PostPoems Be Artistic. Be Creative. Be Inspired!

13Dec14

No !! This isn't for you.Please go on to read more meaningful , wise and nice material which is abundant all over the internet and elsewhere. Since I have nothing better to do I copied a picture from Google Images and trying to test my fingers if they're OK or not. So.. don't tell me I didn't warn you. It was just a week back when a friend of mine told me that he'd be leaving for a better job out of town and whether I could look after his cravan trailer during his absence. I asked him a cheeky question " Can I use it ?" "Of course you can" he replied.I took the trailer's keys from him,wished him happy days ahead and drove the trailer home.

Again I implore you kind poets please hit the "home" button and abandon this story here itself.Don't tell me again if you get muddled.It was your option to read not mine.

The whole night I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned in my bed.At 3 a.m. I couldn't lie down any longer.I was scared that someone would steal the lovely trailer with a thousand opportunities.I don't have a car or a garage so I had to park the trailer on the narrow street in front of my home.My wife and daughter was away to my in-law's house in another town so I had to make a cup of tea on an electric heater. Brushing my teeth I sat down with a steaming cup and switched on FM band to 98.3 which happens to be my favourite Radio Station.I must have dozed off for quite awhile after sipping the tea and enjoying the soft music.I came to my senses at about 5 a.m.I looked up my internet to find out some place nearby where I could go and camp for a few days away from the noise and bustle of the city.

Two exhausting hours and eyestrain glued me to a picturesque forested reserve about four hours away by road.Sitting with a pen and paper I made a list of things which I would need.

Next I trotted to the nearest ATM and withdrew Rs.5000/- cash.When the grocers and stationery shops opened in the morning I was their first customer. " Mukherjeeda.. So early !! You usually come after 11 a.m. Going somewhere??" "Hmm... " Purchases complete I returned home to pack my woolens and flashlight.After a hurried breakfast of "luchis" and "aloor dom" I locked all doors and windows, my front gate and stepped happily into the trailer's driving seat headed for the petrol pump.

Petrol is quite expensive in my city and I had to fill at least Rs.3000/- worth for a one way trip.The vehicle was an old one and drank petrol like a thirsty desert traveller.The trailer was the most uncomfortable vehicle I had ever ridden.The bucket seat's cushion was made from wire-like coir without any rubber.Just a thin rexin cover which made my buttock scraped by the time I arrived at my parking spot.

I did stretching aerobics for a few minutes beside a sluggish stream and proceeded to take stock of the surroundings. It was beautiful indeed !!! Mid-sized grass grew all around with a few trees jostling with one another for space. I had parked my borrowed trailer in a small clearing off the dirt road so that my peace wouldn't be disturbed by passing vehicles.By then the sun was almost overhead and I put on a "gamcha" and walked into the waist-deep stream. I never had had such a refreshing bath for the last 10 years !!! The water was refreshingly cool and the chirping of unnamed birds was enchanting.After bathing for more than half an hour I stepped into the trailer taking care to lock the engine properly.

The inside of the trailer was a sharp contrast to the driver's area. There was everything one could expect. Even a table to eat from and a cooking stove.. I opened my packages and made myself a couple of boiled eggs,potatoes, some "dal" and a bowl of rice which I happily ate with a blob of "ghee" and two hot green chillies. Satiated I went to sleep without my trusted "Philip Bahadur" radio since this place was out of FM reach.

When I woke up it was well after 5 p.m. I made myself a cup of coffee and sat beside the stream to watch the sun set in thew distant horizon. I do not have a camera so I drank my fill till twilight descended and I returned to the cozy comfort of my trailer-home.Cooing a dinner of "chapattis" and butnt brinjals splattered with mustard oil and chopped onions, I stepped out to savour the nocturnal sights in solitude. The birds fidgeted in theit tree-top homes.The owls and bats fluttered.Frogs croaked.I heard splashing sounds in the dark waters of the stream.I became one with the naure of night.All my city stress had vanished. I was truly happy.Sleep came instantly as I lay in the comfortable trailer.

This slow ,simple routine continued for two more days after which I sadly bid goodbye to the stream,  the trees and the creatures and made my way to my noisy and dusty city. Ah.. let me tell you that my wife and daughter did not approve of this escapade when they returned. The trailer is gathering dust waiting for its owner to return.The sight of the trailer brings back happy memories. Thank you my good friend.