Down the memory lane

by Sheetal Gupta (India)

I didn't expect to find India

Sitting beside him, holding his hand, his sleeping form took me back to the day I first met. It was during my graduation year vacation when the wait fornthe result made me anxious enough to keep sane. I then decided my first solo trip to Himachal Pradesh. Though the bookings those days where not online so I had to search the hotels before checking into the one preferable. Reaching late at night was already a scary feeling, considering it to be my first trip alone. The reception was empty and on one of the couch adjacent to the reception table was occupied by a handsome guy deep in sleep. Assuming him to be the person in-charge I abruptly shook him for assistance. The moment he opened his groggy eyes, I was lost in them. Shocked by my action, he rubbed his eyes and scooted to the other end. Though his behaviour surprised me, I politely asked about the tariff card and availability of room. Now he started laughing and mentioned he too had been waiting for someone to assist him for the same reason and being exhausted by the journey he might have felt asleep. Ashamed by my behaviour I too sat beside him waiting for someone from the staff to appear and assist. With an awkward expression and situation I happened to strike a conversation with him. He mentioned his reason for visit being official as he had been working as an intern in Tour and Travel company and had to explore the destination and make a report on it. This is conversation of ours got us both on common grounds and me agreeing to roam around with him as that would give us both a better experience and company too. Those 7 days turned out to be the most impactful and fruitful days of my life. The enthralling beauty of Kullu Manali, the valley, the local market, had got my heart leaping with joy but it was the company which actually had got my heart singing the rhythm of love. The trip did end but it gave start to the story of my never ending wandering life to places with the same companion forever. Today, after a span of 25 years, as I am visiting the same place again to relieve those moments, the memories floods in giving me the goosebumps of every first of mine. The first solo tour, the first stranger as companion, the first fluttering of heart, the first attraction, the first kiss on the mountain top with setting sun view .. Oh! Those were the days!!!! As he stirs and opens his eyes and I look straight into them, the same feeling of nostalgia engulfs me again. 25 years later he still gives me those ruffles in my heart.. the accelerated heartbeat and his mesmerising smile takes me away from the stress and worries I keep within.. No doubt the place has been a reason for us to cross paths but also the romantic environment bought us close enough for years till eternity.