Finding Emos........

Have you ever realized that wandering across the meadows is  way better than wandering in the whirlpool of our own thoughts ? Quite often there ought to be few getaways in the itinerary of life. It is a means of blossoming or in actual terms, rejuvenating ourselves amidst our daily chores and indulgements. Quite recently, I did manage to find my own getaway for the weekend , thanks to an organized trip with colleagues and seniors. Unaware of what was in store for us, we definitely did seek  a host of activities following us through our trip. There was this trip to Chail, a heavenly abode about 44 kms from Shimla. We had anticipated a resort stay lined up with few activities and a trek for sure. What we had missed out on, was that its not the destination, but the journey that matters more. While I had signed up for it, I didn’t have even a shred of feeling that it would eventually be a time turner. We all were quite enthusiastic  on the day of the trip. Almost half—a-century of our office folks were accommodated in 2 buses and we headed for our journey in the evening around 7. While we picked up seats for ourselves and set into motion, we realized  that the shackles had been removed and we were in for some fun. The team spirit was jutting out more than ever. Initially, there were the usual components quintessential for every Indie outing, viz. Dumb Charades and Antakshri. The emerging talents and the not-even-a-bit-of talents were traced as Antakshri proceeded and brought about the glorious 70s, 80s and 90s as well.  It was followed by brilliant enactments involving us and our teamies in Dumb Charades wherein people resorted to all sorts of means to blurt out their imagination. Besides, one could enhance their IQ on never-heard-ever-before sort of movies like “Bichhoo tattiya “ and some others, quite tough to spell out. The jovial attitude continued through the evening and other indulgements followed. While the music soared high (Many Thanks to the CEOs of JBL and Heinekien ), and bottles were swished in the air , folks let themselves out and danced their way through the night. While the buses stopped for dinner @ Murthal, both the active and inactive lot savored Butter-Wale-Parathas like never before. To top it all, There was this ongoing Bhangra in the frontyard which got everyone on their toes. The decibels of joy got enhanced for everyone out there. Thereafter we got ourselves back in the bus and exhausted as we were, few of us dozed off and the rest were all set to carry the frolic further. As midnight advanced further to give way to dawn, there were murmers and hostel gossips which finally got me to sleep @ 3 and brace for the day ahead. It was 7 in the morning when we woke up in a bed of clouds about 15 kms from Chail. The mind took turns to delve into the fact probably more than the bus as we marched ahead uphill via the valley roads. It was a chilly rainy morn wherein the clouds rendered an opaque view altogether; and we could not look into the valley. I figured, maybe bollywood  could pick up the location for lets say 1920 evil returns part 20  ...

 While the cold breeze gushed across our cheeks through
the window, it was more exhilarating than ever. I don’t remember longing for anything else at the moment. As we reached the destination, it started raining heavily and temperature further soared lower. We fit ourselves into the vehicle from the resort and were led into a narrow lane downhill circumscribed by pine trees finally to the resort. It was on a stepped terrain with each room being accommodated at a different elevation. With an umbrella in one hand and our bags on the other, it was an equivalent trek for us to reach our rooms climbing our way through the rocky slope.

As we stepped into our rooms, it was quite cozy with an extra large bed, seating areas and heaters. We rushed and freshened ourselves and just got ready for breakfast. The one thing bothering everyone at that moment were the rains. We could not possibly step out in the freezing cold exaggerated because of the rains and execute  the beeline of activities planned including the trek. Our moods quite got damped possibly by a damping factor of 25 %. However, the spirit of togetherness kindled our hopes and  got us to somehow have fun. Post Breakfast, we ­took photographs of the picturesque view across the hillside. Just when we thought that it wont get any better, a congregation was planned in the resort across the hall. While it was raining outside, we indulged in a game of musical chair and hurdles which kept us engaged late in the morning. It was followed by dancing and booze in the hall. everyone seemed busy with their own agenda. It continued fairly till lunch followed by some time off in our rooms. We decided to venture ahead with the trek inspite of the rains.Few of us were wasted, and lay in their rooms oblivious to the intriguing weather outside. The rest of us went for the trek at 3 in the afternoon.we marched across the muddy lanes uphill with an umbrella in one hand, gossiping all the way to the top of the mountain.

 Even then, people seeked out their “Energy Drink” enroute. Just as we perched on the top of the mountain, there was not a single soul who wasn’t  awed by the floating bed of cloud cover draping the mountains . The temple at the top was like a fortress lined with White marble leading us into a serene and divine atmosphere which swept us off our feet. Gusts of cold wind took one of our umbrellas and we had to hold on tight not to be swept ourselves. Having spent about half an hour in the temple, we returned back following the trail to our resort by evening. The sun finally set giving way to darkness and stillness all around. It reinforced the feel of “1920: Evil returns” all along. We went all cozy in our rooms and had a girls’ evening with UNO to keep us busy then. The itinerary included a musical DJ night late in the evening which we eagerly looked forward to. As we went for the event, the guys had already helped themselves with their share of whiskeys and started dancing. It was fun shaking a leg with the peers and besties and  getting on with the customary Naagin dance and other Bollywood numbers. Party was in the air and everyone seemed to sink in the music at the dead end of the night. It was followed by a sumptuous dinner and dessert. While we were heading back to our rooms, we happened to come across two of our friends and wished to explore the hilly lawns and gardens across the resort. It was just the five of us in the darkness of the night amidst the flickering street lights and a mysterious nightguard. It was then that the trifling noises led to a spark of imagination and horror stories emerged out of nowhere, involving ghosts and wild animals in the dark. It was hell lot of scary a well as fun exploring the routes and several quarters in the resort. The tranquility surrounding us was both soothing as well as scary at the same time. However, I was absolutely positive about one thing, that my unconditional love for the mountains seemed to have elevated further.It would definitely be missed the very next day. After spending time at the common hall, all of us had our eyelids drooping fast, and were off to bed by 2 am. The very next morning, while I drew the curtains, everything seemed quite foggy and while the clouds swam across and cleared the path, one could see  monkeys perched on the top of the houses which gave an impression that finally, the rains had indeed subsided, ironically when we were supposed to leave that day. Inspite of that, there were lots to carry along, down the memory lane. It was not only an excursion, rather a fresh breath of air, and also an ice breaking session for all of us. We indeed had gotten along and reinforced our friendships and relationships to carry them along, in our journey ahead. Life is too short to burden ourselves with not-so-positive vibes and complications. The mountains indeed provide a clear indication on that. We need to be consistent and tranquil in mind come whatever may.