When there is too much work, when there is too much in my head, when sad, happy, excited, or tired. When the mind longs for fresh air, and strongly desires to be away from people.
The timing
Always close to midnight, the ghostly 12 midnight hour.
The place
Straight ahead from the hostel, to the other section where there are only trees, orange hues, the chill air, long shadows, silence, calm. Hardly any people other than the occasional jogger or the intermittent car or McDonald’s delivery guy.
The music
Whatever the iPod plays. Loosely lodged in its black pouch, held carelessly yet lovingly by the owner. Frequently taken out to repeatedly play the song that comes up by chance but perfectly suits the mood.
Me.
A wandering soul at midnight. Wantonly leaving her glasses behind so she doesn’t have to do any socializing and just look away without being able to recognize who that person far away is. Looking back and deciding to skip a bit, trot, and very often, break into song. Watching the people at the first section walk briskly, surprisingly in tune to her song. Grinning and guffawing at anything and everything. Standing with arms hugging herself when there is a cold breeze. Wondering if the song is in adi thaalam or rupakam. Walking through the groups of unknown Indian people, certain for some reason that she would their topic of discussion once out of earshot. Walking on even though the right knee suddenly starts aching slightly. Walking on and on till the staff quarters that are flooding the road with light, which she doesn’t like. Sometimes, cutting right into the staff quarters and walking to the 24-hour shop and getting an ice-cream cone for her to devour and enjoy. Walking back unmindful of the stares that come her way when she (unsuccessfully, many a time) tries to manage the wallet, cell phone and the iPod. Climbing the five floors up to her hostel and laughing at the end when she reaches room, panting, with beaming a victorious smile, mind now uncluttered, fresh and happy.
