My First Day!!

My first day of yoga class. Had to reach Marine Drive at 6.30am from Powai. Set the alarm for 4.30am. Had tried to go to bed early the previous night but couldn’t sleep till late night due to excitement…..

The alarm rang on schedule. Got up, had packed the stuff I need to carry at night itself so it was just about freshening up and leaving home. Left at 5am. It was still dark and not a soul in sight, atleast visible ones. Not even ubiquitous dogs. As I passed my neighbouring apartment block, the memories of those who had committed suicide came to my mind. I started walking faster, saying silent prayers. The dry leaves making crunching noise under my shoes.

Reached the main road. No street lights near IIT campus. Only headlights flashing by passing vehicles. Almost got hit by a passing truck (maybe the driver was sleepy or drunk). Walked some, saw live people, milkwalas. It was still dark.

Reached the bus stop. No red buses for a long time. A lone rickshaw waiting for passenger near IIT Gate. Took the rick even though the driver was wearing white clothes (like ghosts!!). Ah!! Railway station in sight finally. Fortunately the train came in few minutes, yet again hardly any people….what’s wrong with Bombay??!! I had expected atleast the train to be full, not brimming with people but a decent enough crowd!!! Tried to doze off till Dadar, but couldn’t. Few more women got in at Kurla. One of them was ready to have an argument with anyone at slightest pretext. She wanted the fan switched on, and she did. Then she looked expectantly towards me for atleast a whimper of protest. I closed my eyes and pretended to doze off.

Took a slow train from Dadar to Charni Road. Yipppeeee!!! Reached class on time. Selected a good place for myself under a tree, yes the sessions will be held in open space, under grey blue sky and cool breeze blowing from the sea.

Looking forward to more such sessions!!!!