expressway and a picnic

time on the expressway does not exist. nor does spatial experience. its like being in a vacuum removed away from the world as felt. manoj’s car coasted gently in soft 80’s pop over the sun baked bald hills. the four of us lulled to torpor lazily noticing nothing around us but the billboards selling dreams. as you head towards pune they sell you rooms with two windows, a bit of singapore, a fancy new car, homes inspired by water, freedom, happiness and love on a bit of real estate. laughing young couples smile toothpaste smiles in blue skies as they float meters over the baking hot highway, arms open wide, carefree laughter and bright sparkling eyes. pune seems like a city bejeweled with fantasies. the difference between these as you head into pune and the ones that face you as you head in mumbai is marked. no consumerist dreams face you as you head into maximum city. instead, there are banks asking you make sure you save enough for your future and insurance companies warning you if you don’t, phone companies offer you discounts. it is as if the highway into mumbai has been populated with signs of caution- be careful- it is dangerous where you are heading.

manoj, lalitha, sonal and me had gone to the singhadad college off the bangalore highway to give a presentation on the masters course. lunch was idlis and sabudana khichidi just outside the campus on the winding road heading down sitting on the storm water drain. picnic.