The Journey That Changed Life

The Journey That Changed Life

Ravi and his wife Meena were caught up in the hustle and bustle of Delhi. Ravi was a software engineer and Meena was a teacher in a school. Their daughter Arya, who was 12 years old, felt lonely amidst her parents' busy schedule. One day, Ravi was suddenly granted a month's leave from his office. He thought, "Why not spend the holidays somewhere outside this time?" He decided to surprise Meena and Arya. In the evening, at the dinner table, Ravi said, "We are leaving for a trip to Himachal from tomorrow." Arya's eyes lit up, but Meena became worried—so soon? Luggage, bookings, accommodation...? Then I will also have to take leave from school. I don't have a holiday for so many days. You manage it somehow, friend. After a long time, we are planning to travel. Ravi said smilingly, "This time without any plan, just pack a bag and go!" The next morning, the three took a bus from Delhi to Shimla. Arya looked out of the window and saw the mountains for the first time. The coolness in the air and the fragrance of pine trees refreshed everyone. Meena was still very punctual and careful about cleanliness, but Ravi explained to her that the purpose of this trip is to live without tension. This time you should enjoy the journey in a free mood. Do not treat it like home.

On reaching Shimla, they checked in at a small homestay. The owner, Geeta Devi, was an elderly woman who welcomed them with tea and local sweet "Baddu's Cake". Arya asked, which is the best spot here? Geeta Devi said, go and find it yourself... Every path here tells a new secret. You will feel very relaxed after roaming here. You will forget your city. That day they only rested.

The next day, the three decided to go to Jakhu temple. While walking, Arya saw a trail and started walking in that direction without telling anyone. Ravi and Meena wandered through the jungle looking for her. There was no mobile network, and no one to show them the way. Then they found a shepherd who led them to a waterfall. There Arya was already sitting on the rocks, dipping her feet in the water. Meena said angrily, “Why did you do this?” Arya replied with teary eyes, “I thought you both would listen to me… I am always alone at home.” Ravi and Meena were stunned. That day, they realised for the first time that Arya was growing up, and their ignorance was breaking her. On the third day of the trip, another family came to the homestay—Anurag, his wife Preeti and their 10-year-old son Vikram. Anurag was a photographer by profession, and Preeti a travel blogger. The two families planned to travel together. Vikram and Arya quickly became friends. Together they played cricket with the children of the hill village and learnt songs in the local language. One evening, Anurag said to Ravi, “You have the same concern in your eyes as I did.” I left my job and chose this life. Money is less, but satisfaction is unmatched. Ravi thought—is money and career really everything?

One afternoon, everyone went to Kufri. Sitting at a small tea stall there, they talked to an elderly man. He told his name—Master ji. He was a teacher 30 years ago and now lived here telling stories to travellers. Master ji said, travel is not just about seeing places, it is about finding yourself. People who get lost in the race of time forget the colours around them. Arya asked, don't you feel alone? Master ji laughed, son, when you connect with nature and people, loneliness disappears. This thing touched Ravi's heart.

In the last week of the trip, heavy rains started. The roads were closed, and everyone was stuck in the homestay. The electricity had gone out. Geeta Devi lit a lantern and started telling stories. She told how she took over this homestay after losing her husband. Sadness comes, but life goes on, they said. That night, Ravi and Meena sat with Arya and played a card game. After years, they felt so happy. Meena said, maybe this storm is telling us that sometimes it is necessary to pause. Arya's face was telling that today she was really happy. Today she was enjoying with her mom and dad. The day of returning home came. Arya gifted Vikram her sketchbook in which she had made all the moments of the trip. Anurag gave Ravi a photo album which included beautiful photos of all of them along with the best photos of nature. While returning, Ravi and Meena decided that if they want to give real happiness to their daughter, then both of them will have to make time for her.