Nurungukal...contd...

                Gradually I was falling in love with Calicut, a city having many facets and exclusive spots.Most of the people loved to take an evening walk and invariably to the beach or Mananchira. Those days [in late fifty's] the air was not polluted,because the horse carts [governors cart] and rikshaws out numbered motor vehicles. In small groups people flocked in and occupied their favourite spots . Some involved in gossip ,others in serious discussion on current affairs, yet others enjoyed the scenery or the glamour of the passing crowd. Their right hand moved in rhythm, up and down, to throw roasted ground nut kernels into the mouth sure to hit the hole with out fail. While a few early birds were lucky to occupy the cement benches , others found pleasure in leaning their back on the side wall. A few retired hands wearing a cap and swinging the sticks took a quick stroll unconcerned about the bystanders or passersby. A cool breeze making ripples on the surface of the crystal clear water of the chira gave caressing effect.

                Our destination used to be the beach. A brisk walk from Chalapuram and a few hours of relaxing on the sand  enjoying a sun set would rejuvenate our body and mind. The intake of ozone gave a positive energy. The Little waves splashing on the shores produced a musical note. Far away in the sea a ship in anchor, looked like an illuminated castle on water. Not much far away in the sea a group of wooden cargo boats would sway along with the waves.  Silhouette of  fisher men boats , not far away from the shore moved to and fro. The cassurina grove made an ideal recluse for the love birds. And the parapet wall on the road wall used to be fully occupied. Behind them would be rows of petty shops on wheels selling hot snacks like ari kadukka, masala bonda,salted nellikka, mango slices, tea coffee, etc etc. and lime juice ,ice creams also.  Balloons and such toys added to the colour of the total setting. Some youngsters from rich families showed their pomp by driving their vintage cars and motor cycles recklessly from one end to the other. The light house of Thikkiodi  would blink at specified intervals to denote the position, far away on the northern horizon. While the one at Calicut beach would respond in a different way. The sea bridges on both end stood precariously withstanding the slap of the waves, as monuments of glory of a past trade links. From the District Hospital on the other side of the road patients peeped through the windows for solace. Children accompanied by their parents enjoyed a dip of their legs in the sea to take the sand in memory of the visit. When the siren of the Commonwealth factory sounds  at 7 PM the curtain falls for the day and  reluctantly we return home.