Once we got down at Rishikesh and said our goodbyes, Vijay, Paul, Chandra and I went towards our accommodations, my hotel was in the same lane as their hostel so we decided to freshen up and meet for some food.

The other gang – John & friends along with Bala, Shiva & Mahesh would meet up with Vijay and Paul later. Priyanka would get picked up by her father and go to Haridwar where her whole family resided.

I freshened up and met the trio for food. We were at 60’s cafe but the menu didn’t look that appetising, it was too late for lunch and too early for anything else so we ended up at ‘Madras Cafe’ and ate the worst ever South Indian food. Seriously what did I expect? Home made crispy dosas in Rishikesh?? 😊

The guys left while Chandra and I roamed around in what turned out to be an amazing day out for me. Thanks to this gal, who pushed me to ‘shop’ which I usually never did. Her enthusiasm and energy made me roam around shops/ stores haggling and all! I truly enjoyed her company in every way but yes even now I tell her that I blame her completely for my shopping spree!

After having really nice khullad chais I asked her if she wanted to attend Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat. My gal was up for it and we walked then took a shared auto to the old market area. This area is my most favourite in Rishikesh. Not much tourist crowd, mostly locals, I took her to a place where we had lassi and chatted with a German guy who was staying in Rishikesh for a couple of months, he generously offered to share his thali which we politely declined and clicked a pic with us which we sportingly agreed to 😊

I could see Chandra jumping with joy as I showed her Triveni Ghat, the sight, bhajans and the smell of incense was everywhere and we could sit very close to the Arati ceremony. She was so happy being there and video called her mother showing her the ghat.

I smiled to myself thinking it always happens like this, every single time, somehow I never missed Ganga Aarti since my first visit to Rishikesh, if it’s meant to be she calls you 💕

After gol gappas and more shopping until I said I had my fill to Chandra, we made our way back to the accommodation. The guys gang of course had beers the first thing when they landed, to Lassis to going on the boat ride across the Ghats. They were on a different tangent altogether.

I was pretty much tired by now and decided to skip dinner, ditto with Chandra. Then Vijay messaged her that Paul and he were already in the hostel and they were also pretty tired, they wanted some quietness. The other gang were at a cafe but none of us were in any mood to socialise or hang out. Post the trek, coming to Rishikesh, it was just white noise. Chandra asked me to join in at the hostel for some time. But I wanted to crash off to bed.

The next morning, four of us, Vijay, Paul, Chandra and I had some hot poha with chai. The guys were going for river rafting and they booked the first morning slot and so it was, our final goodbyes to them. And Chandra being Chandra started shopping again and yup I fell for that temptation ‘again’ until it was time to leave.

Shiva and Mahesh were sharing the cab with us to the airport, our flight timings were coinciding a few hours here and there so it made sense to band up together.

I end it here, because this is how it is 😊 Another trek, another journey, another adventure, another family, this journey of life keeps happening.

I believe in karmic connection and I truly believe every person you meet, even if it means it’s that guy you fleetingly look at, whether it’s the chai wala or the guy who pours petrol in your vehicle, the person whom you accidentally bump into or anyone, nothing is a coincidence. It is a connection that goes back to many lives and you had a part to play in that persons life in some way from another lifetime. Whether you believe it or not, it’s upto you.

The Himalayas, this universe has shown us that logic and reason only goes so far but beyond that is a life force that is powerful, omnipotent, that doesn’t follow any rules, any system but goes with the flow and all you have to do is ‘listen in’, tune into it.

Until I blog again, whenever that is. Have a wonderful life ahead ❤️