The epitaphs for humans are written once they have left the planet Earth. Many stitch careful imaginations into realities thus etching a place for them in the history. Every time that I come to Indo- Myanmar town named Moreh in Manipur, I think about all those early settlers and visitors who stepped here. What must have been going in their minds when they took the hilly roads in vehicles that moved at snail's speed. The last post of India and settling down to carve out a life here must have been a task in itself. Generations after generations have grown here, lived here and adapted to ever changing political-economic scenarios. Strife, moving demographics and ever evolving trade have been the only constants apart from the bumps of roads dusty at many places.
Hearing a person who has left the town decades ago and now returned to partake in festivities is an experience. Their eyes swell as they recall days of the yore and acknowledge that however tough, the life was good in this small town. Their reminiscences kindle imaginations of the land, its people and who all traversed its lanes. The tony guitarist strums his strings and belts out a number in the name of God. His voice rips through the playful sounds of young children, even as the dogs of adjacent homes dare each other. The miniature sparrows with blue beaks come flying by to take short breaks on the tall Christmas Tree in the backyard. The Sun is setting and the badminton players illuminate their arena to begin the game stretching into late night hours. The body clocks are settled well now that the continuous supply of electricity and mobile data has penetrated the region.
The visit to the town was also to see the recently opened cafe by my extended family. It is called Love Byte Cake & Cafe. Do not forget to note the spelling of *Byte*, an important one in today's data hungry World! The efforts of my energetic Sister-in-Law and her 3 young children are bearing fruits. She makes delicacies which were far from this mofussil town trying to emerge out of a Kasbah. Her cakes, pastries, pizzas, burgers, shakes and Burmese delicacies are well sought in the town and lit up the wedding festivities. The 4 layered tall cake was a hit as it just disappeared after the groom cut it with his bride. The arena is changing at some pace here. Innovative creations find connoisseurs in every part of the World.
Children have started going to school. I ask them why no masks and the reply is no one wears them! Someone has to wear first and each one looks at the other one!! The lip balms hold priority over masks is the conclusion!!
I set off early morning of 14 Mar 2021 to fall back to Imphal via Asian Highway-1. The road is coming up well and I am hopeful that next visit would be a faster drive. Crossing the posts of various CAPF forces is a pleasure in itself with quick tea meetings with the Sentinels of the North-East. The young and dynamic Officers fill my chest with pride as I reminisce about my days in Uniform. Welcoming a Veteran gives utmost satisfaction to both the serving and the retired. The legacy is definitely in safe hands.
The time to the Airport check-in gets closer but not before a great friend now settled in Imphal comes to meet me at the Airport with his entire family. Ayam knows me over our multiple phone conversations but we have never met in person. He makes a big impression on my heart by coming with his family for those short 5 minutes. These are valuable human jewel moments. I do not click a photo even as my heart wants one because I want to honor him at his home and take the coveted snap. What a surreal experience and I am happy to see the happy family safely settled in Imphal even as the dastardly pandemic continues to sweep through the World. There are 3 wonderful families who left Delhi even as if they foresaw the pandemic and fell back to Manipur to be with their roots. What an amazing grace of God and I saw smiling faces.
As I hug my near and dear ones, a lump build up in my heart but I am again rejuvenated to scale ahead. Maybe there is more of my life to come back again and again to spend time with wonderful folks who still give you unconditional attention and care.
The Airport Team at Imphal is quick and swiftly clears the volume of passengers as three flights are ready for take off. I see some familiar faces at the Airport and yet another conversation begins. A gentle conversation is the best elixir for humans.
We are cruising at 30,000 feet plus in an Airbus even as I write this travelogue piece. Somehow, this height is perfect fit as outside temperatures plummet to minus while inside it is a comfortable 25 degrees.
My luggage carries delicacies from Manipur. Dry fish as gift from an Uncle and various kinds of raw material from my Brother-in-Law would definitely cheer my best half back at home. The lip smacking taste is definitely going to continue for some months till we replenish.
When my epitaph is written, amazing Moreh would definitely find its place. After all, Moreh does mean resting place!
