The Path I Crave!

Chapter 2

Adi

Two and half years back

Heaven on earth is true! It's perhaps on the peak of the mountain, where mother nature makes me feel:"I have it all". Is it truly possible to have it all? I am not sure. Time spent on these mountains, It's a real treat to my senses. The freshness in the air, fog on the mountain, lavish greenery, fragrance of the soil, sound of water streams and birds chirping. These things makes me feel more alive and at peace with myself.

I'm in bliss at the peak of Thadiyandamole camping and hiking. Thadiyandamole, which simply means large mountain. It's the highest peak in the district of Coorg. Coorg also known as: 'Scotland of India', known for the mesmerizing greenery. The air around carries the fresh fragrance of coffee. I have to say, "It's one of the heavens of mother nature's creation". It's both treasure and treat for a 'shutterbug' like me.

Saturday 4 A.M when the entire city of Bengaluru was at 'peace' sleeping, We a gang of friends planned to ride out of the city and have some adventure of our own. We planned on an Eco-friendly new year. Living in a metropolitan city from birth, the fun out of the parties is sucked and it becomes tedious. So, an early morning ride in the cold winter is romantic and adventurous.

Ride to a beautiful landscape with wonderful climate two things were crucial, First is a bike: I own a Royal Enfield, Enfield is my darling. Second: is a woman you are in love with. Now the question would be, Do I have a woman I am in love with? I have been in love for many years now but she wasn't riding with me. 'Love of my life Chandni'.To answer my own question, I do have a women I'm madly in love with.

She is my obsession.

Chandni enjoyed the ride with her best friend Varsha. She preferred riding rather than sitting back and enjoying the ride. Just because she is riding, it doesn't make her a tomboy. She is the most beautiful women. Her long hairs curled on the edges, those impish black eyes speaks so much without uttering a word, lips as pink as a cherry and that smile is to die for.

Everything about Chandni is memorable. I have known her since birth. The first time I noticed her was in her parent's funeral, sad but true. That also is the day I realized, knowing a person is different from noticing a person. I had known her as my best friends little sister but that day I wanted to know her in a whole different level. Her tiny eyes over flowing, wanting her mother to care. Seeing the little baby with tears, I wanted to console her and assure everything was going to be fine. That was also the day I fell in 'LOVE'. Then that moment something inside me changed. My heart crushed seeing her cry. I could literally do anything for her to smile. The heaviness in my heart wouldn't reduce for reasons I didn't understand.

Parking our bikes in the foot of the mountain, hike to the Big Rock kicked off, the camping area for the night. With lot of small talks, about work, college, and life in general our walk continued. We arrive the camping place in the early evening and occupy our camps for the night. This place felt like heaven. Desire to stay here forever was more. The cold night and quietness of nature made us enjoy the weather and the sunset with less of words and more of silence. It's completely covered with lush greenery and tall forest tress.

Lucky for us, we had a native in our group. He had made sure our camp was ready when we arrived our destination. Couples sat together enjoying the warmness from the camp fire and the romantic climate is the added bonus. We set up speakers and the music was in full blast. 'Adi lets open the booze' Rishi informed distracting me from my thoughts. I stared at Rishi, who had comfortably tucked Riya into his chest.

Rishi and Riya were dating for 5 years now, she was our junior in MBA. Rishi is a real charmer. With a height of 6 foot and athletic body, he could impress anyone. In simple words most men felt inferior and women fell in love with him for the physic and etiquette. Rishi and I have been friends since forever, maybe from our play-home or before.