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The leaves crackled incessantly below our feet, whereas the dense trees filtered only a small portion of the sunshine through them . The weeded waters oozed out a mossy tinge in the air as the breeze over the water left a chill over our skin . We hustled impatiently over the narrow pathway of stones, trying hard to hold the uneven ground below our feet. Our travel to our destination had just begun. Except that their journey was different . There were lush lawns below their feet as the sunshine gloriously made its way through the palms. There was a fresh fragrance in the air and a soothing warmth on their skin. They walked calmly over the neatly defined pathway of well-cut stone meandering through the lawns, to their destination. We hurriedly moved through the dense vegetation as an unfamiliar anxiety took over, an anxiety of uncertainty as to where we were headed. Just then two canoes made its appearance into the now partially weeded waters. In the distance were voices in conversation, slowly getting more clearer, more audible. Two men, supposedly the owners of the canoes appeared. We stood still. Glances were exchanged. "You want to go somewhere?" one of them inquired doubtfully. We nodded. "Into the clearer waters". There was a silence as they looked at each other first, and then at us. "How much ?" we asked. "200 rupees each for one hour " one of them said. We scavenged hurriedly through our pockets for the money which we finally found . We followed them to the canoes, as the water silently rippled making way. The journey to our destination had begun. It was 5:45 pm. Meanwhile, an happy calm was prevalent on the other side. They walked in whispered conversation, smiling. On the curved edge of the 7-star resort was a houseboat waiting, ready to receive its guests, with soft upholstered seating in pristine white and a carpeted floor. The boat man welcomed them with a smile. The boat gently rocked on the water as the guests stepped in and were guided to their seats . Wine and snacks were served. The journey to their destination had begun. It was 5:45 pm Our canoe moved into the clearer waters facing the horizon, as the boatmen rowed effortlessly. The houseboat traveled into the expanse of the water from the opposite direction, a little ahead of us. It was 6:15 pm. The sky was glowing a pleasant orange as the sun was setting at the horizon. The calm and soothing music from the flute that was playing in the house boat jumped its way out onto the waters to finally reach our canoe. Seated in the peaceful waters were a canoe and a houseboat , a distance apart . Two different journeys . One water . One experience. Fifteen years back. Just feels like yesterday .