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The hills are alive,with the sound of music. My heart wants to sing every song it hears. Never before had I felt these lyrics until I witnessed their grandeur in the April of 2016. My first trip to the north of my country couldn't have been better. Manali, one of the seven sister states as they're called, was a picturesque path that led me to find my inner voice. As I called out to the mountains expecting an echo, I heard none. That's when I realised my inner voice is mine alone and it won't be spelt out loud by any other. My family decided to take me on this trip post my grade 10 examination, that which is a milestone in the Indian education system. My next decision pertained to which stream I'd like to pursue for my higher secondary education. Immense pressure and high expectations had somewhere curbed my passion and I became indecisive. When I reached the land of the hills and had checked into our stay, I stepped into the balcony a took a deep breath and released it feeling relaxed. It had been a very long time since I felt that. Solang valley, at the heart of Manali is studded with many winter resorts and home stays. Built on the banks of the river Beas my home stay had a serene view of the glacier peaks and the wild, rushing river. I was filled with awe at the sight of how insignificant I look in this landscape that stretched as far as my eye could follow. Popularly known for their winter sport facilities, Manali had to offer me an umpteen number of adventurous sports to choose from. I started off with running into the lush green fields behind my hotel and riding yaks. Leavung home without a deadline was all I could ask for. As the lay by the roaring river, picking pebbles to take home, I saw a paraglider take off from a mountain. My heart leaped with joy at the sight of the glider swaying effortlessly in the open sky. I rushed back to the hotel and dragged my parents to the open field where the glider landed. Reaching the spot, we were surrounded by gliders beckoning to offer us their special prices to fly with them. Picking one was not a tough job and soon I found myself at the top of a hill with strings attached. As I looked down at the deep valley I couldn't help but hesitate before taking off. Affirmation from 2 specs on that grassland gave me all the confidence I needed. I breathed deep ran down the hill and took off. I flew like a kite, drifting to whichever way the wind would take me. Looking down on the flowery medows and at par with the birds that flew by, I felt as light as a cloud! As much as I wished to stay floating in the sky, I had to land safely where my parents stood with arms open wide. Approaching the ground I high fived my little brother as he jumped and he chirped with excitement to see me glide by him, and landed straight on my feet as my wings followed behind. I returned to my hotel room that evening and sat by the fireplace with a cup of hot cocoa. Little did I know, this experience was the reason I felt the warmth in my heart. That evening I made up my mind, I'd pursue my higher education in the Arts and hone my writing skills to be a writer someday. Now the day feels nearer as I've found my goal and an opportunity to give my all for the love of adventure and spontaneity!