends think that’s highly boring so I’m left alone to hang out there (don’t really mind though). But no matter what...that park near the orphanage is always going to remain my favourite one even though it’s nothing much to look at. Just a huge stretch of grass, maintained sloppily and a family of sleeping dogs scattered here and there. It gave me a lot of ideas for my design classes though. So I’m kinda indebted. I still remember using the image of a mumma dog and her puppies fighting for some milk for a population control poster! Sir really liked the idea.
Nature just somehow steadies me. It’s like sweet music stealing through your body warming you a bit over here and a bit there... Not a believer of astrology but the earth is the element of a virgo. I’m a virgo. Maybe there’s a connection. But I like water too you know. Swimming is one of my favourite activities. So can’t say.
I went for a walk alone after so long today. Kept hanging around for two hours with earphones jammed into my ears, an overcoat warming me and a book stuffed in the pocket. I just kept going round and round, skipping a bit in between, singing under my breath and I tell you I was lost. Heart and soul. People must’ve thought I was crazy. But the overcoat is pretty good to look at...it might have signalled at my civilized origin, so I think it saved my repo. I got inspired by a few more things to use in the next semester of college. It’s just so amazing how much natures gives back to you if one only pays a little more attention. It’s a freaky world out there I tell you. Nature is crazy. But it’s the most beautiful crazy thing you will ever come across.
Anyone who reads this entry; I personally insist that you should try going for a walk sometimes if you don’t already, that is. I’m not saying it because I have personal memories involved...it’s just too good an experience to miss.I’ll see if I’ll go back to that park anytime soon...haven’t gone back there since we moved. Lets see.
Angel.
