Sea in the city

 One of my prized possessions as a seven-year-old was a sea shell I picked up on the shores of the Bay of Bengal.

The fierce beach, crystal clear waters, cerulean skies and the coral reef infused sand was the best scene I could have ever hoped for.

The sun shone down fiercely on the pristine sand. Beads of sweat formed on my face.

But that did not deter me from running barefoot on the rutted terrain braving the heat.

The beach brings back so many memories like waves rushing to meet the sand.

A kite danced to the tunes of the gentle zephyr.

It looked picture perfect against the azure skies and cottony clouds.

I remember the feeling I experienced when I picked up the shell.

It was a fairly large one pressed against the damp shores.

It was a pearl white shell with water droplets glistening on it like tiny diamonds.

It was basking in the glow of the afternoon sun.

Just waiting to be picked up.

I picked it up with a thumping heart.

It smelt so strongly of the sea. Water dripped slowly back into the ocean.

The sound of the dripping water was music. A gentle ripple in the ocean of blue.

I clutched it closer to my heart.

My heartbeat merged with the waves.it kind of resonated.

It was a beautiful feeling. To feel the harmonious waves against the backdrop of the heartbeat.

I carefully clutched it like it was a treasure that the sea handed out to me. For me.Exclusively.

I took it back to the room and kept it amidst my other belongings. Over the years, toys and books and clothes took over that. The shell lay ensconced amongst other travel souvenirs.

After all these years, the shell caught my attention again.

The city had taken out any element of nature that was left of me.

Clouds of thick smoke, sickening traffic, waxed fruits and the air smelling of obnoxious sewage were what the city gave me.

I picked it up with the same anticipation several years ago.

My heart was racing. I pressed it close to my ears.

The same feeling came surging to me.

The kiss of the waves touching the sandy shores, the roar of the mighty sea.

I had it all in my concrete jungle.