A tale from Rishikesh: My story, my way - Part II

Welcome to Uttrakhand..Har Har Gange!

It was around 5 am and we were about to reach the holy city, Hardwar. We discussed if anyone of us would like to spend some time in the city, to which everyone said yes. So, we asked the cab driver to drive towards the main attraction point of the city, River Ganges. As we were approaching closer to the river, my excitement level was growing. I was thrilled to watch the Holy River in a playful mood after a long time. My childhood memories of visiting the city started playing in flashback.

On reaching there, the driver parked the car at the closest distance from the river. The place had the minimal crowd. We were finally standing in front of the River Ganges. I was excited and wanted to take a holy dip. But, unfortunately nobody else in the group was keen to do this. I asked every individual in the group separately and surprisingly, they all had the same view, “Why to get drenched here when we have to spend the entire day by the river bank in Rishikesh?” Siddhant, too, said that washing just the faces after a long journey would be enough as we had already planned to sit by the river bank and relax in Rishikesh. I was convinced that there was no point requesting or insisting any further. And so, I agreed to just wash my face.

The City Tour

While Rohit and Ananya wanted to visit the famous Mansa Devi Temple, Gautam and Mayuri wanted to sit by the river bank and enjoy the serenity of the place. Siddhant wanted to explore the city as much as he could and I am already ready to explore the place wherever we are. Even though, Siddhant never visits temples, still we chose to accompany Rohit and Ananya. 

Confirming the right path from the localites for Mansa Devi Temple , we reached the temple's ticket counter in the next 10 minutes. One can visit the holy shrine either by trolley or by foot. We chose the trolley as it would take lesser time and we could get to view some majestic views of the city from such height.

We bought the tickets and boarded the trolley after waiting for around 15 minutes. It was fun to enjoy the city’s majestic beauty from the height.

It took us hardly 40-seconds to reach the temple. I was smiling and I was excited as I would be walking inside the temple with Siddhant, which otherwise would have never been possible. Thanks to Rohit and Ananya. In the next half an hour, we were done with the rituals (Siddhant being a non-participant) and started walking towards the holy river where Gautam and Mayuri were waiting for us.

We were talking and walking. Rohit and Ananya stopped at a few shops to buy a few items for their home. And so, we too started checking out things of our interest. While in Delhi, Siddhant had asked me to wear something (wrist band sort of) on my wrist but I didn't had any at that point of time. Seeing a local vendor with a wide variety of the same, Siddhant helped me in trying out a few wrist bands, then chose and bought two of them for me. I enjoyed and lived the moment.

We moved from there and while enjoying the views and clicking pictures, finally reached near the cab. Gautam and Mayuri too joined us for tea post which, we proceeded towards Rishikesh for camping.

Fun Camping at Rishikesh

It was a drive of another 2 hours. The tour coordinator had assigned a guide for our group to ensure that we do not face any trouble during the trip. The guide joined us mid-way towards the camp to help us reach our camps easily without panic. And, I must say that it was a much desired step. There were a lot of pebbles and stones on the way to let slip off any vehicle. The route was so confusing to puzzle even the local residents of the place.  

We were about to reach now. We could see a number of camps with people enjoying and relaxing outside, by the river bank. A few camps were really close to the river.

We reached there in the next 10 minutes and as desired, our camps were at such a location that anybody would love. Close to the river Ganges, we could enjoy the serenity of the place. One could enjoy the calmness of the River Ganges, the soothing sound of the waves touching the shores, the chilling wind and the perfect ambiance.   

We entered our camps, quickly dumped our luggage and moved out to take a dip in Holy Ganges. We hopped, played, laughed and enjoyed to the fullest. We clicked pictures to treasure our memories from the land of Sagas.

After spending around 2 hours in the River Ganges, we thought of having lunch but again postponed it for another one hour. Instead, we started playing volleyball, the court for it was available right there outside the lunch room. After playing and laughing for around 1 hour, we went to have our meals. 

I dished up for Siddhant and myself on a common plate. The rest also had their meals as couples. During lunch, everybody except me chatted continuously and I smiled at everything they talked about. Siddhant might have not noticed as he was trying to make the two ladies feel at ease.

Post lunch, we confirmed from the attendant if we had some options to visit during the day. Siddhant didn’t want to rest at that point of time because we only had the same day to explore the city and try the activities we would like to. The next day was already pre-planned.

The attendant requested us to wait for some time as the guide assigned for our group was out to bring another group to the venue. As the attendant had said ‘some time’, we chose to sit and relax by the River Ganges.

While Rohit and Ananya went inside their camps taking rest, Gautam and Mayuri sat on the chairs available by the river side. Siddhant and I went to the river bank to sit, relax and spend some time with each other. We played with the sand and the river, breathing in the beauty of the place, the ambiance and a lot more. The time we spent there was full of love and emotions. I felt closer to him, a more like a partner, life partner. J

While we were enjoying our time, Gautam called out to confirm if we were planning to go out somewhere. Siddhant moved from his place and said, “I will just confirm.” He, then, asked me to wait there until he returned but be safe and went again to the attendant to confirm about the guide. In the next 2 minutes, he was back with a message that the guide will take another half an hour to be there. And so, we decided to wait there for some more time. 

We enjoyed the serenity of the place, the peace and calmness and the companionship that was embracing us. We discussed about a lot of things, playing with the pebbles and enjoying the beauty of the place. I loved the “we” time that we finally got to spend with each other. Finally, after over an hour long wait, the guide was there. We discussed with him the options available and finally, decided to go for trekking. Rohit and Ananya, too, joined us for the same.

Trekking of the differences..

Things were no more smooth like they were at the start of the tour. The differences in the group that had started a few hours back in the camps gradually started upsurging to a level that none of us would have thought of. 

The trekking had just started. Gautam and Mayuri were at the forefront and were trekking at a pace as if they are the soldiers of the war that’s about to start. We four, Siddhant, I, Ananya and Rohit,  started trekking together. Siddhant and I were moving at a medium pace while Rohit and Ananya were moving too slow to match up with us. It was just in the next few minutes that I, Siddhant and the guide were trekking together and Rohit and Ananya were way behind us. It was quite weird that a small group of just 6 people was divided into three different smaller groups. 

The guide was noticing the groups within a group. After waiting for 10 minutes, he finally spoke and suggested us to wait for Rohit and Ananya. He, in fact, called out Gautam and Mayuri also to wait. We stopped exactly at the same points wherever we were. But what was that? Gautam and Mayuri started moving again without uttering a single word. I and the guide were taken by surprise. Siddhant just smiled.

Amid all this creepiness, I was introduced to one more side of Siddhant. While trekking, I was carrying my handbag, which apart from the usual stuff had the DLSR and Mayuri’s “too big to handle” clutch. This, in turn, had increased the weight of my handbag, making it difficult to carry. Noticing this, Siddhant was getting too annoyed and irritated wondering about the basic courtesy that one would expect from Mayuri to share the burden. He had a view that if you are requesting somebody to keep your personal belongings, then it’s your responsibility to share the burden equally. This was completely lacking from Mayuri’s end, even when the trek was quite difficult. When he couldn't tolerate this anymore and the trouble that I had to face, he himself carried the bag for me, which otherwise he would never do.

We both were quite surprised at whatever was happening yet kept calm. Chatting and enjoying each other’s company and the conversations with the guide, we reached the top of the mountain.

Serenity at the Mountain Peak..

The peak pleasantly surprised us with a majestic waterfall that none of us was aware about. The view was awesome with the water falling at a thrilling speed and different types of groups – school, college, family, couples and friends having their fun time. After spending some time viewing the splendid beauty of the place, we started clicking pictures.

While Gautam and Mayuri posed below the waterfall, together and separate, I and Siddhant enjoyed the location in a different way. Watching views, the groups of people having fun, posing at serene surroundings and chatting. Ananya and Rohit didn’t look that excited.

We spent about an hour at the mountain top before we decided to return to the camps. While returning, we were again divided in groups but this time we were in two groups, Mayuri and Gautam walking as one group and the rest four as another.

Back to the camps

We reached the camps in the next 1 hour. It was evening already and was enormously beautiful. The rhythmic sound of the waves touching the shores, the lanterns lighting up the camps, the bonfire, the music of the guitar and the songs, it was awesome!

Keeping our belongings back into our camps, we quickly changed our attires and then, went to have snacks and tea. Everyone in the group was extremely tired and just wanted to sit back, relax and enjoy their cup of tea. But what was that? The first sip of the tea brought us another argument between Rohit and the camp representative.

Rohit was demanding for a separate bonfire for our group, which the person denied as it was against the rules. The person tried to convince Rohit with all the reasons available under the sun but failed.

Soon, the discussion turned into a heated argument. Like every other time, Siddhant went to sort it out. Knowing that his friend is arrogant and stubborn, he requested the camp representative to arrange the bonfire. Rohit kept standing there but didn't speak a word. In just a few seconds, what I saw was annoying. Siddhant was alone requesting for the bonfire. But why? Siddhant didn't want a separate bonfire and the one who wanted was busy enjoying the snacks. 

Siddhant was alone outside the pantry discussing the matter and so, the thought of what this discussion might turn into started bothering me . Definitely, I didn’t want to see the ugly side. And so, I requested Gautam thrice to check if Siddhant had not burst in anger and that everything was fine. Gautam then went and joined the conversation.

What was unexpected and not required at this point of time was the intrusion by Mayuri. As soon as Gautam moved from his chair, Mayuri too got up to join the conversation which already had four individuals discussing one single point. She started to show off her conceit and behaved as if the rest in the group were fools. Gautam could not bear her attitude anymore and so, he finally lost his temper. He took her to one side and strictly told her that all this is not required from her end. Mayuri felt offended. While the other conversation continued, she simply said sorry to Gautam and walked away. 

Finally, the camp representative paid a heed to the request and agreed to arrange the same. But, Rohit didn’t stop here. He continued cribbing about everything at the camps - the facilities, the behavior of the staff, which apart from him was fine for everyone else and the list continued. Now that the things seemed under control, I requested Siddhant to have a cup of tea. He sat completely mute but denied to have tea.

Seeing him like this, I was too scared/worried. I made at least 50 assumptions on what might be bothering him at that point of time. But, I didn’t dare to ask him right away. He sat there for some time, tried to enjoy the awesome combination of weather and music and then chose to walk by the river side.

A walk to remember

On reaching the river side, what we see was quite unexpected. Mayuri was walking alone. We thought that Gautam would go and try to sort everything out but he didn’t. Instead, Mayuri came to him to have a word and explain her side of story. But, Gautam was not at all convinced.

Siddhant and I enjoyed our walk. He by my side, the pleasant weather, the river, the shores, the talk and the love, it was truly a walk to remember. The sound of the waves touching the shores, the calmness of the night and the majestic views of the place were enough reasons for us to spend more and more time there.

We enjoyed our walk for the next half an hour and then, we went to have dinner. Gautam and Mayuri were the first one to bring their platter ready on the table. The next was me and Siddhant, and Rohit and Ananya were the last. This time again, Gautam and Mayuri acted weird. While we were waiting for Rohit and Ananya to join us on the dinner table, Gautam and Mayuri started to have their meal.

This was extremely surprising. What I knew as a basic table etiquette  was that one must wait for the rest in the family/group to join on the dinner table before you begin having your meal. That was not all! The two sat in such a haphazard manner that nobody else after us would be able to manage their space around the table.

Seeing this, Ananya felt too offended and so, she moved to sit on a separate table with Rohit. Siddhant stood up, pulled the chairs and requested them to join us on the same table. Siddhant had a word with both of them, trying to convince them for the next 5 minutes after which the two joined us on the same table.

Post having our dinner, we spent some quite time by the riverside before going to bed.

The big tiring day had a beautiful end with a lantern lit in the camp and having sweet conversations with my partner.

Let’s get going

The day began at 7 am with Gautam calling “Cheeteh” (his dear friend) aloud standing outside our camp.

Gautam: Cheeteh

Siddhant: Haan Bhai!

Gautam: Fatafat ready ho jaate hai, 7 baj gaya hai fir tym se nikalte hai..

He: Haan Bhai! Bas aa gaya.

And, he left his bed asap. I, too, was requested to move quickly from my bed. Moving out of the camp, what we saw was quite irritating. Gautam and Mayuri were sitting by the River Ganges and brushing their teeth. They were spitting in the same water and using the same to cleanse their mouth. It was pathetic but I kept quiet!

We both moved towards the restroom and in the next half an hour, we were ready to go. We returned to the camp to pack up our luggage, check-out from there and leave for the rafting booking venue.

There were more arguments

As soon as we reached the booking venue, there was another issue raised by Rohit. According to him, the price paid by us for just one activity is otherwise charged for three activities together. He said that he was not talking in the air. He had availed that package just 2 months back. Moreover, he said that the mail sent by the person had many more things mentioned in the package, which were not availed by us. Siddhant did not feel like having any argument or discussing anything with Rohit as the latter might loose his temper quickly.

Oh..not-to-miss! The funniest thing about Rohit was that he would never talk about anything directly with the concerned person. Instead, he would talk to Siddhant and in turn, would force him to have a word with the next person. Knowing that his friend loses his temper as quick as the flash of the light, Siddhant, being a gentleman, would calm down his friend and then, would walk to sort out things easily.

The trip was majorly Siddhant’s responsibility because he said that the trip was initiated by him and he was the only one who knew everybody in the group.

He quickly accessed his email and re-checked everything that was being claimed by Rohit. And, it was true. There were multiple things mentioned in the email however, we were not promised any of these. Siddhant tried to explain the same to Rohit but he was not at all ready to listen to anything.

Siddhant was left with no choice but to go to the booking executive and talk to him regarding the same. The executive simply said, “These activities haven’t been promised nor they were included in the package availed by you.”

After wasting almost 2 hours on discussing whether the activities would be included or not, it was made clear that it will just be rafting and nothing else. Rohit started cribbing again. Siddhant didn't speak anything this time. We were finally ready to leave for rafting. 

Time to raft

We boarded an eight-seater four wheeler arranged by the executive to drop us to the rafting spot. While on the way, we started dreaming and discussing about how the experience would be, how it would feel like, etc. Amongst us, Gautam and Rohit were the only two who had experienced it before. And so, Gautam grabbed the chance and began making stories to scare us. We were at the spot in the next 20 minutes. 

With our rafting suits and rafts that were handed-over to us to us on reaching there, we were requested to move down the hills to begin rafting.

Down the hills, there were a number of other groups who were as excited and as nervous as we were. We were surprised to see a group of bulky men who looked more nervous than we all were, another group of friends was discussing how it would be and so on. While we were noticing the human behaviour, the rafting representative was there to share the instructions. 

The first thing we were taught was how to wear the suits. We followed his instructions and were ready in the next couple of minutes. Uneasiness had started taking over our minds. In the next 15-20 minutes, everybody was requested to gather at one place as the rafting executive had to share some basic instructions and safety measures. He said:

“Keep your suits very tight. The tight suits would help you to float in case the raft turns upside down while on rapid. You must stand in a specific position in the raft when in flowing water and when in tides.”

The instructions went on for the next 10 minutes post which the groups began the thrilling experience of their life.

Rafting is ok in a small group like us but it's safest and advisable in a large group as it minimizes the chances of raft turning over. Rohit was well-aware about this and still, he insisted on not to share the raft with any other group. Gautam too kept mum and so, we being the first-timers said ok to whatever he said. Siddhant was extremely nervous. Despite being a water phhobic, he chose to take this dare and I really respect him for this. 

We had opted for an 18 kms rafting. As soon as the rafting began, we were asked to take specific positions standing on the raft. We all followed the instructions except Siddhant who was too frightened to follow them. Also, he thought that he won’t be able to do that. So, we all helped him develop his self-confidence and soon, he was able to do it. 

We had safely crossed two major rapids, which was over 4 kms. We were quite happy before we reached there, the third major rapid. We tried to recall all the safety instructions shared by the raft representative but all in vain.

We stood right above the raft with hands in the air and there it came. The high wave came with such a force that the raft couldn’t bear and we all were under the water. The raft had turned upside down,

It was terrifying

We were drowning. Nobody knew where the rest in the group were. Even when I am writing it, what I experienced is still giving me chills down the spine.

I was sinking! I was fighting too hard to come out from the river but all in vain. Failing each time when trying to come out of the river, I left my body loose recalling the instructions shared by the raft representative and with a belief that I will not be saved. 

I drowned deeper and deeper. But, what was that? In the next few seconds, my body started floating towards the river surface. I was about to breathe in the fresh air but there was another challenge to face. The raft was lying just above my head thereby, kicking me back inside.

I was drowning and drowning, the river was pulling me deep inside. I again left my body loose but this time with a surety that there is no chance of me being saved. Supporting my thoughts this time, my body also didn’t float. Instead, it went deep inside, not sure exactly how deep it was.

God had some different plans for me. After going too deep inside, I again started floating towards the surface and this time, my head was finally out. Surprisingly, Ananya was right there. As soon as she saw me, she held my hand tight and we both started floating in the flow of water.

I couldn’t see Siddhant around. He was not visible even at a far-off distance.  I was too scared and started screaming where he is. Words are not enough to describe how I felt at that point of time.

Floating in the direction of river, we saw a raft that could rescue us from the raging river. None of us knew swimming and so, we had to continue floating in the direction of the waves. Soon, Ananya and I were near that raft and were then pulled inside. In just next few minutes, Mayuri too reached close to the same raft and was pulled inside.

I couldn’t see Siddhant yet. I was still looking for him and then, Mayuri pointed her finger towards a mountain. He was holding the big rock mountain amid the river Ganges and was looking for someone to help. Gautam was near to Siddhant and was trying to convince him to leave the mountain and start floating. Siddhant agreed at once and did the same. But, the deadlier waves came with much more spirit this time. Gautam lost all his confidence. The two were terrified and were convinced that they won’t be alive anymore. Within a second, Gautam started screaming out for help. Luckily, a raft that was nearby came to their rescue. I felt better now! Rohit was already out of danger.

It was terrible and felt like an end of life but luckily, it wasn’t.

Reacting in Rohit-style

The two rafts moved to one corner of the river. We all deboarded from the rafts and then moved to a separate raft. Without surprise, Rohit had started again. This time, he expressed his annoyance over the safety measures that were almost missing from the entire rafting experience. He went on making statements like these guys are stupid, they do not bother to take any safety measures, and this is my worst experience ever and so on.

While he was busy yelling, nobody except his wife uttered anything in between. What came next was quite surprising. He had started to fight with the raft representative and asked him to drop us right there at the corner as he had decided that we won’t be continuing rafting anymore. We were surprised. Views were not yet taken from anybody and Rohit had already declared the final decision. We exchanged glances as we knew that everybody including Ananya wished to continue rafting. Ananya, being a wife, couldn’t deny her husband’s orders as it is expected from a wife in traditional India. Infact, she couldn’t risk doing that as her husband was a short-tempered fellow to mess with.

Rohit was too stubborn and adamant. He had decided that he won’t be continuing rafting. He again asked the representative to take the raft to the corner so that he can get off it. This time, Siddhant interrupted and said, "Bhai let's ask everybody if they would like to do." Everybody said a yes for rafting. Anjali gave a diplomatic response, "Agar inko nahi karni to mujhe b nahi karni." Siddhant tried to make Rohit understand that everybody had come for rafting and is interested in having the complete experience. But, Rohit didn't bother. He was obstinate. The raft representative too tried to convince him that the route is fine ahead. But, Rohit was not at all ready to hear a single word that the representative had to say.  Infact, he started shouting on the person and was almost over him to hit.

Noticing things going out of control, Siddhant finally interrupted and said, “Fine, we won’t be continuing. Let’s get off the raft.” No one was glad with the decision but everybody knew that it was required and so agreed. We quietly got off the raft and started moving to return to the booking office.

Fun hadn't ended yet

Going back to the booking office was a thrilling adventure. Since, we got down amid the way, there was no conveyance that was easily available. We somehow managed to halt and book a cab to drive us to a few kilometers post which we had to walk. Holding hand-in-hand, we crossed the mountains, traversed through the short-cuts amid the mountains, and construction sites and even boarded a local bus when we were extremely tired of walking. The luck was literally shining on us that day. The bus drove us hardly a half kilometer and we were again stuck in jam. Getting down and walking towards the office was the only option. 

In the next one hour, we were sitting and having conversation with the rafting office head who now had doubts on whether we even go for it. He was quite surprised to know that we didn’t complete the rafting. Looking at his reaction, we all lost our temper while Siddhant simply returned a smile.

While the rest in the group went to take shower, we quickly completed rest of the formalities and spent some wonderful time together.

Reliving my childhood days

Once everybody was ready, we moved towards Hardwar requesting the driver to take a break at the same spot where we had stopped to take a break a day before.

Things were not the same as they were at the start of the trip. Everybody was sitting quietly except Mayuri and Gautam who were enjoying each other’s company and didn’t bother about the rest.

We reached the spot in the next 1 hour and luckily, it was time for the evening aarti in Hardwar. I was happy as I was getting a chance to relive my childhood. Siddhant, too, felt extremely delighted as he could breathe in the calmness and the serenity of the place. We all had a cup of tea. Post this, they expressed their desire to have a meal at the famous Chotiwala Restaurant.

Oh, how can I miss mentioning this! While we were ready to move from Rishikesh towards Hardwar, we had a discussion on whether the famous Chotiwala restaurant is in Rishikesh or Hardwar. I, being cent percent sure, said that it is in Rishikesh. But, Siddhant had confirmed it from one of his close friends who had suggested that the original outlet is in Hardwar. We had a discussion on the same for quite some time but Siddhant, being quite stubborn about whatever he says or thinks, didn’t rely on my information. He was adamant that the restaurant is in Hardwar and we must go to the original Chotiwala.

While we were heading towards the restaurant, none of us were aware about the location. So, we thought of asking a localite and confirm if the Chotiwala restaurant is somewhere around. The localite said, “It’s right behind you but if you have to try the original, you must go to Rishikesh.” I heard this statement and I couldn’t stop laughing. Siddhant looked at me and said, “Batao, ladki sahi bol rahi thi. Chalo ab to yahi khana padega.” And, we proceeded to have some snacks/meal at the local Chotiwala restaurant.

We had our meals in the next half an hour and moved back towards the car. We all decided to take home the Holy water from the River Ganges. To my surprise, Siddhant too called and confirmed at his home if they want him to carry the same to which they said yes. 

Siddhant bought two bottles to carry the holy water and then, went down the stairs near the river to fetch some for us. He sprinkled the same on both of us as it’s considered to be a divine act.

This made me feel extremely happy. I was delighted. I felt like he cares for me and expresses it in every little thing he does.

Bye-Bye Rishikesh

We started moving towards the car again and when everybody was there, we began our journey towards Delhi. This time, the seating changed. Gautam and Mayuri had a discussion amongst themselves and so, Gautam started suggesting. He said, “Rohit can sit in the front, I and Ananya Bhabhi can sit in the middle row and the rest three in the last. And, of course we can keep swapping our seats.” On hearing this, Ananya reacted a bit weird saying that she won’t be sitting with Gautam. Everyone was surprised and so, the seating plan was changed again. Siddhant sat in front, Ananya and Rohit in the middle and the rest three on the last.

The car started moving. I was extremely bored. Everybody was quiet in the car except Gautam and Mayuri who kept on gossiping with each other. At first, I tried to handle all this but soon, I plugged in my earphones and tried to sleep which I couldn’t.

After a drive of 2-3 hours, we took a break at a dhaba. While we were there at dhaba, I was all alone there as well. Noticing me alone, Ananya came and said, “Tum bura mat manna. Hume tumse ya Siddhant bhaiya se koi problem nahi. But Gautam and Mayuri are very weird.” I kept quiet and didn’t utter a word. I started walking again and then, Siddhant secretly came from behind and said, “Sorry” very softly in my ears. I was surprised. I smiled. I asked him the reason to which he said, “I couldn’t give you the time, the attention you deserve.” I said, “It’s nothing like that and I understand that you need to give more time there.” Soon, we started to have a general conversation around how it had been.

We proceeded from there in the next half an hour. And, this time, Siddhant and Mayuri sat with me on the last seat, Gautam sat next to the driver and Ananya and Rohit rested on the middle seats.

In the next 3-4 hours, we reached Delhi. They dropped me to my home somewhere around the midnight.

I didn’t get a chance to say this but all I would like to say is Love you for everything you do for me. You are a complete package – awesome, sweet, cute, caring, loving, intelligent and all that a girl desires. There’s nothing that I can count as annoying during the trip but there’s surely one thing that I thoroughly enjoyed during the trip and that’s your companionship. Love to be with you. I Love You!