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Cycling tour to Shiva Mandir

The sun was mellowing down in the sky. The trees were living behind long shadows down the asphalt road. It was four in the early evening but the sun sets early in the winter. I decided to take out my cycle and visit the Shiv Mandir near Gaimukh.

I started my journey. I kept a bottle in the bag-pack. The road was deserted. I stopped to fill the air in my tyres. I started with a gusto that issued on my lips in the form of a song. The sky was clear blue with an odd cloud was gliding along obliviously. The wind was mild, yet soothing. The leaves rustled as if whistling. The trees slow danced in the symphony. I pedaled along passing by elegant buildings and suave shopping complexes.

I entered the Ghodbunder Road. Many a bus and car whizzed past as I was cycling on the sides of the three-lane road. The road had a decline that helped me take a breather as the cycle went on autopilot. A couple of decades ago, Ghodbunder road was a single road passing through the forests of Yeoor Hills. A sole bus traveled to and fro across the entirety of Ghodbunder Road towards Borivali.

Pedaling along I passed the Suraj Water Park. It was the first water park that was built in Thane city. I kept cycling and reached Gaimukh. A creek flows on the right and on the left is the Lord Shiva’s Temple. Earlier adjacent to the temple was a hill but now a building was being constructed. The rampant depletion of trees in this area has been a concern. But who cares if our grandchildren don’t have oxygen to breathe.

Pedaling on the slope I realized it was to steep. I got down and started dragging the cycle up top. I reached the entrance and parked the cycle. The temple has intricate carvings. It resembles temples from south India. The courtyard in big. Children were playing as their parents looked on. I could see the Gaimukh creek in the distance. The sun was getting lower down by the minute and was about to set as I started pedaling back home.

Having a glass full of Sugarcane Juice I began my return journey. I cooled down senses and I felt amazing from within. Children were coming back from school waved me. I waved back at them. I pedaled through the Ghodbunder Road the volume of traffic being the only difference.

It was dark now the sun had set long before leaving behind a crimson hue. My arms and legs were aching. The last few meters on the ramp of my society seemed to be miles. I came back home feeling gratified and exhausted at the same time.

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