WHEN THE NIGHT SMILES

I see the pandemic raging, and double locking its grip, launched another wave of pestilence, seem much scarier than it was in its earlier devastating onslaught. It’s more ferocious, people seem like nowhere to run for cover, and preventive immunization for waiting billions still appear a long-shot possibility.

On one such day, tired of staying shut in the house for months on end, with no mood to do anything particular, I carried my camera kit and pitched across under the night sky on the river Krishna banks.

Night photography so far, I haven’t tried, but then I thought, let me unravel the night lights. As I focused on the distant shrouded hills, felt as if floating on the ripples and the mystique reflections jumping up and down, I could hear the hum of darkness vibrating on the waters.

I also took in a quick view of the new flyover gleaming under newly erected lampposts. Under the dark sky, clustered behind the dark mist, close to the shore, I found a few boats anchored and rested – may be tired after a daylong galloping crisscrossing the river entertaining the rush of visitors. 

After a three-hour workout caressing the shutter and cooling down my worrying nerves, I felt less anxious. It surprised me; I never knew the songs of photography have such great healing touch as a good friend’s hug.