Nostalgia of Last Summer

by Anjana Prasad - June 17, 2020

All past summers were not like this year's. Entirely different, fun-filled, with exciting outings, loaded with exotic food and plenty of fun and adventure. I thought as I sat on the balcony of my fourth-floor apartment admiring the blue waters of the swimming pool beneath which was open for the residents last summer.

Alas! Social distancing is a call for this summer. Caution! Beware O' people! Homestay! It is affecting the young and old alike.

As I drifted through my memories of the past summer of 2019, I landed on the beach of Goa. On a family vacation at the beginning of May to cool our nerves.

The sandy beach of the Arabian sea-coast sparkled under the smiling sun. Youngsters and adults alike played with the beach ball. While others excitedly picked up the gorgeous seashells, waiting in anticipation for the treasures to be collected with each break of the wave.

The waters foamed and frothed, spraying us with the cool salt water while we sank our feet in the gritty sand. The beach looked vibrant donned in myriad hues of the colourful umbrellas and exotic seafood restaurants.

Tourists and the locals took pictures and posed together with family and friends in the spreading ochre of the setting sun. Hugging each other, holding hands in the trance capital of India. Partying, merrymaking and dancing on the beats of the drum until even the night reverberated with joy. Buying souvenirs from the shops in the vicinity, to live and cherish their moments in Goa once the trip is over.

Be it the Panjim Beach or the Baga beach, Aguada Fort or Chapora Fort. Or a visit to the cascading waters of the Dudh Sagar falls, each is a sight to behold, cherish and enjoy with friends and family.

The famous church of Bom Jesus Basilica is crowded year long. People throng in masses to have a fleeting glimpse of the body of Saint Francis Xavier with folded hands. The sweet smell of the candles wafted in the air expunging the dread in hearts. Togetherness ruled the world encompassing us with compassion.

Last summer's nostalgia still remains. Leaving me to ponder, for how long will the pandemic disrupt our lives? When will things be normal? Those pictures in photographs look surreal when people used to hold hands, travel in buses and autorickshaws.

Can we once again celebrate together happily? When will the time come, when humans will not fear each other? And when will the sense of togetherness again come alive?

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