Ethereal: Eternal Echoes

19

Smriti

The sun was still a whisper on the horizon when I woke up, casting a soft glow through the curtains of my room. My usual morning routine began with a quiet reverence at the Iskcon temple, where I sought Kanha's blessings for the journey ahead. I always found solace in those moments of prayer, a space where time seemed to pause, allowing me to gather my thoughts and fortify my spirit.

Today, however, felt different. There was a blend of excitement and anxiety simmering beneath the surface. I was about to embark on a trip with Ishan, and though my heart fluttered with anticipation, I couldn't help but feel a knot of apprehension about how things would unfold between us.

Dressed in a casual kurti and jeans, I headed to the office, where I spent the day immersed in work. The rhythmic clatter of keyboards and the hum of conversations around me felt comforting, grounding me amidst my swirling thoughts. By 5 pm, I was done for the day and ready to head home.

Back at the apartment, I changed into my workout gear and dedicated half an hour to some rigorous exercise. The physical exertion helped clear my mind, providing a brief respite from my swirling emotions. A quick, invigorating cold shower followed, refreshing both my body and spirit.

Dinner was a simple affair-rice, dal, and vegetables. As I ate, I couldn't shake the feeling of nervous energy coursing through me. Once done, I retreated to my room to pack. I had a meticulous system for packing, and today was no different. I pulled out my favorite blue travel bag and began laying out my essentials.

The process was both methodical and calming. I folded my clothes carefully-dresses, kurtis, a saree and comfortable outfits for the journey. Each item was chosen with care, reflecting my desire to make a good impression while also being practical. I packed my toiletries, ensuring I had everything I might need for the next few days. I even included a few romance books as I love to read whenever I travel.

While packing, my thoughts wandered to Ishan. What would it be like to spend a few days with him, away from the formalities of our recent interactions? Would things be awkward or would we find a new understanding? The uncertainty was both thrilling and daunting.

After a couple of hours, I finally finished packing. I looked around my room, feeling a mix of satisfaction and nervousness. I had done all I could to prepare for the trip; now, it was just a matter of facing the journey ahead.

I wrote my diary for the day-

I climbed into bed, my mind still buzzing with thoughts of Ishan and our impending trip. As I closed my eyes, I prayed to Kanha for a smooth and harmonious journey, hoping that the upcoming days would help us both find clarity and perhaps, even a different relation.

---

Ishan

I woke up to the steady rhythm of my morning workout routine, a ritual that always helped me start the day on the right foot. After a solid hour of exercise, I showered and performed my daily worship of Mahadev in the calm of my home. The routine was grounding, a way to center myself before diving into the chaos of the day.

Breakfast was a quiet affair. I was seated at the table, savoring my meal when I glanced up and saw a familiar pair of brown eyes. Smriti. I was taken aback. I had expected to pick her up from her house later, but here she was, standing in my home, her presence as unexpected as it was startling.

She was wearing a peach coral gold cotton kurti that accentuated her grace, her loose bun adding to her understated allure. "Hare Krishn," she greeted my parents, her voice gentle yet resonant. My mother welcomed her warmly and guided her to the dining area where I was seated.