Colliding Destinies

Chapter 4 - Strangers in the Pot

"Every human heart beat is a universe of possibilities."
― Gregory David Roberts, Shantaram

Birdie strolled towards the station. It was a crowded space just outside the station boundary wall. He mused at the transition from dawn to the day. Traffic has already started merging on busy crossings. Drivers already looked impatient. Abusive honking at other drivers and pedestrians, fighting for each inch of road space as if it was a matter of national pride. It was as if the devil inside the peaceful city woke with each breaking of day . As criss-crossed through maze of impatient vehicles, he could see a yellow triangular flag up on a thin stick held by a lean figure standing on parapet in front of the station. Yellow flag was the cue for them to gather for their trek. As he walked towards the flag, he could see seven heads surrounding the flag bearer. He recognized the flag bearer now. He was the Trek Coordinator with whom Birdie had Whatsapp conversations regarding the trip preparation. His name was Amjad, a volunteer organizing meetups in the city. A young girl stood next to Amjad, collecting money and noting things in a diary. He had an urge to turn back and head back home. This all seemed so amateurish. What was he doing here – planning to play Antakshri next? But as he moved closer he could spot the Babe and Beard from tea-shop. Amused he moved closer. Recognizing Birdie, Ahmad waved to him and shouted a hello.

Everyone this is Birdie.

Amjad rattled seven names as introduction, one for each head. Nervous, uncertain exchange of smiles happened. Yes, he was the granny of the group. He simply smiled back not registering even one name.

'And, this ofcourse in Asma', Amjad said pointing at the Dairy-girl. Asma in turn flashed a bright smile. She had a clear walnut coloured skin, which made her perfect teeth dazzle even more. Trying to balance her diary under her arm, she shook Birdie's hand. A firm, non-sweaty handshake. Birdie had habit of sub-consciously decoding a handshake and making his first impressions. This was a happy confident person. A dead-fish handshake would have made him cringe, whereas 'I am alpha-male' gripping contest would make him smile. He liked simple, warm but confident handshakes – a sign of uncomplicated personality.

'For Birdie's sake, I will repeat once more the broad plan of the trip- please bear with me', Amjad spoke to his eager brood.

Amjad's discourse started with broad plan of the trek. They were to move to Haridwar by train. Same day, river rafting was planned at Rishikesh. Thereafter, they were to move by road to Gaurikund by bus at an altitude of 2000m. From there the trek actually started towards Kedarnath- one of the four prime holiest shrines called Dhams for Hindus. Then they were to move to Panwali Kantha, which was the highest point of trek at 3150m. From there onwards the group would move through various mountain trails culminating the trek at Uttarkashi. Finally, they would drive back to Rishikesh and then take the train back home.

Amjad next told them the safety instructions, list of things to carry (and not to carry). He wanted all to choose a Buddy-pair – their partner for complete trek. It was an old army technique once you moved in combat zone. You were paired with another soldier, with a premise that there was always someone to watch your back. In thick of operations in mountains in Baramula, once Birdie was hit by bullets and had lost consciousness in firefight with two Afghanis. His buddy had carried him for three kms on his shoulder to nearest field hospital. By the time he had recovered from injury, his buddy had moved to other place on transfer. Birdie had not been able to thank in person for saving his life. Yes, buddy was important in difficult situation. Someone who will always watch over you, someone whom you can rely upon.

Rest of the formalities were done quickly. Collection of trek-fee with some documentation. A whatsapp group was formed for all to inter-communicate. Amjad told them about their seating plan in train. He informed one person was yet to come but they can't wait. Till now the group consisted of ten people including Amjad and Asma. They rushed through already crowded platform to board the train. It was a three-tier coach, where eight could be seated in each coupe. Amjad and Asma informed they would be in adjoining coupe. The coach was crowded, Birdie tucked in his backpack under the seat and moved out to standon the platform. The shrill warning whistle warned everyone of impending departure of train. People buying waterbottles and Chips packets at last minute rushed to the door of train. Birdie moved to train as it shook from its inertia with squeaks unwillingly. He noticed a woman with a wheeled suitcase running to catch the train. She would be in her mid- thirtees, was dressed up in designer jeans and stylish top. Her worried face had carefully painted bright red lips. Birdie gave her way to let her climb into the coach first. She thanked him absentmindedly, when he handed her over the shiny wheel suitcase she carried before hopping on to the train.