Star-Crossed Yet Not Aligned

The Silence that Remains

Subh stepped into the college campus, his heart heavy with the weight of familiar memories. Returning to college life wasn't ideal, especially with Aditi's presence looming over him. To avoid the pain of seeing her every day, Subh adopted a new strategy – sitting on the first bench, eyes fixed forward, never looking back.

His routine became mechanical: attend classes, study, and hurry home. The silence that once brought him solace now felt suffocating. But Subh persevered, numbing his emotions to navigate the days.

That's when new faces entered his life, bringing with them a gentle breeze of change.

Rohit, Amit, Sagar, and Karan – his brothers from the hostel – began to engage him in conversations, sharing laughter and stories.

Subh's roommates, too, welcomed him into their fold, creating a sense of belonging he thought he'd lost.

One day, while studying in the library, Rohit plopped down beside him. "Hey, Subh! What's with the long face? You've been quiet lately."

Subh hesitated, unsure how to share his struggles. But Rohit's genuine concern sparked a connection.

"I...I went through a tough breakup," Subh confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

Amit, sitting across from them, nodded sympathetically. "We've all been there, bro. But you're not alone. We're here for you."

Sagar chimed in, "Yeah, and we'll make sure you don't sit on that first bench alone!"

Karan grinned mischievously. "Time to shake off the past, Subh! We'll show you how to live again."

Subh's roommates, Vikram and Raj, joined the conversation, sharing their own experiences.

As the group's camaraderie enveloped him, Subh felt the silence that remained begin to dissipate.

But the group decided to make a plan of  going somewhere..

"Where should we go?" Rohit asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Somewhere adventurous," Amit suggested.

"Let's go camping!" Sagar exclaimed.

Karan nodded. "And trekking! I've heard amazing things about the Himalayas."

Vikram pulled out his phone. "I've got just the place – Tirthan Valley. Beautiful scenery, great trekking trails, and camping sites."

Raj grinned. "Sounds perfect! When do we leave?"

The group finalized their plans:

*Trip Details:*

- Destination: Tirthan Valley, Himachal Pradesh
- Duration: 5 days, 4 nights
- Activities: Trekking, Camping, Fishing, Exploration
- Dates: 15th - 19th March

Subh felt a thrill of anticipation. This trip was exactly what he needed – a break from the past, a chance to reconnect with friends, and an opportunity to rediscover himself.

*Pre-Trip Preparations:*

The group divided tasks:

- Rohit booked the accommodations and transportation
- Amit has to arrange trekking gear and equipment
- Sagar planned the itinerary and activities
- Karan managed food and supplies
- Vikram coordinated camping logistics
- Raj handled budget and finances
- Subh assisted with research and planning

As the departure date approached, Subh's excitement grew.

*Day 1: Journey Begins*

The group set off early, eager to start their adventure. The group's excitement was palpable as they boarded the bus to Chandigarh, the starting point of their adventure. Subh felt a thrill of anticipation, leaving the city's chaos behind.

"First stop, Rock Garden!" Rohit announced, as they arrived in Chandigarh.

The group spent the morning exploring the intricate sculptures and water features, marveling at Nek Chand's artistry.

After lunch, they headed to Sukhna Lake, where they strolled along the waterfront, watching the sunset.

"Tomorrow, we head to Shimla!" Amit exclaimed.

The next morning, they boarded the train to Shimla, winding through scenic hills and tunnels. Subh felt his worries fade with each passing mile.

Upon arrival, they checked into their resort, dropped off their bags, and set out to explore Mall Road. Karan and Sagar haggled over prices at the local market, while Vikram and Raj tried street food.

Subh wandered off, lost in thought, until Rohit joined him. "Hey, you okay?"

Subh nodded. "Just taking it all in."

Rohit smiled. "That's what this trip is for – rediscovering ourselves."

The next day, they embarked on their camping adventure. The group trekked through dense forests, reaching their campsite by evening.

As they set up tents, Subh felt a sense of accomplishment. Amit started a bonfire, while Sagar pulled out his guitar.

"Music under the stars!" Karan exclaimed.

The night was filled with laughter, stories, and singing. Subh felt his heart healing, surrounded by friends.

The following morning, they hiked to a nearby peak, watching the sunrise over the Himalayas.

"This is what life's about," Rohit said, as they sat in silence, absorbing the view.

Subh smiled, feeling the silence that remained finally lifting.

As they trekked through Tirthan Valley, Subh's perspective began to shift. The majestic mountains, serene rivers, and lush forests awakened him to nature's beauty.

"This is what I needed," Subh said, breathing in the crisp air.

Rohit smiled. "Told you, brother. Nature heals."

Subh felt his grief slowly lifting, like the morning fog burning off.

On the second day, they met fellow travelers – Rachel and Max, a British couple, and Ahana, a solo Indian traveler.

Rachel shared stories of their adventures, from hiking the Inca Trail to exploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Max taught Subh photography tips, capturing the valley's breathtaking vistas.

Ahana joined their group, and together they explored hidden waterfalls and village markets.

Subh found himself opening up, sharing laughter and stories.

One morning, as they watched the sunrise, Subh felt an overwhelming sense of freedom.

He shouted, arms outstretched, "I'm alive!"

The group cheered, embracing the moment.

Amit exclaimed, "This is what life's about – connections, experiences, and nature!"

Karan added, "And leaving behind the pain."

Subh smiled, knowing his friends were right.

As they sat around the campfire that night, Ahana asked, "What brings you guys here?"

Subh hesitated, then shared his story.

Rachel nodded. "Sometimes, we need to lose ourselves to find ourselves."

Max smiled. "And sometimes, nature's the best therapist."

Subh felt a weight lift, knowing he wasn't alone.

The trip became a journey of self-discovery, forging new connections and embracing nature's beauty.

Subh realized moving on didn't mean forgetting Aditi; it meant finding happiness again.

As they packed up to leave, Subh glanced at the valley, now etched in his heart.

"I'll carry this with me," he said, smiling.

Rohit clapped his back. "That's the spirit, brother."

The group departed, forever changed by their adventure.

But he wasn't aware that only a single trip won't heal him...

To be Continued