Page 48 - SANRAKSHIKA 2020 E - BOOK'

FROM RUSH HOUR TO SOLITUDE
Dr. Lalita Anand
W/o Shri C.V. Anand, IPS IG, NISA, Hyderabad
As I looked out of the window of my study, my gaze got fixed on the plants outside. The proud Christmas tree stood like a sentinel with its spiky arms, hibiscus flowers of all hues had bloomed and speckled the green cover. An assortment of crotons and roses adorned the steps leading to my door. On the far end, a bunch of humming birds had gathered and were chatting incessantly. Good monsoon had blessed my gardening efforts!
A large brown cat with green eyes walked up to my window and stared at me. She did not seem frightened. I got up from my chair and went out. Meee..ow.. she cried. I ignored her and went about picking flowers. She was insistent and followed me around. I realized she was hungry and went inside to get her some milk. She wagged her tail in happiness and drank it. Never before had I had time to notice my nature friends!
Thanks to the Pandemic, I had time to notice my nature friends.
Thud! I heard a dull sound from my balcony. I rushed to see what had happened. A nest had fallen from above the wall-mounted fan. Two baby pigeons were on the floor alongside scattered twigs, sticks and dead leaves, my heart stopped for a moment. I bent down and checked the damage, thankfully there was none. The newborns were cozily curled up next to each other with their eyes shut. I brought
out a small wooden basket and lined it with a soft folded cloth, then transferred the remains of the nest and the babies into it and hung it onto the same fan. Is it telepathy or a mother’s six sense? I noticed the mother pigeon circling my balcony. A warm feeling welled in my heart as I smiled with satisfaction that the babies were safe.
It was time to take ‘Don and Hazel,’ our pet German shepherds’ for a walk. My son helped me in this difficult task, both of us held them by the l and walked them to the shooting range in the battalion grounds. I couldn’t help admiring them for their courage, loyalty and their guarding instincts. Both of them wagged their tail in excitement and licked my hand every now and then to show gratitude. Felt so rich with their love!
I would seldom pause to admire nature or spend lazy afternoons with birds, cats and dogs. I never had time for yoga, meditation or leisure nature walks. Life seemed such a rush earlier.
Thanks to this pandemic, today, after four months of staying at home, cooking, washing dishes, mopping, sweeping, making beds, dusting, I have changed from a restless traveller, socialite, teacher and researcher to a home maker,
gardener, nature lover and much more. It’s been a time of spiritual reckoning. I am at peace with myself and love this solitude.
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