Rest, Replenish and Rejuvenate with Watermelon

There is something called a Watermelon Day! Well, that's new to me, but watermelon has been a daily affair for me and my household for the last 6-7years. However, there was a time when it was treated as a seasonal fruit, especially available during summers, and was drunk on those scorching summer afternoons. Those were the days when a watermelon appeared as a symbol of rest, replenishment, and rejuvenation before going out or after coming home from the blows of the extreme heat. 

Now picture this. Summer holidays, a calming day at the pool, and a glass of watermelon juice in hand- that's what I am talking about. A watermelon brings that "Sukoon wali" feeling. A whole idea of rest, may be not in the literal sense, but perhaps the rest and cooling of our inner self, our mind. There is a lot of pressure these days- workload, Ghar ka load and then Social media and news channel load. Those true"Chayn ke" moments have sort of disappeared. So, here's a quick hack- either make a glass of watermelon juice, or chop some slices of it. Take it to the cosiest corner of your house. Sit and just look out of the house blankly, with an empty mind. Make sure there is no half-cooked meal burning on the stove or your child is in dire need of a nappy change. Complete those tasks, and in just 5 minutes, you'll have completed your watermelon and a mind as blank as white paper. Look out of your window, balcony, or whatever outlet there is to see the outside world. If you see trees, differentiate the colour of each leaf; if you see squirrels, observe their activities, and if you are lucky enough to see any bird, just notice how funny they can be. Believe me, your watermelon (in whatever way you are having), your open mind, and the 5 minutes of complete detachment from the others can be the most effective resting period that your entire day. Complete rest and relax for just 5 minutes.

Today, I did something funny, though. I had chopped a few pieces of watermelon and decided to watch something light-hearted. And I came across a very delightful short film. It made me happy; I had been a bit restless since morning, and it brought about a pinch of a rested feeling. So, for today's Watermelon special prompt, I thought of writing about a few short films, delightful and light-hearted enough to enjoy over a glass of watermelon juice, so that we can get that much-wanted "rest, replenish and rejuvenate" mind makeover.

1. Moshla Kawtha (Bengali): This is a wonderfully made short film about one of Bengal's most celebrated Spice Brands. Yes, it is an ad film, but so well-made that one doesn't ever feel like the brand is forced anywhere in the entire run-time. The brand's name is never mentioned till the very end. It is about the beginning of their legacy and how a small boy who had lost everything started it with honesty, vision, and determination. Directed by Arindam Sil, the film had Shubhrojit Dutta, Isha Saha and Chandan Sen in various roles. The background music by Bikram Ghosh adds to the film's period feel. A must-watch for a refreshed mind. I am sure it will give a sense of rest and replenishment.

2. Aai Shapath (Marathi): This is another beautifully made, simple story that leaves you feeling good and rested. A small boy is hell-bent that something bad is going to happen to her aunt, as his cousin, his aunt's son, had lied to her, but sworn " Aai Shapath" The boy is bitten so bad with guilt and moral dilemma, that he cannot sleep or eat properly, in fear. This film, directed by Gautam Vaze, is so pure, told from a small boy's perspective, and shows how even kids have their own internal fights, oblivious to the adults around them.

I would 100% recommend this film, especially for parents. It's beautiful and can definitely rejuvenate and bring rest to our complex thoughts, at least for some time.

3. Listener (Hindi): This is the first short film that I watched on YouTube. A man, a stage actor, has a part-time job. He sits at a cafe and listens to some random stranger's secrets- their grief, anger, frustration, joy that they can't share with anyone. He gets paid for lending his ears to strangers. That is not all; what is revealed at the end changes the entire perspective on the film's events. 

Again, a very simple story, turned into an extraordinary tale, by a twist at the end and a mind-blowing performance by Kumud Mishra. Directed by Tarun Dudeja, this film is not to be missed. You feel weird, a bit conned, but somewhere a bit rested and pleased. 

This post is a part of Blogchatter Blog Hop

This post was created for the Blogaberry Creative (Monthly) Challenge with theme word Rest