This is a descriptive piece that describes a park before and after a storm.
The usual sight of the park…
Nirvana, one of my all-time favourite parks has a variety of multi-coloured flowers. It is full of trees that extend as a canopy and provide a relaxing shed in warm weather. This park represents traditional Indian landscaping. A combination of red and orange coloured fountain taps with skirting of tiles that have warli paintings, release a cool drizzle; this is the best place to tranquillize. At night, the fountains dance with music and disco lights, the sways and swirls are a treat to behold.
The park is equipped with themed benches made of sal wood. The edges of the seat and the backrest are scraped and smoothened to avoid any hurt. These are placed at equal intervals and allow seating of four on one.
An earthy smell tickles my nose every time I enter the park because the plants and trees are watered regularly. They look so vibrant as if bathed in freshness. In summers, the soil emanates petrichor when water quenches the thirst due to heat, while in winters, dampness envelops the senses.
An artificial cave is also one of the attractions of the park. It looks ancient due to the way it is designed. The mouth of the cave is big but a fully grown man has to stoop to get in. The inside is dimly lit and there are ancient drawings and depictions made on the walls that make it look historical. One such depiction is from the Indian epic- Ramayan when the Monkey God (Hanuman) met Lord Rama’s wife, Sita. Parents are often seen narrating stories related to the depictions to their children as they move in.
Another best place in the park is the bird reserve. It is always full of chirping birds. The birds of all shapes, sizes, colours can be seen together creating an image of a gigantic rainbow. Their chirping enlivens the whole area and is quite welcoming. Close to them is a small pond where ducks waddle and quack. It is fun to feed them.
Park has a field which is open for everyone to come and have fun playing around. The field is home to many bunnies hopping with their little legs all around. There are many swings for small children- slides, see-saw, merry-go-round, etc. They are always occupied by children. Sometimes even adults can be seen enjoying them, probably recalling their childhood days.
The park is a hub of energetic movements.
After the storm……..
The park was totally devastated the next morning. Every single thing sighted was ruined. In no time I realised that the park was a victim to the storm which came last night.
I walked further to see two uprooted trees that blocked the way. Some trees that survived the intensity were standing, though slightly bent as if mourning the death of their two brothers. Branches of some trees were hanging down almost touching the ground as if clinging to the trunk in the last moments of separation. Flower beds and plants were withered and destroyed. The lovely rose garden looked crumpled as if someone deliberately used a lawnmower over it.
The fountain was dried and it seemed that years of dirt coiled each part of it. The beautiful wall paintings were smeared with filth and dried leaves.
Every single bench of the park was either broken or flipped or cracked. The bird reserve was devastated and screamed at the loss of inhabitants. The meshes were broken and some beautiful birds lay stiff like one made up of clay. The pond was dirty and a layer of thin dirt was all that could be seen. The ducks, as if in shock, did not quack or waddle. The area near the pond was swampy.
The field lost its glory. Dried leaves scattered everywhere shrouded it perfectly. No bunnies were hopping, a few were hiding in a corner; they were scared and trembling.
The only thing which was in decent condition was the cave. It did not give in to the might of the storm.
The sight was agonizing. Nothing was left except desolation.
-Hitarth Mittal (ex-bodhian)