Its been almost a month since we have been planning this. Deciding on a place, a date, a time, availability of people !! you know how impossible it is to plan a trip these days.. :p
After making failed plans for almost 25 years of my existence, I already was at peace with the fact that this might never happen. But, as always, I couldn’t go down without trying. :p
I wanted to go out for many reasons. One- running behind a 48 hour schedule in a 24 hour day and ending up working only for 6- I desperately need to improve my efficiency.. And what better way than outings with friends! :p The other.. you’ ll soon know..
And guess what, like some things, that somehow work out in the end..
We started for our trip at 5 am.. as decided.. and I still couldn’t believe it that it was finally happening.
The cool morning air, traffic free roads – that is enough for lifting my mood. But now I had company! So obviously, my happiness knew no limits!
Even something as insignificant as filling air in car tyres for the first time, felt like living an age old dream of becoming a pro mechanical engineer.
After a quick breakfast, pictures and a small drive, we reached the destination- Makalidurga.
Only to know we needed pre-bookings for the trek, that was now under the purview of forest department.
As I was swinging between thoughts of- “I knew it would not happen” and “I won’t go back now” , our 2 in-house diplomats found a way around – Well , India works on jugaad..
Now the awaited trek started. And here it goes-
We started walking, climbing, chatting, clicking pictures and – Reached the top!
Then we relaxed, lazed around, climbed trees, danced, clicked pictures- And for as long as we could, just stayed there..
Then we trotted, slid, jumped, and in no time we were back down..
The weather was my least favourite one- hot. The trail dry and full of thorns and shrubs. (I am still removing kaante from my clothes as I write :p). The views were also just ok.. not breathtaking !!
The best thing was- The rocks .. In the scorching heat, they were cool.. One day I would make myself like that :p (literally and figuratively)..
And the other one was lunch, sweet lassi :p
Now that I think about it, it was all okay.. Nothing really mind-blowing. But I am just so happy.
Why?
Cz today, On the way, to this trek and while planning for it in the last month-
I met someone-
Again , a person who likes to travel :p .. A pro trek guide, who has lost count of the treks he has done.. Who is always calm. And unexpectedly, inquisitive, helpful, good at conversations, debates, reading. And definitely many more things I am yet to discover.
I met someone
A girl, whom I knew was strong, but I didn’t know this strong. Even after being packed for the last month and coming month, and being unwell, she is so high spirited and fun.. and most of all, someone who can make things happen..
I met someone
A guy who I thought just liked to have fun and fool around, turned out to be an amazing photographer, a cool person and unexpectedly respected in kalari circles.. Well, I don’t usually make wrong judgments when it comes to people, but here I stand corrected.
I met someone
I am not bad at making friends. But, I thought somehow I won’t become friends with her. There was no reason, but I just had a clinging feeling. But with every passing day, as I get to know her better, the feeling slackens and I could not be happier about this change. She is good at many things, but most of all, she is a kid and a good and strong person at heart.
I met someone
Our .. Kalari champ. I had somehow tried not to feel envious.. He is too good at Kalari and martial arts and dance . that is about it. I have no reason to be envious ! :d :p
Now it turns out he is good at just about everything- Not many people make me feel that I am running out of skills- But he doesn’t leave a chance. All the things I have wanted to learn- Building automobiles, music, poetry, art- He is just good at everything. And still doesn’t see himself and his potential clearly!
I met someone
A guy who is slowly becoming a favourite. He reminds me of my favourite teacher bhaiyas in so many ways, of the carefree comfortable bond that we share! I counted on him to make this trip happen, and he did. Although I didn’t expect him to trek uphill with us, but he did that effortlessly :p. He happens to be a good storyteller, anecdotes sharer (yeah, I just coined that grammatically incorrect looking word) apart from being a self- built entrepreneur.A person who knows how to follow ones’s heart and win! Most importantly, he happens to like driving his car (which is a badly wanted skill)
I have been gifted many names, and I like my latest ones- Luttapi and Angad..
I met someone
Who challenges me! In a strange way..
A guy who emanates good vibes, but as hard as I try, I fail to see through.. Failing as such has never bothered me as long as I have given my all. But failing in the people’s department is uncommon!
Becoming friends or writing more would take a little long :p The best things sometimes make you wait :p
Yeah, that is all from the “I met someone” department. I had recorded my first impressions sometime back. And today gave me a drive to write more.
These people I have started to call friends, started to like.. Started to like spending time with them..
Getting to have time out with them, know them a little better makes me feel happy.
I just have one more wish- of many more hangouts, trips, treks and finding buddies like school and college friends .. But as it is said another wish, for another day .. 🙂
It feels like 2 lines of the song- Jab we met-
Hum jo chalne lage, chalne lage hain ye raaste
Aa haa haan.. :p
Manzil se behtar lagne lage hain ye raaste..
I don’t know if there is any happier feeling..
*touchwood*
Manu
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