A Walk Of Life- Part 3

In the Hospital.

I could see a syringe penetrated inside my right hand and a tube leading to the glucose bottle that hung on the stand placed near my bed covered with a white sheet. I moved my eyes all over the place in a semi-conscious state, felt a little pain in the head and legs. The collision came in front of my eyes once again and I closed my eyes in fear and howled with pain.

The nurse and doctor rushed inside and calmed me, an injection was inserted inside the tube which alleviated the pain to some extent. I witnessed a guy standing at the entrance of the ward and I didn’t take much time to realize that he is Vaibhav. A skinny guy with big spectacles covering his eyes and a good sense of humor, which could make anyone laugh at any time and in any situation.

“You spoiled my sleep by giving my number to that stern doctor,” he grinned after this statement.

I laughed, then he inquired with a mischievous smile,

“Any hot nurse out here?”

He was with me from the high school days. We shared our happiness, we shared our grief, we shared everything and our bond of friendship is eternal.

He was mischievous from the school days only. On one fine day, during a Mathematics class. He disturbed me by tapping on my head frequently.

“Stop it Man!” I said.

Soon, the teacher spotted us and a slap was printed on his face. I controlled my laughter and soon he was standing in the rear end of the class, his head bowed down but he was still grinning.

Back to Hospital.

“No! There is no hot nurse here. You’re not watching porn,” I said with a mischievous smile.

He sat near my bed and we had long insane conversations, the pain seemed to be losing its way due to his presence.

“Have you informed your parents?” He queried with a serious look.

“No,” I said hesitantly.

I somehow convinced him for not informing my parents about the accident as it’s been a long time I had conversed with my parents. For some reasons, I separated from my parents to fulfill my dream which was not possible living with them.

The sun settled down and our talks continued. He saw the time in his watch which showed 6.00 PM. He stood up to leave.

“Take rest my friend. I’ll come again tomorrow to see you.”

He waved me goodbye and same was replied by me with a smile. Soon, the doctor came and inserted an injection in the tube and dizziness hovered my body.

I wanted to scream but was not able to, my eyes spread wide and I was not able to breathe. A white pillow was forcefully placed on my face covering my nose and mouth which made me to move my limbs with full force. I could see a man trying to stop my breath, face was not clear as it was dark in the room. The bottle placed near my bed fell down because of the forceful movement of my limbs. The noise made him run out of the ward and I screamed with vehemence.

“Stop! You bastard”

The nurse and doctor ran in the room and calmed me.

“Who was there?”

“He ran away just a moment ago,” my eyes filled with fear.

The face was red like a tomato, and doctor tried to calm me every single moment.They made me sleep, but I couldn’t and my mind kept on thinking…

“Who wants to kill me?”

---The End---

For Part-4 (Stay tuned)



For Part 1: http://rahulchhabra.blogspot.in/2016/09/a-walk-of-life-part-1_24.html

For Part 2: http://rahulchhabra.blogspot.in/2016/09/a-walk-of-life-part-2_24.html

Parashar Lake Trek

Some Mysteries Are Meant To Be Seen.

Somewhere in Between….

The barren lands, the rocks that paved the way, the brilliant blue sky with some white clouds hovering over majestic mountains, the never ending walk of the fellow trekkers, the hope of reaching the destination, and the cold wind of last day of the year slapped our face at regular intervals. The temperature dropped down as we ascended up in the search of a mysterious destination; we kept moving up as a result of stimulation given by the Mother Nature. The mystery that stand at an altitude of almost 2730 meters (approx. 8950 ft.); the word “Mystery” gave the fillip to move forward every time. The chilling winters after autumn snatched away the greenery, but the brown color also looked prepossessing. We kept on ascending and we reached; mystery could be witnessed in front of our eyes. The feeling of achievement hovered our heads and we jumped with jubilation.

The Start….

The vehicle moved on the curvy roads surrounded by mountains, the chanting of songs by us, the stupid games that made us laugh out loud, to which mountains also seemed to throw a smile on us. The group of 15 people in a single vehicle gave some exhilarating effect from the very beginning of the journey. It started from Chandigarh and came to an end at Mandi with few halts on the way. The hotel rooms were booked which made all of us to take some rest as the trek to the mysterious lake was scheduled for the next day. We all got up at 6.00 am and the cab was waiting for us to take us to the Bandi village from where the Trek will start. Thanks! To Trek Trails for providing the cab. We had a delicious breakfast at a distance of 10 km from the hotel. Thanks! Again to Trek Trails for such a stupendous arrangement of food. Bandi village is a small village with an entirely different culture that can be experienced if you want. When we reached there, we were briefed about the distance and the difficulty level of the trek. The 7 km trek to the mysterious lake dedicated to Saint Parashar was considered an easy one. When the word “Easy” came out from the mouth of our Trek Guide, all got inspired and I could sense a half battle won.

The trek started and the steep hills with steps welcomed us in the initial half. It was so weary that the sweat found the way from everywhere to flow and it drenched the clothes. The walk of 3.5 kilometers looked never ending but inspiration came from a 44 year old lady who was there with us. She constantly pumped us all and thwarted us to sit and take rest. As sitting at regular intervals induces cramps. So she said,
“Stand and take a halt. Don’t sit”

After a 3.5 km weary stretch, we had our lunch and a photo shoot covering the trail of mountains that surround us. We took a halt for a while and started moving ahead. The next 3.5 km had no steps as told by our guide. We started again on a high note and ascended further. The small green patches could be seen but the ways were mostly brown; brown rocks, brown mountains, and brown grass. The beauty lies in every color. It just need our true perception to see it. When the sun rays fell on the brown patch of land, it shined and vibrated positive energy which made it look enchanting. We passed through many quaint villages which looked so soothing because many of us were experiencing this scenery for the first time. The huts there cloned the scenery that we used to draw in the childhood. The gratification on the faces of village people made us learn something. In spite of not having any proper basic necessities, they remain happy. These all things could be experienced only when we trek and the after effects of these will surely make you self-effacing with the outer world. The scenic beauty mesmerized everyone as if we were witnessing a dream. After a walk of 3.5 km, we could see the boundary with fences and the mystery was confined within that boundary. The mysterious Parashar Lake; floating island on it which changes its direction according to the seasons and depth which is still unknown. These two mysteries made this lake prepossessing from a long time. The sun was setting down and the moment was worth capturing and my eyes experienced a soothing effect. The heart could sense that moment; the moment we all wanted to be eternal. At a height of almost 2730 meters (approx. 8950 ft.); we stood there hypnotized by setting sun and the lake seemed saying,
“Have a look at me also. I’m here”

There is a temple dedicated to Saint Parashar near the lake which is also beautifully built and it could be a perfect destination for those who loves to know about historical architecture.

Soon, the night overpowered the day showing off the beauty in its own way. The moon and its light showering unconditional love on us, the sky with a myriad of stars showed us the never ending galaxies, a small hint of clouds trying to cover the moon and a guitarist on the earth gave the pristine look to it. The songs were sung by all the trekkers sitting all around the bonfire. The soup and popcorn at such high altitude by Trek Trails made it more amazing.

It was something different we did on 31st night; an unusual 31st night in the mountains with no alcohol. The mountains gave us entirely disparate intoxication which was addictive in a positive way. The guitar continued and one guy started reverse counting from 10. At a stroke of 0, we all screamed with zeal
“Happy New Year”

The cake was served by Trek Trails as a surprise which gave the finishing effect to an astounding day. The dance around the bonfire continued for some time and then all slept in their camps with a smile.

The Return…

The wake up call and the tea was served to all the trekkers. The mornings have its different beauty in the mountains and the temperature was quite pleasing after a harsh drop in the temperature at night. The clear day showed us panoramic 180 degree view of Dhauladhar, Pirpanjal and Kinnaur ranges. The scintillating view forced my tongue to say, “WOW”

The yoga sessions near the lake and chanting of “OM” that echoed the mountains with positive vibes penetrating inside the body which reinvigorated us and our soul felt reawakened. The mouth-watering breakfast after the session made our spirits high. We started the downhill trek, which was a different route which made this whole trek a circular one. The return trail passed through dense forests and we danced with our heart out when we took a halt somewhere. The indomitable silence of the forests and the peace that poured its heart out. The heart smiled which overpowered the weariness to large extent.

After trekking down for 6 km, we found a river where we had our lunch and the sound of crystal clear water brushing the hard rocks made the ears to experience musical harmony. The downhill trek ended at Baggi village where we were welcomed by a snake show. The King Cobra slowly came out of the box and moved its body like the flame of a candle. The cabs were ready and we were dropped at the Mandi bus stand. A pleasing 2 day circular trek ended and we felt content after a perfect start to the year 2017.

 To witness the alluring beauty of a mysterious Parashar lake, you all should go to this trek for at least once in your lifetime.

A Canvas of a Dream....

A canvas of a dream, he painted in his mind. Lost in the thoughts of achieving it from a very tender age, he did things that he longed for and drives him with ecstasy, he did things that his heart spoke out, and he did things which rejuvenated his soul from deep inside. Lively he was but time never remains the same.

The canvas he painted got shattered into pieces, pieces that dwelt pain in his heart, pieces that couldn’t be fixed, pieces that puzzled him and made his dilemma to overpower his mind. What he did now made him lost in a negative way, smile got scrunched under the burden of many important things that might be important for the world but not for him, that might be important for his parents but not for him, that might everyone dreams for but not him. He remained silent, he smiled but no one knew the pain that resided deep inside his heart. When he saw through his inner eyes and traveled to his heart, he found nothing, he just found the jovial him, trapped behind the bars with shackles overpowering his dreams and helpless he wished to be free again like a bird with no worries. He fought hard but couldn’t muster that amount of strength to open the bars. He sat alone, cried hard, tears got lost somewhere in the pillow like an illusion, frustrated he was, conversed with himself in front of a mirror, trying to find a companion who could listen to him, understand him and show him the way to get lost again in the thoughts that made him happy.

The scars are still there, intensity being the same, but he is strong now, he smiles and try to keep everyone happy. He motivates everyone to paint a canvas of their dreams and don’t let any negative energy to break it into pieces. Don’t know but he might be trying to find himself in others, trying to bring those shattered pieces together, trying to overpower the dilemma, trying to free the real he trapped behind the bars, trying to be fine, trying to do what makes him happy, trying…., trying…. and trying to find that last try which could dwell peace deep inside his heart.

A thought by : Amit Anurag.

Collated By: Rahul Chhabra

A Soldier Who Lost....

“The Kargil war has commenced,” A newspaper headline said.

The line forced the forehead of many families to form wrinkles.  There was panic among the citizens and tension prevailed in the whole country.  Family of soldiers was the worst affected by the news.  Each and every citizen prayed for the soldiers who were facing a grim battle against the enemy. The fear swept across the country among the family of soldiers who were the most anxious about the war. The war snatched away their sleep, they smiled in front of everyone, but no one knew the thoughts that whirled deep in their heads. They waited for the phone call every day, but it never came. Those few days looked like a million years to them. Every time a picture of the battle came in front of their eyes, which shook their bodies and numbness overpowered their heads. On one hand, the families were facing a serious battle and on the other hand their loved ones were fighting for the country.

The sound of constant gun fires and bombs being dropped in the pious mountains of Ladakh from both sides. The air was filled with smoke and the field was filled with bomb shells all over the place. There were few wounded soldiers that lay on the snow capped mountains that stand there. The war turned out to be very laborious because of rough terrain and harsh natural habitat. The dropping temperatures at night added more problems to the situation.
“The firing is heavy,” Sandeep said with a perturbed look.

“But, we have to fight,” Rakesh replied.

As the enemy was sitting on high altitudes which made it easier for them to attack from the top. This made the soldiers to remain alert all the time on the Line of Control. Pin drop silence for some time and then bullets come again flying from the top like some tiny supersonic rockets. This thing became monotonous after a while, but Sandeep kept fighting along with Rakesh. Heavy bombing started from the enemy side which took lives of many soldiers.

Sandeep was sitting with Rakesh behind a large rock so that no gun fires could hit them. They were breathing heavily due to dropping oxygen levels at that height. They were together from the day they joined NCC and cleared the Indian Army exam together. Rakesh was more like a brother for him and his family also knew him. He was a frequent visitor to their home because he misses his parents who met with an accident few years back. They both shared their grief and happiness, they both shared their joy, and they both shared their things, their food, their clothes and everything. They were not friends; they were brothers. They discussed about the imprudent things that they did in the past which made them laugh. As gun fires tend to descend so Rakesh said,
“Can we move forward?”

“I think so,” Sandeep said with a confident look.

They started crawling so that the enemy couldn’t get a glance of them. They were about to reach the top where they could attack and destroy the enemy base camp to register a victory for their battalion. As they ascended nearer, the enemy opened the fire. They revolted back and their cunning techniques made them to reach there. More heavy fire was deployed on them and they fought hard, but from nowhere, a bomb came and exploded at some distance apart. The explosion was so hard that made them deaf for a moment and they fell on the ground with a bang. Soon Sandeep got up and saw Rakesh howling with excruciating pain.

He ran towards him and he could see him with no legs. He was shocked for a moment, stood their numb with his eyes open and a tear came out from one corner of the eye and reached his lips. But Rakesh’s howl brought him out of the numbness and he picked him up on his shoulders and descended down. Soon, he was taken on a stretcher to the medical base camp by the group of soldiers. He became unconscious but Sandeep constantly pumped him up to not close his eyes. The tears kept flowing but he was adamant for saving his brother with whom he shared everything, even his family. Soon they reached the camp and his atrocious condition made doctors to come in action swiftly. They operated him but he lost his legs.

The Kargil war took more than 60 days to get over which resulted in large number of deaths on both sides and endless injuries that soldiers suffered which made them face hard time in the future. But the great thing was that India won. Soon, Rakesh gained consciousness and saw Sandeep sitting beside him.
“Did we win?”

“Yes!” Sandeep said with a satisfactory smile.

There was a glow on his face, it seemed like he forgot all his pain because country’s pride was far more superior; his personal atrocities could be ignored. The soldiers were felicitated for the victory. Newspapers were flooded with Heroes of Kargil and a wave of happiness swept across the whole country. The victory was like a festival for all the citizens and they danced with their heart out.

Rakesh was jovial with the victory but he had deep condolences for the soldiers who lost their body part in the war because he could completely understand their situation.

Soldiers take responsibility to save their country, its people and its pride without any selfishness. They don’t want the same from whole country but at least they expect this selfless behavior from their families. Sandeep was sanguine that his family has that selflessness attitude that they will take care of Rakesh as he has no family to look after him.
So he called home,
“Hello Mom,”

Mother jumped with joy and there were tears in her eyes.
“How are you Son?” mother asked.

“I’m fine,”

“I need a permission, it’s just a formality because I know you won’t deny”

“Yeah! Go on Son”

“Mom! You know Rakesh?”

“Yes”

“He lost his legs in the war. So can I bring him home as he has no family to look after him?”
There was a pin drop silence on the other side and after collecting all her strength.

“No! We can’t take his responsibility and you also shouldn’t”
He was shocked and cried hard. He hugged Rakesh tightly and said,

“I lost today”

Sandeep never went home after that and he devoted his life for Rakesh and all other soldiers like him who have no family to look after them.

Are we Aware?

The sound of bursting crackers hit my ear soon after I offered my prayers to Goddess Lakshmi on an auspicious day of Diwali. I lit the candles and went in the balcony to place them so that my home looks enlightened. As soon as I went in the balcony, I called my mother
“Mom! Can I get a handkerchief?”

My mother came and handed me that. I covered my mouth and tied it. Then I was only able to place those beautiful candles.

I could see people’s florid eyes while bursting crackers but a large amount of smoke in the air showed me a different story. It showed me that their florid eyes or the laugh on their face is transitory. The smoke showed me the future that our future generations will have to face. The children who were jumping merrily when some red coral rockets hit the sky with a bang were coughing later. Their florid eyes were filled with tears which was irritating them. I could sense smoke stating with a devil smile,
“Laugh for one day, you will cry in the years to follow.”

A spine chilling effect hovered my body and mind that I stood numb there. I wanted to make people realize the after effects of what they are doing but I couldn’t. The crackers continued to dominate and the harsh sound sniffed some of my candles.I had my dinner and slept but a deep thought bothered me.

The next morning, sun rays were trying hard to pave the way through the hazy sky filled with smoke in addition with many harmful gases. The biggest irony, same people came out and said,
“Pollution is increasing. Government should do something about it.”

We are the one who are responsible for this situation either we are not aware or we tend to ignore it. If we are ignoring then it’s alarming because we are ignoring our future generations which are yet to live their precious life. We think about giving a lot of things to our children but the bitter truth is that we can’t even give them fresh air to breath. We should stop, think for a second, and ask a question to ourselves,
“Are we aware?”

If we are not then we should to save ourselves and our future generation that is yet to come. It is not about crackers but also other things which add up to adulteration. The poison we are breathing is having an adverse effect on our body. Everyone should take a responsibility towards it otherwise be ready to face harsh days in the future.

TRIUND- Trekker’s Paradise

When we were about to reach….

I was witnessing a magical view while sipping tea on an oldest tea shop serving the trekkers since 1984. The shop’s name was even the same and the view completely justified it. I could see one large cloud looking like a sea monster following two small clouds who were crying for mercy.They were his prey and he was so close to get hold of them.The sky was a blameless blue and white clouds hovered all over it. It was little bit hot so we were sweating while ascending up. Last one km was exasperating for all of us as we have to pass through 22 tiring curves to reach the paradise for first time trekkers. I could see a valley on one side and Dhauladhar range surrounding it. The sun was about to set and the view was so fascinating that our eyes couldn’t believe for some time. It was like a scenery we used to make on drawing sheets in the childhood.

When we started the journey….

We booked Innova and six people got ready for a trek to Triund which is a paradise for first time trekkers. The cab dropped us at Bhagsunath which is 1.5 km from Mcleod-Ganj. We changed our clothes in the cab one at a time, carried our back packs and started the journey. The original trek was of 9 km but initial 3 km was a well-built road which couldn’t be considered as trek. The next 6 km is also a tranquil trek which could be accomplished by all age groups. A solo trekker could also complete this expedition very comfortably. It has an unambiguous byway which goes through beautiful mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron. The nature has so much to serve us that we can’t imagine. As snack shops are there at regular distances which have far enough quantity of food to counter the hunger of the trekkers. But be ready to spend a pretty penny for the food as prices are directly proportional to increasing height. We filled up the declaration form at a government registered office and we ascended further. As it was a very small trek which could be completed in one day. Someone informed us that Initial 5 km is very easy but last one km is weary as it is known as “22 curves”. We had to pass through 22 tiring curves before we would finally reach the crown jewel of Dharamshala that is Triund.

So we started and we moved on the path where rocks were carving out like some earth quake happened a few days back. We laughed, enjoyed, took pictures and sometimes we were awe struck with the beauty of the views that came in our way. The allurement of the spots also increased as we ascended further. We found many solo trekkers on the way which surprised me a bit but soon I realized that Trekking is something to be done solo so that we could get a chance to meet new people and we had ample time to sit and enjoy the journey that nature proudly offers.

As someone said, “If you love nature, you don’t need anyone.”

Clouds hovered over us and it was a complete black out. The sun tried but clouds had the last laugh. So they started pouring water heavily and storm made it more menacing. It was a curve on the narrow way and valley on one side. The wind was hitting so hard that we couldn’t move forward. We could see a lot of trekkers waiting near the curve. Some people tried to ascend but it seemed like storm and rain ferociously saying,
“No! You can’t move”

It was so threatening that gave us a feeling to head back but we stood there and waited for it to over. Few were thinking of heading back but everyone’s effort forced the storm to show mercy and he decreased his speed to some extent.The rain was shocked by storm’s response. She tried hard to shower but she is not ferocious without storm. If she wants to scare anyone, she needs the storm. Soon the sun came out smiling and it seemed he was thankful to the effort we showed.

Now we all moved in drenched condition. Shivering was there but the sun helped us to some extent. We reached the shop called “Best View”. We could witness a scenic view which was a treat to the eyes. We sipped tea while clouds flied over the mountains and some birds could be seen with them. Tea made all of us to shiver a little less.We took rest and then moved further. After passing through mixed forest of oak, deodar and rhododendron. We reached an oldest tea shop “Magic View”. It was serving the trekkers since 1984. The shop stood at the end of 5 km trek. I could see one large cloud looking like a sea monster following two small clouds who were crying for mercy. The view completely justified the shop’s alluring name. We clicked photographs and ate Maggie with tea.

Now the real hindrance was about to come. We moved and could see 22 curves which we had to pass in the last 1 km trek and reach the zenith of 2,828 m (approx. 9000ft). All were sweating but we pumped up each other and started conquering those curves. The most exasperating moment for all of us but was adventurous at the same time. When we passed through the 22nd curve and reached the paradise. We were spellbound with the beauty and the god’s own painted scenery. The sun could be seen setting behind the mountains. Clouds were looking like a heavy smoke coming up. Dhauladhar range was on one side and the valley on the other. The view was so romantic that forced me to say some lines,

“If he was the sun, then she was the ray.

  If he was the cloud, then she was the rain.

  If he was hers, then she was his.

  Both got separated but they came back in hope.

  We are the one and we will be the one”

We just stood there and admired every bit of the place. There were many people so we contacted the shops for camps and sleeping bags. They provided us all and we set up our camps. The temperature dropped to several degrees and we were shivering but enjoyment level was constant. We played games and gossiped a lot. Weariness made us to sleep.

The sun rose the next morning and sparkled the small pond there. The water was blue so sun made the pond to reflect blue color on the mountains. We just said one line,
“God is an artist”

We packed our bag packs and got ready to trek down.

Back to Bhagsunath…..

The downhill trek was far much easier and we took very minor halts on the way. We passed through every spot which we admired when we trekked up. The calf muscles started throbbing but we kept on moving with the help of moov spray. We trekked down without any hindrance of storm, rain or any other mountain abruptions. We all got separated but reached Bhagsunath in the afternoon and a feeling of satisfaction hovered our heart. Someone said it right,

“Travelling makes you humble, it makes you feel satisfied”

It was an easy trek and any trekker with no major health problem in any age group can complete this. Even Triund welcomes Solo trekkers because it is a commercialized spot. Food and shelter are easily available with every facility. So visit this paradise once in your lifetime.

Festival of Lights; Is it?

“I want new clothes,” A child demanded his father with an innocent look.

His father came home after a hard working day with a meager amount of money in his hand.  He looked into his eyes and a tear drop trickled down his cheek. But he moved away so that his child couldn’t see his tears.
He somehow bravely answered with a smile,
“We will eat food now. We will buy new clothes tomorrow”

“You always deceit Dad!” Child revolted back.

He prepared food in the kitchen for his son and came out with curry and rice in the plate.
“I don’t want to eat food,” His son said with pique.

He pushed the plate away and moved out. He could see homes illuminated with lights and decorated with candles. Some red coral rockets could be seen flying up in the sky and his eyes turned towards his home which was dead; no lights, no candles and no decoration. There was just a pulling rickshaw in front of the broken gate.
“Have your dinner son,” His father came out restating this multiple times.

Children were running on the streets, enjoying and bursting crackers but his son just stood there looking at his face with a hope that he would also get clothes and crackers to celebrate this festival of lights. His father held his hand and ferociously guided him inside the home.

He didn’t want to reprimand but he was helpless. He didn’t have food for himself but fed his child from the day’s earnings. Soon he consoled him and his son dozed off after few minutes.
“I am not able to fulfill my child’s wish again”, He pondered with his eyes wet.

I observed something very contrasting this time. Either I had never observed it before or I failed to do so every year.

 The sun rays faced a heavy layer of adulterated sky to pass through and reach the land covered with burnt crackers, packets of red coral rockets, and empty cardboard pieces with a picture of cock on it. I could see wrappers all over the land spread like a red carpet. Soon the sweeper came and swept the streets which made the red carpet to disappear gradually. A child wearing torn clothes could be seen with a bag to pick the rag. He was the rag picker of the area; he segregated the plastic and cardboard from the garbage and put it into the bag.
“He might celebrate the festival today,” I pondered.

There are many people out there who don’t celebrate this alluring festival of lights. We wish everybody prosperous life ahead on this day.
"Can’t we make life prosperous for some people?"

I think that will add more meaning to this festival. May be a two time meal is a festival for them or a box of sweets is a festival for them. Small acts can make them cheerful in the way you want. We spend thousands while we purchase crackers or gifts. We can at least give them something so that they can light up a candle in their homes and enlighten it on this special day.