#227 …when u want to go again on rollercoaster ride.

The site of pandals coming up everywhere is more than pleasant. It brings with it not only the thought of Durga arriving in our houses and neighbourhood but also the titsy bitsy attachments – the sumptuous food, the night outs, the roller coasters, new apparels, garbas and dandiyas, the dhak and dhunuchi,.. the list is endless. Every passing year increases the intensity and passion with which people want to celebrate the festivals – Durga puja being the primary one in the city of Joy – Kolkata. This year was no different. The pandals were grander, the idols bigger, the spirit higher, the rides thriller and the entire experience – out of the world. Since childhood I have had a special liking to the rollercoaster rides. I would wait for pujas - for the sheer pleasure of riding the larger than life rides that starts getting assembled in the neighbourhood park much before we can see the goddess arriving with her face covered to be unveiled on the auspicious day of Saptami. As I sat on the rollercoaster, the stomach started churning. Like always I promised this would be my last ride – only if God is kind enough to save me from it. Just then I felt a hand on my arms. I opened my eyes which I had shut tightly in anticipation. He was looking into my eyes with a queer calmness.. I was immediately assured. I didn’t realize when the ride took off and when we were down. For the first time in my life I wanted to ride it again consecutively – but only with him beside me.