I Never Asked ..

Chapter 12

 "Just take my hand, lead, dance with me...

and I will simply follow the blueness of the water,

the white waves rolling free...

where the earth beneath my feet and stars make my heart whole again...

in long and priceless moments of shared solitude..."

― Oksana Rus

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Jealousy

As I zipped up my last piece of luggage, I went through a mental checklist once again, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything. This trip to Manali was going to last a week, so I needed to ensure I had all the essentials packed, along with some backup items just in case. I was so absorbed in my thoughts and calculations that I didn't hear Sahil approaching, ready to carry my bags down for me.

"Hey! I'm not finished packing yet," I protested as Sahil began to take my bags.

"What's left? We're running late," Sahil said, looking at me eagerly, his impatience evident.

"Um, well..." I hesitated, realizing that I had blurted out those words without even thinking. I had been so lost in my thoughts that I didn't know exactly what was left to pack.

"Di, I think you're just nervous," Sahil remarked, trying to reassure me. "How did you even manage to come to New York on your own then?" He added the last part humorously, expecting a lighthearted response.

His words hit me like a jolt. I didn't have an answer to that question. When I embarked on the journey to New York, I was driven by a desire to start fresh, to escape my previous life and its struggles. That journey had felt like a new beginning, and I hadn't really reflected on how it felt at the time. Now, as I faced the prospect of this camp in Manali, my mind was filled with doubts and uncertainties, and I couldn't help but wonder how I had managed to make that life-changing trip alone.

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Embarking on this journey to Manali with my friends was like a dream come true. It was my first time traveling with friends alone, and the anticipation of exploring a beautiful place together was exhilarating. After Sahil dropped me off at the airport, I met up with Tanya, and together, we boarded the flight.

Our adventure began as we touched down in Amritsar, India, just a few hours ago. We savored a delicious breakfast of parathas there before embarking on a bus journey to Manali. The winding road treated us to breathtaking views of untouched natural beauty. Lush green slopes, charming villages, and the sight of white sheep grazing under the clear blue sky all contributed to the serenity of the journey. I wished it would never end. As we neared Manali, the mountains grew taller and more majestic, enveloping us in an aura of peace and splendor.

Upon our arrival in Manali, we were greeted with pre-booked hotel accommodations, where we could freshen up and rest. Tanya and I shared a room, and after taking turns to shower, we took a much-needed nap. We were given a day to explore the area before our actual camping adventure began the following day. We needed to inform our families that we wouldn't have any contact with them for a week due to the lack of network signal during the camping trip.

The village offered us various small activities to engage in. We witnessed a traditional wedding where a bride was carried in a carriage called a 'Doli,' a beautiful cultural experience.