Rishikesh, India: Untold stories: Part#2

Continued…

A few hours pass by at the hidden pond, the sun seems to be calling it a day, time for me to make a move as the windy roads become my pathway and the moon my companion.

Before that, a good swim makes the palate crave.

A roadside makeshift restaurant (Dhaba in Hindi) stands testimonial to the waterfall. This owner, has become a fair acquaintance. I am thinking in my head “What if I ask/ request him to allow the dormant chef in me to come alive through the simple yet amazing Maggi noodles, sautéed with butter & chopped green chilly.

And guess what, the silly kid in me had to blurt out the words the moment I saw him, “Uncle, can I please cook Maggi today?” He smiles at me with a radiant smile, the smile that sparkles the eyes “Sure beta” (English: My child).

Alright then, let’s get to task; I see onions, tomatoes, green chilly; cut, dice, julienne; searing butter in the pan, in go all the ingredients. Aroma. It’s time for the Maggi to weave its magic, my taste buds salivating.

Stomach full and good vibes abound, I start towards Freedom café near Laxman Jhula, will meet a few friends there; heard there’s a jembe jam session tonight.

I am here, ordering my staple drink “Ginger Lemon Honey tea”; nothing can go wrong with this one. A group of foreigners are sitting, I go and join them, and music is underway. A beautiful medley ensues, captivating our senses and mind.

I am standing by the French windows, looking out at the Ganges, the moon lighting it up. It’s unreal and so beautiful, simple things in life can give you so much pleasure and untainted memories.

A couple of hours later, my ever-present sleep instinct seems to be taking over, and I decide to walk back to my abode at Parmarth Ashram near Ram Jhula.(Rooms here range from about INR 500 per person and you also get very basic meals; breakfast, lunch & dinner at specific hours)

In my room, ready to get snug in the bed, with a book.

I absolutely love how old pages have an uncanny fragrance in them. I am a big fan of how technology has changed our world; still, no screen will ever surpass the joy of shuffling through pages, worn old by age yet so alive.

Goodnight all of you lovely souls, who took out the time to read and experience my first wanderlust post interspersed with photographic memories, of the lens and the soul. I will be around to share more, love more.

Experimenting with different colours and making my own rainbow.

India, Planet Earth.