Happiness is a place

All of us have happy spaces. Some exist in a physical form and some exist only in our minds. Five Puneites invite Barnalee Handique into theirs Everyone has a place to retreat to from the world. To replenish the soul, to rest the senses, to unleash the imagination. It could be a beloved holiday place, or a city; but more likely, it’s a place in your home which you visit with the perfectly-brewed tea. Or a book or movie that ignites the imagination with its whimsy. Or a the comforting presence of a daily member that injects you with security and optimism. We speak to some Punekars about their happy places and they share them with us. Sonam Mahajan, real estate professional, 28, Salunke Vihar Even today, when the sun shines crisply on a winter morning, I am transported to the happy place where I grew up in Jammu. I had made a nest in our tiny attic, where my mother used to store pickles and old trunks. The sun would stream through the old window and warm the room. The wind ruffled the leaves of the nearby apple tree. When the school broke for winter holidays, I would spend entire days sprawled on the woven straw mat, surrounded by stuffed cushions, reading my favourite comics and books. The reading was punctuated by stuffed cheese parathas with endless cups of tea with milk and sugar. It was a place where I used to laugh, cry and spin improbable dreams. No other space can compare to my nest in the attic. These days, driving around in my car comes close. I love listening to music while driving. The lyrics of some songs are so beautiful and touching that they transport me to a different world. I love trying new recipes. In other times, I visit the various shopping malls in the city, going through each store, picking up whatever I like. And there is also my favourite corner at Barista on MG road, where I can curl up with a magazine and a strong cup of coffee when I need some downtime. The wide windows provide a view of the sidewalks, where people stroll or swagger in a colourful pedestrian parade. Jeetu Chavan, sports trainer, 30, Wanawadi In my college days in Ahmedabad, I found refuge under the big banyan tree in the central courtyard. I found a special joy in that space. I would sit there for hours, reading and making notes when the exams were close. When I wasn’t in a mood to study, I would choose an old classic to read. Godfather by Mario Puzo was my favourite novel during those days. My attention would wander sometimes from the printed pages to the city… its broad streets and green squares, the silver glint that is the river and the bridges that cross it. As the years passed, I found other happy places where I could go when I was ebullient or down in the dumps. But I still read Godfather whenever I can; it has become my Bible. On other days, I go to play basketball at SRPF (State Reserve Police force). I also go for yoga, Taekwondo and kickboxing. A good workout always lifts my spirits. Today, Stretch Gym at Wanawadi is my favourite space. When I am tired, stressed or depressed, I head straight to the gym. My favourite nook is from where I can watch birds building nest on the bamboo grove while I work out. Watching the busy birds gives me immense happiness and inner peace. A couple of hours in the gym not only burns calories, but also rejuvenates me. Meeting other people there brings me out of my melancholic state. It helps me to take life positively and towards a new beginning. Sarfaraz Merchant, businessman, 29, M.G Road In different stages of my life, I have had several happy places. These spaces are personal islands where I spend time with myself. They help me think and reflect on my life and take decisions. Reading a good novel, listening to music and playing computer games also gives me happiness. Going for a jog in the streets gears me up for the day. Especially in the early morning, when the sun kisses the tree tops and envelops the entire earth. My favourite book Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr Brian Weiss helps me look at life positively. It initiated me into spirituality and I have read it many times since I first bought it. I go through it even now when I am down. It helps me loosen up and calm down. At present, my geographical happy space is the gulmohar-fringed terrace of my farmhouse at Sinhagad. This is the venue for many an impromptu parties; a place where my friends gather for a barbeque and beer. Over the spitting coals, the chicken roasted while the stars formed a canopy and a soft breeze lulled our senses. This was the vantage point from where I first fell in love with the city’s winter, with its swirling mysterious fog enveloping everything on its wake. I can still smell the peat burning in the fire, its red hot smouldering cheerfulness, the smell of tobacco, beer and the filmy layer that frying chips left in the air.