Episode 4

Meeting Willie at Akshay Beach Resort, Varkala

The tiny terrace restaurant at Akshay house overlooked the beach road. It was always busy with pilgrims and tourists, walking, in tout touts and in cars, horns blaring from daylight till dark. It was noisy, but entertaining. With only three tables, the little restaurant managed to fill up very quickly and everyone lingered over their meals.

The omelets were good and the fresh fruit salads were delicious. Visitors came from the other hotels and guest houses for the simple fair, because it was cheap. One morning, an older woman walked up, looked around and saw all the tables were full. I invited her to join me. She told me her name was Willie . . .