A healing effect

Alka Kashyap

The Pandemic may have shaken the world down to it’s roots, but it has engendered a totally different world. Apparently, with all human activity coming to a halt, the flora and fauna that received a breather from the cruel clutches of human beings. The beauty of adverse circumstances is that the bountiful nature, embedded with rich reserves, has come to the fore.

As I hear varied birds sing in my house’s garden and see squirrels have a good time, I acknowledge the fact that sky and the towering green trees around my house never looked so enamouring.

Hearing the news of a panther lurking in the city did unnerve me for a while. But when it was rescued and sent back to a jungle, my heart went aflutter. A beautiful animal with glistening coat and a powerful roar.

The peacocks in my backyard have been a treat to watch. I learnt about monkeys invading the city. My tryst with them started when a naughty gang visited my neighborhood. One of them climbed on to my pomegranate tree and started plucking the flowers. I offered them a bunch of bananas to distract them. They happily lapped it up.

The street dogs in my lane look forelorn. Not many cars to chase, perhaps. Although people are wary of their presence, but these canine friends seem to have mellowed down. A pack of half a dozen strays wait at my gate every day. Feeding them has become a new activity, something which I have never done before.

It is strange how the fury of nature brings man and animals closer to each other. We start understanding each other’s pain. The lockdown makes me wonder how animals must be feeling in an enclosed zoo. The herd of deer spotted near the High Court must have enjoyed a great sense of freedom. For once they felt safe to venture into the human territory.

With the sun blessing us at this time of the year, the neighbourhood is replete with radiant flowers.

All my family members have been helping around the house. The task assigned to me is of watering the plants. It was a boring chore initially, but gradually I have started getting the hang of it. It was a pleasant surprise for me to discover that we had a plant bearing white fragrant flowers. I plan to take care of it as it fills my garden with a mesmerising essence in the evening.

The new grass has filled up the lawn well. I am learning how to trim it so that I can keep the green cover intact.

The lakes and rivers have become cleaner. Their water is sparkling and the marine life has got a big boost.

I am humbled by the grace of nature and I thank God for giving me a glimpse of paradise in these hard times. I promise to do my bit in preserving my surroundings so that future generations can experience perfect happiness.