The ubiquitous blue road signs hang large on city intersections, flyovers and tower over the roads which lie like run-over snakes heaving the last few breaths. These signs fascinate visitors or tourists new to the city goading them to choose a direction and set out to explore. Waiting for the traffic light to turn green I read one of those looming above us. The left most read Marina, the right most with a crooked arrow indicated TT Nagar, the one in the centre held my eye and beamed a flash transporting me back to 1987. Numangbakam High Road, the sign grinned, as if winking at me. Well aware that it will force me to take the straight road i blinked and looked away digging deep in memories of a small hotel. A modest room with its window opening to the east spilled the morning light over light green painted wall. A round, polished table lying under the window reflected and cut the sunlight making semi circular shadows on the large bed. A​ mother holding her two year old child was sitting at the bed anxiously looking at a bowl which was left on the bed by a steward who had been tipped liberally. The little one repeatedly took her tiny left hand over her hairless head which had recently gone through the rights of offering her silky locks to the deity. Lifting the sparkling moonlight I placed her on the round table directly in line with the sunlight. It was less of a ritual and more to soothe the tender skin that handful of curd was rubbed on the tender pate which looked translucent red in morning light. The camera in my hand went click-click a few times and the moment was captured for eternity. I saw that picture call out to me from the signboard today. It was Nungambakkam High Road where all that had happened years ago.

Aside: the trip was from October 7 to 9, 2023 with Titoo and Sunny primarily to watch India-Australia cricket match as a part of ICC World Cup 2023.