B is for Beaches

Whenever I feel stressed out of my mind, I try to rewind to the times I spent at a beach.

Our weekend getaway to the coastal town of Diveagar –

We had to walk down a narrow path that led to the beach, from the hotel. It was love at first sight. I couldn’t help but point excitedly at the sea, the way I used to as a kid. Pale sand stretched besides the waves, for miles. I remember grabbing a fistful and watching it slip gracefully between my fingers. I remember stepping into the cool, salty water and squealing in delight as the waves kissed my tired feet at intervals.

A whirlwind trip to Goa almost five years ago –

The year had taken a toll on my family and I. Upon losing my grandparents, we decided to fly to Goa in lieu of celebrating Diwali. It may seem insensitive but we had mourned enough to realize that we needed a break. I knew my grandmother would have loved a vacation. My grandfather would have enjoyed a morning stroll by the beach.

I remember wading knee deep into the sea water and letting the waves splash onto me. I felt my gloom being washed away.  I realized that the sea never holds onto the sand. It lingers by the shore for a bit, savours a few moments and lets go.

A beach is not just about the sea.

It is about long early morning strolls beneath a mauve sky, a gentle breeze erasing the creases on your forehead.

It is about marvelling at the horizon lit orange by the setting sun (I wish life came with background music for a moment like this).

It is about digging your feet into the sand and relishing the sensation.

It is about building castles, akin to the ones that exist in your head.

It is about the air laced with salt and the odour of freshly caught fish.

It is about the feeling of never wanting to leave.

My theme for the A-Z Blogging Challenge is ‘The A to Z of some my favourite things’. Stay tuned for more posts, this April!