A walk into the sunset on Goa beach
The best time to visit Goa is between October and February. The weather in southwest India is pleasant at that time. Regional carnivals, art and cultural shows make a visit to the place memorable. Two years ago, I visited Goa with my wife to enjoy its beautiful beaches and have some respite from the bone chilling cold of Punjab.
We were at Baga beach, one of the most scenic beaches of Goa. It was a sunny day and we were enjoying a barefoot stroll on the beach. It was my wife’s first visit to Goa, while I had been to the place earlier with college friends. It was then that I had seen the sea for the first time in my life. We had a great time riding the high tide.
After some time, we decided to take a place on the shore. Waves touched our feet and the feel of sand moving from underneath with each receding wave was great. It was a panoramic view of the beach and one could see all sorts of travellers, beach bums, swimmers, and people relaxing on easy chairs under the umbrella. The beach was also home to several quaint beach huts that accommodate tourists. Shacks served mouthwatering sea food to tourists. Besides, vendors sold pineapple, coconuts, roasted cobs, icecreams etc.
My wife took out a book and started reading in the company of the cool breeze and sound of the waves. I watched people enjoying water sports such as parasailing, windsurfing and banana rides. At regular intervals, we could see people going up in the air as part of the parasailing ride. They would be suspended in the air for some time and would soak in the majestic view of the sea and the stunning beach landscape.
Suddenly, there was a commotion and we saw lifeguards running towards one side. Soon after taking off on a parasailing ride, the ropes of the canopy carrying a woman got entangled and collapsed due to the strong wind and she fell into the water. Confused and worried, her husband panicked and ran into the sea to save her. He fell before reaching her. Since she was not far off into the sea and wearing a lifejacket, the swift rescue operation prevented a tragedy.
After sometime, things got settled and life on the beach returned to normal. Suddenly, my wife asked with a wink, “By the way, if I were in her position, would you have made the same effort as the husband of that lady to rescue me?” Before the brain wave took the shape of a tsunami, I took her hand and guided her for a walk towards the horizon. I prefer to sail on the boat of calmness in Nature’s paradise.
IT WAS MY WIFE’S FIRST VISIT TO GOA, WHILE I HAD BEEN TO THE PLACE EARLIER WITH COLLEGE FRIENDS. IT WAS THEN THAT I HAD SEEN THE SEA FOR THE FIRST TIME