Cont.
I reached Trichy railway station 20 mins late i.e around 7.30pm and the assigned auto driver had arranged another driver as he got another passenger and I had told him to not wait for me.
After a short waiting period, I got another auto driver and the journey from Trichy to Srirangam began....It was getting dark and the breeze was soothing, but I met heavy traffic...:(. I usually like to feel the breeze of a new place on my face and breath it....the ease that one feels when on a holiday, for me, it onsets with the breeze of that land.
Along with the breezing auto, and changing surroundings i.e. from isolated quite lanes to busy glittering markets, heavily crowded pathways with everyone rushing in and out of shops. It made me think if Valentine's Day has become a global affair.. painting the (with the horrible red, inmho ♥️) innocent roots of villages of India :). (Not that I saw roses or hearts being exchanged....it was something my mind cooked up, just now).
Frankly, I had forgotten all about it being a valentine's day untill the very end of the day when a pen friend (one I have known for more than 19 yrs, but never met) who wished me - Happy valentine's day. A customary and respectful exchange of greeting to appreciate this bond of friendship.
After a while the auto driver was crossing a bridge that connects Srirangam and Trichy and it was a broad, quite and concrete bridge. There was a river flowing underneath it and that night I learned that Srirangam temple is located on an island sort landscape, in Tamilnadu.
On that dark passage, at the speed with which auto driver was flying, everything outside was more like a blurred film, at one point I felt my eyes saw something bright amidst the dark sky and when I shifted towards the right of the auto-seat, to take a closer look I peeped outside and saw the full moon!
A big, bright, shiny ball with a soft aura, moving along as if the spotlight was on it, all thru. The reflection of it on the patches of river water which were bright because of the moon light looked more scenic and I was left in awe. That moment marked the welcome for me.
A passage connecting two landmarks, of moment, a path in the journey of life, few memories, many emotions....all painted with love and bliss.
by a big ball of light on the right.
The auto stopped near the hotel I had my reservations at. The entrance of the hotel was simple and quite or may be I expected it to be a well lit, big entrance with hussle bustle of the visitors..given next day was Saturday, considered to be the day of the temple deity.
Nevertheless, I met Mr. Krishnan who was waiting for me at the reception and for some reason was super excited to see me. He took a selfie with me and shared it with my friend saying that 'his daughter has arrived and will be looked after well'. I personally wasn't comfortable...I sensed something weired.
He then collected the hotel room keys from reception and came along upstairs to show me the assigned room...he unlocked the room and entered in..I stood outside. I peeped into the room and it was a dual occupancy room with two cots places parallel with side tables inbetween. Before entering the room, I gestured him to either take the seat at sofa or wait for me downstairs....and I guess my body language was more stern than my words. He got the clue. He said sure, will be downstairs.
I got in the room after he left and locked in. Took a few deep breaths and sat at one of the city in the middle of the room. I spared the other one, closer to the window for me to sleep on...so that it's neat and tidy.
Asa I felt a bit at ease, I washed my face and hands and then took out my carryon bag and filled it with a water bottle, wallet and a book. I called up my friend after checking with him if I can call...I narrated the whole episode to him just to reconfirm that I am not overthinking and that my senses are not too alert with Mr. Krishnan. He told me to be very direct and open with him...and if at all I sense anything off, I should just part ways and be on my own...and not bother about the reference or him being elderly etc.
For a few mins, I just stood there as it in my room worried, clouded with many insecurities and thoughts which would rather freeze me but then I reminded myself about the whole intention behind my journey...and concentrated my focus on it.
I went downstairs and along with Mr. Krishnan went to the next door tiny Dosa shop which was a homely food stall with fresh and crispy dosas, sambhar and chutney, they also had idlies 😍...and my heart lit up :)
I hogged on two Dosas and a idli and Mr. K took just one Masala Dosa. We decided will take a night walk in nearby lanes and just see the town before retiring for the day. And I agreed...afterall, I really needed a good walk in those quite lanes... something that feeds my soul and stories of my heart.
We started with left of the hotel and then went around in a few lanes and he kept meeting people who knew him and talked about the land, the temple, himself, his brother's house and that both of them are disconnected... etc. at one point we returned back near the tiny food stall and walked past it...and I was taken aback when I saw a massive structure at a the end of that lane, partially lit in a way that only the edges were visible to me. There was a beautiful full moon adding a ancient charm to that whole scene...I was being pulled in that direction.. effortlessly. I rushed with my tiny eyes not ready to even blink...
Not even in my dreams I would have thought that my hotel would be at a walking distance from this Majestic architectural marvel. And what a time I landed there...a full moon night!!
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