The Lost Thread

Trip to the Waterfall

Back In Time

As the three started walking, Dhruv cast a furtive glance at Maya's face. It was covered in an angry blush. But she still refused to look at him. But for how long? She will eventually have to look at him and talk to him. He will make sure of that.

Maya took the lead. As they climbed, the view got more beautiful. Slowly they gained altitude, leaving behind the small trees that dotted the landscape. They could now see the beautiful snowy peaks that towered over them. The beauty all around them lulled them into a much better mood. Each felt content, happily lost in their thoughts.

Dhruv wondered how different was this from his lifestyle. He realized he has not once looked at the clock since he left. Time has lost its meaning here. If he had been in a city, by this time he would have finished his morning swim and breakfast, already on his way to office. The noise of traffic, the inevitable meetings, the meaningless social gatherings, all seemed like a distant memory. Here, time stood still. The birds were the busiest inhabitants. The fresh air was full of promises. For the first time he forgot that he wanted to win. Winning also seemed to have lost its charm in such beautiful settings.

Krish however was wondering how much of a coincidence was it that Dhruv was waiting for them. He had no doubt that he was waiting for them. Asking to join any team is so out of character for him. He was a lone-player, working best on his own, then why did he wish to be a part of this team. He was really enjoying Maya's company. Maya has not spoken even once since Dhruv arrived. Krish is not surprised as most of his team-mates avoided talking to the tall imposing figure. Maybe Maya is just shy. He's got to do to dispel the suffocating silence. 

'Maya, are you hungry?' 

Maya looked at Krish surprised. She was starving but she barely noticed it. Her mind was too full of thoughts about a certain someone. She smiled gratefully.

'Yeah, let's eat'

Dhruv watched the exchange with  a sneer. What a caring man, he thought.

Maya and Krish set about getting the breakfast out, while Dhruv lit a cigarette. The sound caught the attention of Krish. 

'Hey Dhruv, don't smoke here. It's not safe. If any burning ember fall on the dry grass, it might catch fire, ruining the fodder for the village catttle'

Dhruv cast an irritated glance at Krish, but extinguished the cigarette. 

Krish muttered a small thanks and started pouring coffee in the cap of the flask and offered it to Maya. Krish had planned to drink from the flask itself, but they had nothing for Dhruv. Dhruv noticed this and said, 'I will have the cap, after Maya is done with it'

Maya refused to look at him, while Krish got the sandwiches out. All three started eating.

'Maya, do you miss the city?' Krish asked.

'Not much! I just love the mountains'

'Same here! I have rejected to offers of transfer as I was reluctant to leave this place. My family thinks I am crazy, but this is peace for me. And when you get to know the locals, you will realize that you can't find a better set of people anywhere else in the world'.

'Do you have a lot of friends among the locals'

'Oh yes! The villages around here have amazing festivals, colorful and grand. We, too, come and join the festivities. I am sure, you too will get a change, if you stay long enough.' They kept talking about trivial things, almost forgetting they had anybody else with them. 

Dhruv was watching the exchange with mild interest. Maya was giving Krish her full attention. He admitted that they would make a good couple, both of them nice and simple. But, unfortunately, he has his sights on Maya. He was not going to be defeated by the good doctor. He laughed to himself, winning still does matter to him it seems.

'So Maya, did I tell you how beautiful you are looking today?'

Dhruv almost laughed aloud at the expression on their faces. Maya looked incredulous, while Krish was completely taken aback.

Dhruv took long steps to reach Maya's side. With a smile, he took her coffee from her and commented'

'We are surrounded by one of most beautiful views in this world, yet all I can see is you'

Maya blushed and looked away. She was not accustomed to such blatant flattery, that too, in front of an audience. She concentrated on taking the food out, trying hard to ignore how near Dhruv is. The shocked silence from Krish was also telling. She cast a cautious glance at Krish, to see him giving Dhruv a calculating look. What does Dhruv think he is doing?