The sea lay ahead like a restless infant being put to sleep by the faint sky, while I, on my armchair looked on. The breeze teased and then ruffled my hair and managed to evoke a smile.

This is beauty..

My driver held an umbrella, while Shyam Lal ran off to get some coconut water for me. Goan beach, Calangute - to be precise - was one of the better experiences with nature I'd had.

Sipping on the cocnut water, earlier helpless on my condition - epilepsy, the doctors called it - I didn't feel any of it now, the domestic helps being with me withstanding. I looked around to observe the vicinity. A group of young, giggling young girls wearing shades, knee-deep into the tides and splashing water on each other; couples walking hand-in-hand; a man throwing a tennis ball as far as he could for his dog to fetch it back....

I closed my eyes, drew in a long breath, smelling of sand and a hint of cocunuts in the distance..

Eeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaa..

The scream jolted me. I looked on my left. A huge crowd had gathered near a woman who seemed to be accompanied by two female friends. She had her hand close to her heart.

I sent Shyam Lal to enquire what happened. Someone had snatched her chain and ran off, I was told.

Ran off? Amid a crowd? Who had the guts?

I looked at the sea.

It suddenly appeared sinister. The breeze didn't tease me anyore. It exasperated me.

And I suddenly remembered - I had epilepsy