39• नवत्रिंशत्

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As the first light of dawn seeped through the dense canopy of trees, casting ethereal shadows on the forest floor, Minakshi stirred from her slumber

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As the first light of dawn seeped through the dense canopy of trees, casting ethereal shadows on the forest floor, Minakshi stirred from her slumber. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, she found herself in an unfamiliar setting. Confusion clouded her thoughts as she realized she was nestled in the back of a bullock cart, a warm cloth enveloping her trembling form.

Shivering, she peered out into the misty morning, the chill of the air sending shivers down her spine. Panic began to claw at her chest as she searched for any sign of the mysterious driver or the faithful bull that should have been guiding the cart through the rugged terrain. Yet, to her dismay, there was nothing but silence, broken only by the faint rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

With a racing heart, she clambered to her feet, her eyes darting frantically around the deserted cart. Where had they gone? And how had she ended up here, alone and adrift in the wilderness?

Minakshi's gaze met a breathtaking sight: towering peaks adorned with snow-capped crowns, their majestic forms reaching towards the heavens. The realization washed over her like a wave crashing against the shore – she was amidst the rugged beauty of the mountains.

The air grew crisper with each passing moment, carrying with it the invigorating scent of pine and the promise of adventure. 

As Minakshi's eyes scanned the mountainous landscape, she spotted two figures emerging from the distant shadows, their silhouettes gradually taking shape against the backdrop of the rugged terrain. Drawing closer, their features became more distinct – two young men with a subtle hint of Nepali heritage in their appearance.

Their strides were purposeful, their arms laden with freshly cut wood, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of dawn. Despite the weight of their burdens, they moved with an easy grace, their movements fluid and assured against the uneven ground.

As they drew nearer, she couldn't help but notice the warmth in their eyes and the kindness etched into the lines of their faces. There was an air of quiet confidence about them, a sense of reassurance that washed over her like a gentle breeze amidst the chilly mountain air.

One of them called out, his voice carrying across the crisp mountain air. "Are you lost?"

Relief flooded through her at the sound of their voices, and she offered a tentative smile in response. "Yes, I am," she admitted, her voice soft but steady. "I woke up here in this bullock cart, and I don't know how I got here or where the driver and bull went."

The two young men exchanged a few glances, mentally deciding if they should help her not, after they decided turning back to her with reassuring smiles. "Don't worry," the other one said, his tone gentle and reassuring. "We'll help you find your way. But first, let's get you warmed up and something to eat. It's cold out here."

Gratitude welled up within her as she followed them, their gestures of kindness like a beacon of hope amidst the uncertainty of the mountainous wilderness.

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