Special Section: Hema Ravi

Hema Ravi

When the hatchling emerged…

 

 

Go, baby, Go! Walk faster towards the deep blue,

The tide is right for a splash and a swim.

Phew! That was a great escape! a gull just flew

past; another prey must’ve attracted him.

 

Its almost dark, the sun has just begun to set

The frolicking waves will hurl you deeper inside.

Once darkness set in, I believe, there’s lesser threat,

in the open ocean, enjoy the spectacular ride.

 

Your green grey helps you to camouflage;

to swim far using the magnetic cues…

Bask under the temperate sun with your entourage,

My, My! You’re fortunate to gain a round-the-world-cruise.

 

As you navigate towards feeding grounds

‘Safety in numbers!’ your mantra, from predators, to hide.

Come back, after you’ve done the rounds

on your own, discovering newer spaces, with curiosity and pride.

 

Go, turtle, Go! Go faster, towards the deep blue

This fascinating world is yours to view…

***

 

The Forgotten Key

Nita stood at the very spot on the seashore where she had done decades ago.

The azure-green had changed to a darker green, the golden sands weren’t spotlessly clean, there were bits of plastic and debris all over. A few rocky dunes remained, and an occasional sailboat fluttered past, but mostly, there were noisy speedboats that sent frothy waves swiftly towards the shore. 

Besant Nagar Beach (Photo: N. Ravi)

Unlike in the past, it was more inhabited now. The laughter of children, squealing and splashing as the chilly waters touched their feet; the aroma of roasted corn emanating from a seller’s handcart, colourful cotton candy stored in large glass jars atop another’s cart, the balloon stalls and innumerable other treats offered a range of sensorial delights. 

Aren’t these man-made enticements ruining the pristine spaces?

She was also glad that people had returned to begin their livelihood all over again; the homes were much raised now, and there was a large rocky barrier to keep the sea from flooding the land. Grandpa and Grandma’s home was destroyed in the devastating tsunami; the very sea they had loved claimed their lives; the ocean consumed them while they were asleep in their home.

Nita, her mom, Dad and all the family members wept endlessly; they could not forgive themselves and were ridden by relentless guilt. 

Tears flooded Nita’s face.  How many years have gone by…Sigh!

Offering a silent prayer to her beloved grandparents, Nita regained her composure after some time.

She began to reminisce the good old days. 

Morning Glow at Besant Nagar Beach, Chennai
(Photo: N. Ravi)

Grandpa and Grandma were fascinated by this beach house and refused to move out even though the sea was silently eroding the land.  ‘The sea gives; it also takes back!’ was Grandpa’s philosophical dismissal whenever Nita’s mother urged them to vacate the cottage.

Mother knew it was a stubborn choice, but she was helpless.

Nita recalled the amazing time she had with both her grandparents. Both grandpa and grandma narrated fascinating tales of the sea, the turtles, the marine creatures, the need to respect and protect all living creatures – they both were nature lovers and protectors of the environment; yet, they publicly did not take credit for any of their contribution.

Grandpa often said, turtles are the ‘maintenance crew’ of coastal environments, they need to be protected, nurtured and every individual should make sure they do not go extinct…

While Nita was lost in her reverie, a large wave brought along ribbons of rotten seaweed to the shore. A little one who was collecting shells nearby grimaced and kicked it aside.  Nita bent down over the seaweed and her heart began to beat faster. 

In the debris, there was a rusty key, which she picked up with some trepidation. 

Is it the same? I just can’t believe it.  The ring looks similar, so does the turtle head, she said to herself after wiping off the sand, weed and grime.

How did it happen to come here at this very minute? And where is my box now? What had happened to her box of secrets? The secret box which had helped her overcome all her fears… I wish I get to see it again…

Nita looked around to see if there were any familiar people from the past.  All around were unfamiliar faces and nationalities, including the dozen vendors.  Instinctively, she went up to a grey-haired vendor and asked him if he had ever noticed a decorated brown box bobbing towards the shore.

The vendor nodded and said, my granddaughter who is playing over there spotted a brown box being pushed towards the shore. She picked it up; we took it home and placed it in a corner of our cottage.  We did not have the keys; we also did not have the heart to break it open.  But I always wondered if any treasure was within.

Nita’s heart raced faster, but she said nothing. The elderly man invited her to his humble abode.  His wife offered her a concoction in a stainless-steel tumbler, which she called kaapi.   Nita sipped the brew and relished it.  It calmed her nerves further.  She vaguely recalled Grandma had made this concoction once, when she was down with severe cold.

Meanwhile, the stooped man brought out the brown box. It was made of teak, hence, had survived the salty waters for a long time. 

The box stirred a range of emotions from excitement to apprehension. Should she open the box of fears again? 

Abruptly, she rose, held by hand the old man’s granddaughter and walked towards the sea. On the distant horizon, a crimson red ball, was slowly receding into the waters.  Elsewhere, there was a brilliant dazzle, as if fireworks had lit the sky.

She thrust the key into the box; after a slight struggle, it opened…without a word, she emptied the pieces of paper into the sea.  Large waves came frolicking towards her and receded.  As little boats, the paper floated upon the dark waters and disappeared soon.

Nita stood still, transfixed in that ‘golden hour’ and remained in deep contemplation until the lights began to fade.

She handed over the box and the key to the little girl and walked on towards the glittery cityscape.

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Setu, November 2025