Distant boundaries

Roshni

Maya stepped out of the car and looked around. A peaceful, clean, serene village. She breathed a sigh of relief. She was pretty anxious as to how noisy, polluted and unhygienic the village would be, just like how they show it in the movies. Her driver got out after her and pulled out her luggage.

"Follow me." He nodded to her.

They walked through a row of narrow streets, some brick houses and even a lake. Maya was beginning to enjoy herself. "This isn't so bad after all. Maybe I'm gonna have a good time here. A much needed break from my corporate life. I wanted this so badly."

They reached her place of stay. It was a small cottage with a bedroom, a kitchen and a bathroom. Maya took a walk around the cottage and noticed it was pretty secluded.

"Okay so I have kept your luggage. Make yourself comfortable. My work is done here. See you after 1 month." The driver stepped outside the door.

"Hey listen I wanted to ask you something."

He stopped and reluctantly turned around with a forced smile. "Yes? How can I help you?"

"Will someone remain outside to guard me at night? Don't you think this is a very deserted place? I'm kind of concerned for my safety."

The driver let out a short laugh. "Oh no no don't worry. This village is a very safe place. Hardly anything happens here. But just to be on the safer side, don't leave your house at night. Stay indoors. That's my advice."

"Off course I will," Maya wasn't very sure she was convinced with his answer but she let it go. There were more important matters on her hands. "So I guess I'll see you later. You can go."

"Take care! Thank you."

Maya shut the door and lay down on the nearest couch. Her head was in a whirl. She had no idea what to do next and how to get started. She knew she wasn't good with people. How would she be able to teach and educate a group of women, make them feel good about themselves when she doesn't feel the same way for her own self?!

Maya rubbed her eyes and checked her calendar. She had the full day off to get prepared and explore the village all by herself. "But first I need to take a nap, get some me time with a bubble bath and then get started."

She spent a full 3 hours pampering herself until she realized she's running out of time. She opened the windows and the cold breeze swept her off her feet. She quickly put on an overcoat and stepped out of the house. "Okay, here goes nothing."

She started walking down the path, hearing the birds chirping all around her, the sun shining and the cool wind blowing. It was a beautiful weather and Maya was having the time of her life.

"Cant believe I've been missing all this. There's nothing more beautiful than being surrounded by nature."

She soon reached the main part of the village where all the shops and houses were located. Men were going to the farm, the women were going out to fetch water, the children were going to their village school. All of them were peering at her with curiosity as she passed by. Maya didn't like attention and this was making her a tad bit too uncomfortable. She began walking at a brisk pace, not sure where she was going and which direction she was taking. She walked and walked and walked until she reached a dead end. She was sure she was lost. Maya sat down on a stone and began sobbing.

"This is just my first day and it already feels like I'm in hell. Why, oh why did I even agree to do this?"

She buried her face in her arms and started taking deep breaths to calm herself. She kept sitting like that in total silence, finally being at peace with herself until she heard a voice.

"Hello? Are you okay?"

Maya looked up suddenly and came face to face with a village woman looking down on her, a worried expression on her face. "Are you lost? Would you like some water?"

Maya didn't say anything, her gaze transfixed on the woman's face, as if she was hypnotized. Something about the woman was so serene, so pure, so relaxing. The way she spoke, the way she looked at her. Maya was in awe and she didn't know why. She finally met someone here who made her feel at ease, who made her feel comfortable. Maya smiled and wiped her tears.

"Yes I would like a glass of water."