Back to the streets!

Normalcy is returning. This is not just because people have resumed fighting with each other over parking spaces, but you also see dogs no longer shocked to see crowd of people walking on Mall. Two months ago situation was completely opposite. Birds chirping, wind blowing, dogs happily trotting, all in the absence of humans. Now with humans back, the temporary visitors have again gone back to their shelters.

Recently, I had the privilege of walking the Mall again after months of lockdown. Although the walk was more of a forced walk, than a voluntary one. Nevertheless, walking in hills, close to nature, in lovely weather has a tendency to heal all the psychological wounds. And with temptation to get bakery stuff at the Mall, the legs get automatic power to walk.

I had not imagined that there will be so many people outside. All shops were open. People were actually buying stuff and Adidas clothes definitely do not come under essential supplies. However, everyone seemed happy so I was also my jolly self. As long as precautions are maintained, no need to restrict people around. And seeing so many people around, I wondered how empty and dull the Mall, if not the world, will be without humans. Sometimes, we are so much used to see people around us, that their absence only makes us realize their value. However, I must admit, a densely crowded hill station like Shimla could see a little less of crowd.

I went to the Mall on a Saturday and came back in two hours, after buying an essential footwear. Sadly, the bakeries were still closed. One of the casualty of the pandemic. As things open up and people come back to the streets, I have also started a new routine of evening walks. After all, one should take full advantage of hills in absence of tourist throngs. The walks are small, and with mask on and spectacles getting fogged up, I am taking extra precautions of not stumbling and rolling down the hill. Sometimes on isolated stretches, the dogs and the birds join me and we walk happily down the road. Another times, I’m running down the road after being chased by some random monkeys. All is part of life at a hill station, which continues to satisfy the traveler in me even amidst the difficult times.