Evening, 15th February 2025, Kapra Lake

As I breathe in the tranquil atmosphere, a sense of serenity washes over me. The sun, a glowing radish ball, descends behind the buildings, transforming from a perfect round to a crescent shape. The western sky is set ablaze with vibrant hues, from warm oranges to soft pinks, all tinged with a gentle bluish hue. Despite the sunset's warmth giving way to evening, the sky remains remarkably bright.

It's mid-February, but winter's chill has already begun to dissipate, replaced by a steadily increasing heat. The air grows warmer by the day, and the lake's waters transform, shifting from serene calm to mysterious depths. Dark hues mingle with bright, mirror-like reflections.

Amidst this tranquil backdrop, a lone figure floats on a makeshift raft, lost in the gentle art of fishing. The soulful melodies of Jasraj's "Ya Devi" envelop me, carrying me away on a tide of beauty and serenity. A boy and girl sit together on the edge, in a romantic mode, while the girl pelts stones into the lake. Nearby, an old couple strolls hand in hand, and two boys chat as they walk along the track.

A majestic banyan tree towers above, its aerial roots hanging like nature's own tapestry. Although most of its leaves have fallen, blanketing the road in a crunchy, golden carpet, the tree remains breathtakingly beautiful. Scattered palm trees stand like sentinels, their slender silhouettes stark against the evening sky. In the fading light, they seem especially lonely, as if guarding secrets revealed only in the quiet hours of dusk.

As I continue on my way, I notice more people walking in the direction I'm coming from. Couples, families, and individuals stroll along, some chatting, others lost in thought. The atmosphere remains peaceful, with the gentle rustling of leaves and the soft chirping of birds providing a soothing background melody.

The beauty of the evening increases as the light slowly fails, casting a warm, golden glow over the surroundings. The sky is painted with hues of pink, orange, and purple, a breathtaking sunset unfolding before my eyes. The gentle twilight atmosphere wraps around me, filling my heart with serenity and peace.

Another banyan tree comes into view, its branches lush and green, laden with a profusion of leaves. Unlike the earlier tree, this one seems to have retained most of its foliage, creating a vibrant canopy that filters the fading light.

But my serenity is short-lived. I'm suddenly confronted with a disturbing sight: leaves and rubble gathered and set ablaze. My entire being is shaken as I watch the wildfire spread, potentially causing damage. What's even more hurtful is the callousness and reckless disregard for the consequences of such actions.