Through the looking glass

Sometimes a girl just has to run. Sometimes our feet take over. This was one of those times. As I look down, I can see my feet covered in dirt and bruises, that little patch of nail paint on the right toenail reminds me of the day when I put them on, that day when everything was different. It was just a month ago, when I first saw it... just a month ago...
I remember when I looked at it first, like an instant connection; unavoidable and inevitable. It was just a simple photograph, yet so powerful; you could really feel the naughtiness of the peeking sun above those ruins. What I couldn’t believe was that this photograph was taken from my place of birth, the place where I have spent the 18 years of my life. I couldn’t believe that all this time when I have been drooling over the photographs of faraway lands, hoping to be there one day, I failed to see the beauty of the land I live in.
The photograph still vivid in mind, I couldn’t wait anymore... so after spending a sleepless night, early morning 6.30, I was off... on my tiny scooty pep, I drove off, the sun was about to rise, weather just perfect! I felt like goldilocks-not too hot, not too cold. Everything is just perfect. After asking around for quite some time, I finally reached it, The infamous ’Vasai Fort’! Built in the 16th century, the "Fortaleza de São Sebastião de Baçaim" or the Fort of St. Sebastian of Vasai, it is a fine piece of Portuguese architecture. I was beguiled by the sheer magnificence of the structure. Although in ruins, it’s got character, the eerie churches and big courtyards do give away a creepy aura. Many say it is haunted, but I choose to differ, I believe it’s just lonely.
The fort was originally built by the Bhadurshah of Gujarat, only to be developed into a state-of-the-art fort by the Portuguese. The fort, unlike other forts was a fort city complete with colleges, churches, hospitals and other community centres. The fort surrounded by sea on three sides was considered difficult to conquer. But, then came the brave Maratha warrior! In 1839, Chimmajiappa conquered the fort ending the 205-year old Portuguese regime.
A month has passed by since the day I first came here, yet the fresh sea breeze feels new, the lush greenery a delight for my eyes and the naughty setting sun, now feels like a good friend.