THE DARK SIDE OF MOON

It had been a long and busy week with a lot of stress at work. I am a dubbing artist who has worked in various movies and advertisements and during the week I was busy with a couple of large projects, working long days and longer nights. I was eagerly looking forward for the Friday end and the calendar was blocked till about 9 in the night. At least the weekend was free and I really wanted to just hit the bed and take rest. On Friday, after a tight first half, the producer gave a news that the sound engineer had some other engagement and the segment which was scheduled for the evening would be rescheduled. I heaved a sigh of relief. I could leave a bit early by six in the evening.

 

I signed off for the day, though I was feeling really tired, the unexpected early wrap up was like a breeze on a sunny day! I was wondering what to do with the free time and remembered that it had been a while since I had been to the beach. Wow! I really loved the beach. Gentle wind hitting the face, the long stretches of sand and the tiny broken shells gently pricking the bare sole, the calming sound of waves, the chatter of a thousands of people and the myriad smells from salt water to dried fish to fried street food, are reason enough to go to the beach. Thinking of the various fried items and freshly made corn, made me feel hungry, suddenly. Then I realized that I had skipped my lunch due to back to back work and was surviving only on coffee. No second thoughts, I immediately flagged down the auto rickshaw and went to the beach.

 

Got down at the beach, paid money to the auto driver. Looking at me, he did not even haggle for extra tips which usually they do on Friday evening rush hours. It was a string of lucky events that day. Early release at work, got auto immediately and he even did not haggle! That was once in a lifetime day and had to cherish to the core. I slung my backpack bag, removed my shoes, packed it in the plastic bag, put it in the back and started walking towards the water slowly. On the way the enticing smell of freshly made corn cob attracted me like how children are attracted towards mobile phone and I walked towards the shop. Bought two of the hot hot cobs, smeared with lemon juice, salt and chilli powder! Wow, nothing can beat the heavenly taste of fresh corn cob with the concoction. If Michelin were to rate this, they will start adding one more to their maximum three. Salt in the air, salt on the tongue and perhaps some of the salt from the sweat of the vendor all make it a unique experience. For a moment, I thanked Gandhiji who went to great lengths for this simple salt!

 

I clutched the cobs wrapped in an old newspaper and walked towards the water. It was a bit of a distance and the heavy sound of waves were clearly audible from the main road. I could hear the noise a bit louder than usual and realized it was the high tides and perhaps was a new moon night. Went near the water, dipped my feet in a customary way. What’s the fun in the beach without feeling the gush of water on your feet and the feeling of sand being swept away from beneath your feet! Some spiritualists say heaven is on earth and I believed it that moment! I could feel the strong current of the waves and was not in a mood to go deeper in the water. I was also feeling quite hungry and still had the corn in my hand. 

 

The place was quite crowded with a lot of chatter all over the place. There were also vendors loudly selling pani puri, Bhajji and other gourmet delicacies. I found a relatively empty space on the sand, kept my things down and sat there. Took a deep breath and stretched my arms and legs. I could hear muffled voices of a pair of lovers and some weird noises in between their talk. Perhaps they were seriously discussing their future plans. I unwrapped the corn cob and slowly started eating the first one. This I believe is an art in itself. You have to hold the cob with both hands by the ends and choose a spot. First, lick the salt and chilli powder concoction and slowly dig the front set of teeth into the pulpy kernels. During the first attempt it will slip away and it is important to show perseverance and resilience. I have been a world champion in this from my childhood and hence could take a mouthful of kernels in the first bite itself. It is like cherry on cake to lick the upper lips, laced with salt and chilli from the corn and the slight burning sensation on the lips make you wanting more. The combination of the lemon juice, salt and chilli powder with the pulpy taste of the corn kernels will give you a high that no other vice could give. Hope he applied butter on the top! In my hurry and hunger, I forgot to ask him, Damn!

 

After finishing the first cob, I took out the water bottle from my bag and had a gulp. I heard two guys from behind with blasting music. These stupid smart phones and Bluetooth speakers! People nowadays have started carrying a speaker everywhere and without any sense play it loud. Mr Yoyo Singh was saying something in Punjabi and canadese (is that a language?). Now that’s what is trending music and without any complex calculation, I could guess the IQ of these guys. Anyway, I didn’t want these silly fellows to spoil my evening. I lay down, closed my eyes and started taking in the breeze and the loud sound of the waves! In the periphery I could hear two old women speaking. Probably their husbands had gone for a short walk. From their conversation I couldn’t gather whose daughter-in-law was more cruel! Now, with section 377 going away, wondering what would be future mothers-in-law discussing!

 

A cold gush of wind hit me and I woke up suddenly The gentle shuffle of hair by the breeze, noise from the waves, the two corn cobs and my tired week seemed to have put me to a deep sleep. I no longer heard the old women in the background, probably they were reminded of their daughters in law and went back home or probably it was time for their TV serial. Well, it was quite possible that they were discussing the daughter in law from the serial and I, the unpardonable had misjudged them! I perked my ear to check if the lovebirds were still cooing. Nah! I couldn’t hear them too. Probably they realized it was time their respective spouse to reach home and they hurried back! Actually it was quite calm but for the constant rhythmic waves. I had lost track of time, may be I slept off for long. The nearby clock tower chimed and I counted 11. Eleven? It was quite late and realized I need to hit home! One of the relics that Britishers have left behind is this local big ben and still works! I got up and slowly started to gather my things. I could hear the YoYo Honey Singh troupe approaching and the loud voice of the future of the country.

 

Suddenly one of the guys tripped over my leg and fell down, dropping the portable speaker on my knee. I felt a sharp pain and he started to shout at me, “its pitch dark and why are you sitting in the middle of nowhere? we are trying to find our way back to the main road”. I felt a sudden gush of blood in my veins but there was no point in fighting and anyway it was time to go home. I slowly got up, wiped my dark glasses, wore it, picked up my stick, slung my back pack and offered my hand and said, “come I’ll take you to the main road. I’m going there only.