‘LOST’ And Found In Kerala!

by Khyati Ahuja (India)

Making a local connection India

People say it’s normal for a travel lover to get lost in the beauty and purity of a place but I guess I was lucky that I literally got lost in one of the divine places. I was in Munnar, Kerala also known God’s own country, with my family. Though visited in October 2018 but still fresh in my memories. Being in that terrace farming field I still remember how happy I was to actually feel the pure air and the calmness in my mind. I was so excited that it led me to get lost in a completely unknown place. Funny enough? I got so lost smelling the plants, enjoying the beauty, clicking pictures ofcourse, that I ended up being away from my people and came across the roads down the fields. But I was anxious for sure. I even tried calling my parents but as we know hills=no networks. So While walking down the road I wasn’t so worried to be honest because in the morning I was literally thinking what if I get lost in this heaven like place? I seriously did not wanted to leave that beautiful place. And haha there I was having a selfie stick in my hand roaming on the hill roads. I knew my parents would be worried but I was helpless. After Walking for like 15-20 minutes, I came across a tea stall where an old lady was handling it. I told her that I lost my way and asked for help. She said, “baccha daro mat yaha betho, chai peeyo biscuits khao. Mera beta ayega voh tumhe pahocha dega tumhare hotel” (dear Don’t worry have a seat, drink tea, have biscuits. My son will be here in few minutes, he’ll anyhow manage and drop you at your hotel safely.) The lady’s name was lalita. I could sense the purity in her voice. I sat there for like half an hour and had a conversation which I can never forget. She told her about her family. How simple her life is. No luxuries. No expectations. Just happily living their life. She even told that her son really wants to go to Delhi for further studies but they cannoy afford that. Then I told her that we live in Delhi only. I realised at that moment that sometimes how ungrateful we are for what we have and our countless demands. On the other side are these people residing in one of the purest places and I guess that’s their biggest luxury. I told lalita aunty that I have no money. She sweetly said it’s fine beti (daughter) and offered the stuff for free and even gave me aashirwaad (blessings) by touching her hand on my head (Indian culture). Her son was sweet too. His name was Rathu. He knew where my hotel was and as soon as I reached I called my parents and informed that I’m safe and sound in the hotel. They were relaxed, finally. After sometime they arrived. My dad kissed me (just indian dad’s ritual) I told them about lalita aunty and what all I realised after talking to her. My parents were happy to know that their silly daughter now knows how to value the essence of life. I even went to her while we were returning. I wanted everyone to meet her. We sat there, drank tea and ate snacks. She also told us some Ayurvedic treatments that we were completely unaware about. We thanked her. And also gave her our address and told them to visit us in case they visit Delhi. Back home, laying in the bed I was thinking that I was lost, I knew I’m alone and was pretty scared but deep inside my heart I somewhere wanted this, to roam on the roads, to explore, to interact with local people and just be happy. I always had this urge and passion for travelling and after this trip that passion turned out to be more strong. Now I know that I want to spend my life travelling to different places and learning the real meaning of life. Kyuki Zindagi Na Milegi Dubara( Because we only live once and life won’t come again)