Monsoon In Salli

Let me start the story with an apology for not writing for the last 20 days. My recently discovered interest in writing came to halt as life demanded my attention to something crucial. Career and relationships both were going through some beautiful transformations in the last few weeks. I will reveal them in upcoming stories, till then I will keep it in a bag of secrets. For now, let me take you back to 2019 from the days in Salli, Himachal.

My swinging between Naddi and Salli came to an end when I confessed my troubled mind with Noa. Initially, she was shocked and disturbed by my decision as she had brought the project keeping me in her mind. There was too much wind in my head and fire in my belly to start a wildfire in my career. The hippie life was calling me to Salli and my rational mind gave up in front of my childish demands. I guess that phase came in my life to teach me that choosing short term gain guarantees long term pain. I was blind to the fire that was trying to catch me while I was running in front of it wild in the forest carelessly. The pattern of the reckless decision was being repeated and there was a certain pleasure in shrugging off the burden of responsibilities. That reminded me of my all past decisions. I was out of the cage and ready to fly aimlessly in the sky.

I made sure before leaving the project that I had trained the team to carry on the work efficiently without me. When I felt the work and the team is stable enough for me to back out midway, then I took leave of Naddi for never to return again. A wise person had once said, 'Never say Never.' I was clueless about what life was planning for me in the coming next one and a half year. After leaving the job my plan was to buy a tourist permit car and take backpackers to various places across Himachal. My mind was already planning for the routes, places, treks, parties, business costing and tour packages. I wanted to make it professional and fun for travellers. My love for driving was pushing me to take a jump in buying a car. I was planning to arrange funds and looking for used cars. With all that excitement, there was doubt in my mind to take the risk or not.

By that time Or had left for Israel and me to Salli. Monsoon had registered its presence in the mountains. The whole forest would come alive during rains spreading a lush green blanket all over the mountain. The stream next to our house would flood wildly with mud water making it a sight to witness. Noor loved rains and would fearlessly stand next to the stream watching the wild dance of nature. Her raincoat would remind me of my school days. There was some magic in rains that would turn even grown-ups into children. I was searching for peace and happiness in the freedom which I had got by leaving the job. Avoiding responsibilities wouldn't give peace. There was an emptiness in me that didn't get filled from those mighty rains. I was happy though to be in Salli finally after ending all the swinging.

Monsoon in the mountains were something to witness.