Lost, so found a gem

by Ishika Kataria (India)

Making a local connection India

14th January 2020 - A night I will remember forever What started off as a long drive ended in me getting lost and my vehicle giving up on me; with no cash and a shut down phone, I was stranded on a lonely, dark road in my very own city. The night was cool and silent, my heartbeats and my footsteps - the only sounds that could be heard. I call myself a brave girl but all the scenarios that ran through my head as I walked down the road, brought chills to my already shivering body. My footsteps were fast and all my senses on alert, that's when I heard a loud splash of water. I walked towards the sound and found a small opening amidst two large trees. I entered through and was met with a sight that was so beautiful and calm, I forgot all about my dead phone and the fear of lone roads. There was a lake surrounded by large trees on three sides and little cottages on the other side. Huge lanterns were lit outside every cottage, that painted a beautiful orange glow over the water. A girl - probably in her 20's - emerged from the water, dripping wet in her pink bodysuit. The orange glow looked so divine on her that I stared at her unblinking, and shamelessly until she called out. "Hey" she shouted, her eyebrows raised and her towel wrapped around her. "Hey, sorry for staring like that, I...I am lost and I found this place" I said in the local language, Kannada. She started calling out names at the top of her lungs, and me - the frightened little cat that I am - took two steps back when a huge wave of cheers erupted. I looked towards her and saw that 10-12 children of all ages were cheering around her. She said something to them and as some of the bigger ones dispersed, she called me and introduced herself and the rest. Pooja was her name and as she told me about her community, I realized that I had somehow crossed my town and entered a small beautiful village. A bonfire was ignited and sitting with the kids, I sang and danced, until their mothers came out to tuck them in. Pooja gave me a mat and laying it beside the bonfire I slept on it like a baby with a smile on my face. A peaceful night. I woke up to the sound of "Kuk-doo-ku" only to be awed by the beauty of sunrise. It was different from the many sunrises I have witnessed. The trees were all tall so it was dark on the three sides but since the cottages were towards the east, the sun rays fell directly on the water surface. The water was light-green due to the moss underneath, and the sunrays turned it into a refreshing purplish shade, while everything except the water was dipped in red and yellow hues. It felt as if I had entered a circular bottle where a light enters and colors everything in it's own shade. I dipped my hand in the cool water and smelled the sweet smell of freshness and morning all around me. I rested on the mat as chores and gossips started all around me and only when I was satisfied with the whole scene and pretty smiles of the villagers did I leave. Today, a month and two failed attempts at finding the village later as I sit here recollecting these beautiful memories, I ask myself, "Was it real or just a dream?" And I ask, "Why didn't I call anyone when I found a village where I could easily find a mobile phone?" "What was o enthralling about this place?" I don't know. But I do know that our own local towns have beautiful places that are yet to be discovered. Lone roads will lead you to the most beautiful destinations. And getting lost is not always good.