Memories

ANIRUDH DHANDA explores the way memories trigger heartfelt events and people from the past, and remind us of situations that evoke emotional responses. Is this what being human is all about?

- ANIRUDH DHANDA

It always surprises me: Brewing my first cup of tea, walking in the park, hearing a particular voice, the chirping of a particular bird, a forlorn leaf falling from the tree, smelling something distinct, seeing a person, seeing the sunrise or the longing of the dying sun, inhaling the aroma of food, reading a phrase in a book, hearing a song, or a voice in the park.

Any of these and many other similar mundane happenings during my waking hours can remind me of somebody, something, some happening, and my mind takes an instant flight in time. I am transported unconsciously, and without any active effort on my part, to another time. I smile involuntarily and move on. It’s always a different experience in the string of life. It is not fanciful but belongs to real life.

A steaming morning teacup transports me to my friend’s place in Bolton, England, and I see him walking down the stairs still a little groggy and without his specs.