Echoes in the Valley

•Chapter 05•

         Sakhi woke up to the chirping of birds outside her window, the soft rays of morning sunlight filtering through the curtains. She stretched lazily, feeling the promise of a new day. After freshening up, she headed to the cafe and ordered herself a simple breakfast and a cup of steaming tea. She sat down at the table, savoring the quiet morning.

Just as she was taking her first bite, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw it was Pihu, her online friend. Smiling, she answered the call.

"Hey Sakhi! Good morning," Pihu's cheerful voice came through.

"Good morning, Pihu. How are you?" Sakhi replied, taking a sip of her tea.

"I'm good! How's everything with you?"

"Not bad, just the usual routine," Sakhi said with a shrug. "What about you? Anything exciting going on?"

"Well, actually, yes! I completely forgot to tell you, I’m going to Kashmir for a college trip with my friends!" Pihu exclaimed.

"Kashmir? That sounds amazing," Sakhi said wistfully. "I’ve always wanted to visit again. The mountains, the lakes... it must be beautiful."

"It really is," Pihu agreed. "We’ve been planning this for months. I’m so excited!"

"You're lucky. I could  use a break like that," Sakhi admitted. "Especially since my business trip got canceled at the last minute."

"Really? That’s unexpected," Pihu remarked. "So, you’re free now, right? No work trips or anything?"

"Yeah, I guess I am," Sakhi said thoughtfully, taking another bite.

"Then why don't you come to Kashmir with us?" Pihu suggested impulsively. "Since you don’t have any plans, it would be perfect! We could finally meet in person!"

Sakhi's eyes lit up with excitement. "You really think so? I mean, I’d love to, but I don’t want to intrude on your college trip."

"Intrude? Are you kidding? It would be so much fun having you there! We’ve talked for so long online, and meeting you in person would be incredible. Just think about it—exploring Kashmir together, having adventures, and finally getting to see each other face to face!"

Sakhi couldn't help but be swayed by Pihu's enthusiasm. The idea of finally meeting her online friend in such a picturesque location was undeniably appealing.

"Okay, okay, you've convinced me," Sakhi laughed. "I'll do it."

Pihu squealed with delight on the other end of the line, and they quickly made plans to meet near the famous Dal Lake the next day.

As Sakhi hung up the phone, a sense of excitement bubbled within her. Not only was she going to meet her long-distance friend for the first time.

           With a newfound sense of purpose, Sakhi got ready for her impromptu trip to Kashmir. She booked a bus ticket for Srinagar and began packing her bags with anticipation.

As she made her way to the bus station, her mind was abuzz with thoughts of the adventure that lay ahead.