There has been an unexpected visitor on our shores recently. I had no idea until the topic came up when we were driving around the shore. At that instance, we immediately craned our necks to see if we had a chance to catch a glimpse while the traffic was moving at the snail's pace. This was one of those moments when you don't want to rush through the traffic but ironically that's the only time when it picks up speed =).
Within a few seconds, to our luck, I happened to see a faint blue night which seemed to be in suspension in the dark of the night. It could very well be a side of one of the many hotels that dot the coast against the dark of the night. We narrowed our eyes to see if it was indeed the ship which had lost its way while on its way to the ship wrecking yard. After a few moments of frantic speculation, as we were moving faster through the traffic, we reached the conclusion it indeed was!! The faint lines of the ship's massive body and the adjoining shaft did seem like it supported the teeny weeny light.
As the excitement turned to contentment of seeing it first-hand, I wondered if that tiny light was enough to let the ship sit like that. Shouldn't it have been brighter and facing the sea for any incoming fishing boats? Well, I didn't really step down to check the ghost-ship. But I hoped its presence was felt in the dark of the night for some more unknown visitors to the shore, if any.
I thought to myself I would catch the glimpse of this beast in the light of the evening the very next day. I anyway had to return a book on 'Chakra Therapy'(yea, you read it right, mumbo-jumbo , I agree too, but I am hooked ;)) in the near-by library. I thought it would be best to take a look then.
The next day as the evening set in I started contemplating whether I should really waste my time running around some abandoned ship or stick to my plan to return the book and pour over a few more. But luckily the child in me got the better of me so I decided to head straight to the beach while I still had some chance at the light.
I reached the narrow street taking me straight in the direction of the cool, salty breeze with some embarrassing excitement and anticipation. I felt silly as a child and thought I would be one of the only urban chics trying to steal a look at some old abandoned stuff with the rest of the curious 'crowd'. I don't mean it in a derogatory way. I ,in fact,quite envy it because urbanites have so many things off-limits. Being urban comes at the cost of giving up on the natural instincts to just be. So, with hesitation and yet a faked confident stride I marched on. I immediately started looking for the monster and wondered if I had started off from the wrong side of the shore when I couldn't set my sight on it straight away. But that's my usual impatience. Then I looked at my left, judging by its location the night before and lo and behold there it was!!! The monster finally in full sight!! =) It looked awesome from the distance. Although foreign to our shores and not exactly welcomed it did make for a nice view. I mean, come on, how often do you get to see ships on my shore at least. Not even in the passing. The only things we really see are some teeny weeny lights dancing on the horizon or merely stationary. Now what do you make of the stationary ones ?!?! No clue.
I watched the ship and stayed on for a while taking in the sight. Just wanted it to register in my mind. I am not good with details anyway, the outlines would do. To my surprise I saw the beach more than crowded for a weekday for the obvious reasons. Now I thought I got to do what I got to do. I removed my camera, oh yea, and decided to go for the picture. Fortunately, I saw a lot of that happening around me. I was not alone you see ;). From there on it was easy-peasy. I shot a few pictures and decided to move along the shore to cover its entire length. I had a good time walking around. merging with the crowd, an eclectic mix of families, couples, teenagers, youngsters and children. When I felt I had my share of soaking it in I decided to turn back.
The way back was the journey between me and the sea. The ship ceased to exist except for the one last look before I made my exit. I felt grateful coz I knew the sea had sent me an invitation on the pretext of the unexpected guest. It had been a while since I been there and I was glad I took it. The sea has been by best company through my loneliest moments in my life. We have shared a long and faithful companionship. But not just that, it has also been my partner in crime, in laughter, in joy , in giggles, in sharing intimate and wildly animated conversations, walking with the upturned umbrellas on the rainy days in the adult years of my life, even my first bungee jumping happened right there many years back. Not to forget all the childhood plays of digging into its lap or making mountains only to crush them later amidst squeals of laughter which looking back were the first few glimpses of moksha. Moksha from the burden of possessing them and letting them go. Now, how do u measure these luxuries which cease to be a part of every day life?
With the soothing touch of its lovely breeze and the lullaby of its playful waves it brought me back to me. I was rested inside. No thoughts, no excitement, no embarrassment, just an overflowing peace. Unfortunately, it was time to leave although I wanted to remain soaked in its compassion. I have never been able to thank it enough in all these years. And no places is ever complete for me without a beautiful shore. She is divinity personified for me, she is my meditation and she is my Divine Mother!
