Steps and Wheels

Aug 25, 2026

Steps high or low, one has to move forward. Wheels big or small are meant to move
forward. We rolled out from Ajmer to Jaipur in a cab. Obviously wheels to move forward.
Aircraft stood on wheels. Now our flight was bound to Coimbatore. The wheel of fortune rolled, Kerala: God’s own land. Tamil Nadu now I feel Temples and Temples.

Mr Srinivasan had come to the Airport to take us home. A new vehicle on wheels to move forward. 20 kilometres, road not broad but flanked by coconut and Palm trees.
Almost two years back we came to Coimbatore by late evening and could not admire the beauty of Nature.

The moment we entered the home it appeared like a museum. The luggage unloaded and we were to put up on the first floor. Flight of steps almost thirty in number but comfortable. Coffee was waiting for us with some snacks. Mallika draped in a saree with
traditional bindi and a tilak with the white ash. We offered the gifts we carried for them.

Then started the google search for hotels to stay. The next day post lunch we rolled out for Kerala, Thrissur. Rain accompanied us and after a very long drive reached the destination. The next ten days we would be on wheels before we flew out from Coimbatore. Traditional food, breakfast, lunch and dinner. Banana leaf on a plate or on the table directly. Filter coffee. No time to have roti, vegetables. All day only sambhar-idli-dosa, etc.

Simply clad the men wore half sleeve shirt, mundus and slippers. The simplicity attracted us. We were heading for a wedding/ nikah near Thrissur. The simplicity continued.
The venue was elegantly decorated and so were the females. The Muslim priest performed the rituals of the wedding. Food, non-veg and vegetarian was served traditionally. Hundreds of guests thronged and that showed the bonding of two families.

The reception was after four days. We drove to Kumarakom and Vagamon, a small quiet and off beat hill station. Awesome beauty, the winding thin road. Hats off to our host. Such a long drive and not a line of frustration or tiredness on the forehead of Mr. Srinivasan. Two navigators Rajesh on the front seat and Mallika on the back seat, perfect to help the driver. I had no job, Suman with the goggle simply relaxed.

Stopping for lunch and wash room break we reached the destination. Booked our
twin rooms. Again steps, very-very steep but railing to support. Luggage was unloaded.
Hot coffee was ordered. The boys working for the resort were stout. Thirty steps they climbed in no time. I slowly managed and reached the room. Oh!! What a beauty.
On looking tea gardens, the floating clouds. Thank God no rain. Sitting in the balcony and admiring the tea gardens. Stretch your hand and pluck the tea leaves. The dinner was served in restaurant. Again, the steps. Moving forward balancing in the dark. There were street lights. The ambience of the dining hall and then the food served was unbelievably mouth watering. Praise The Lord.

The next morning post breakfast we drove off for Thiruvananthapuram. Ten hours’ drive on slow paced, narrow and hilly roads, we reached the Hotel. Had dinner and then slept soundly. Planned a visit the Padmanabhan Temple. Again steps, very cumbersome to walk. Special tickets purchased, traditionally dressed we had darshan. Evening was the wedding reception. We enjoyed a lot. The host took great care to entertain the guests. Bye-byes said, good-nights said, more greetings exchanged and we drove off to the hotel.
Tension prevailed next morning, twelve hours drive. With bag and baggage we left for Coimbatore. Amidst diversions and halts we reached Home. Morning the cab came at five a.m. Drove to the Airport. Another ten hours at the airport. Jaipur to Ajmer our car was there. Five a.m. to Eleven p.m. We reached Home.

Home Sweet Home, steps and wheels. We have fond memories of our visit. Many thanks to Mallika and Srinivasan for entertaining us for ten long days.

Suman Sharma

Suman Sharma is a retired Professor, Head of Department of English, Government College, Ajmer. She enjoys participating in sports activities, reading, writing, singing and dancing. She aims to give back to the society which has helped her achieve her goals and dreams.