Everywhere we went in Agra that morning seemed enveloped in the same cool and humid winter fog. At Akbar’s mausoleum, it lent a serene, otherworldly feel to the tranquil settings. Almost floating with the clouds, the send level of dizzying detail work of chatries and lattice screens were a heavenly home for the emperor. In the fields surrounding the building, deer (or something like them), peacocks, and monkeys frolicked. They ate, wandered, or clung to each other. Such peace and meek beauty surrounded this final resting place.
Of course, Ajay and Rachana had to tempt the fates and patience of our long-departed host. Pulling candy and chocolates from their pockets, they enticed the already very human-aware animals to sit beside them or act in jest. It is amazing to see how deftly a monkey can unwrap a piece of covered candy. Their dexterity puts a five year old to shame.
Then, from behind the monkeys, a beautiful peacock appeared and accompanied us for a short while. The long feathers stretched gracefully behind the bird dusting the paving stones. Though Jonathan and I could not find a way to reach the uppermost parts of the mausoleum, the peacock reminded us that not all beauty must be paraded before us to be nonetheless exquisite.
