Disconnect to Connect (Leh Ladakh - Post 1)

The man with a plan.

"Believe me, it is all destiny!" he said raising his left hand and waving it in the air, while his right-hand firm on the steering wheel of the car.

I shake my head slowly in disdain, looking out the window enjoying the view of beautiful Kashmir.

He sees through the rear mirror and continues, "Everything is planned by that one supreme power. You call it God, in whichever form you believe in, but it is. Start believing it and you'll see it is true."

I smile meekly and nod, still trying to connect the dots inside my head and come to a sensible point. We drive through the beautiful valleys, off beat roads, and river which followed us endlessly!

We reach Sonamarg around 5 in the evening, and the view from the hotel was indeed breathtaking! Magnificent green hills and a stream of a river flowing carelessly. Alongside were some wild horses eating at the lush pastures.

I feel home. I feel lively. I forget that I had an aching knee. I want to dance like no one's watching. Do some yoga. Drink a cup of hot chai. Instead, we eat ice cream! Cold weather and ice-cream, a favorite combo!

As we checked into the hotel room, it smelt of wood. A medium-sized wooden cabin, a big double-bed placed along the wooden wall, and a huge window giving us a view of the nature!

We decided to go for a small walk to the nearby market area and then, it slowly started creeping in that 48 hours later, I would be in Mumbai again. Away from the nature, back in the rat race, the old concrete life, where we worry about appraisals and bonuses!

I wanted to stay longer. Breathe the nature and fill my lungs with fresh air, greenery and life.

As night fell, we all gathered in one room, the usual routine since day 1, to chit chat, have fun and listen to him. He always had some wisdom to share. Some stories, some experiences about the trips he had organised in the past. It was always fun to listen to him because it always made sense!

He not only spoke about destiny but also about following one's passion and how important it is to be happy. He spoke about travel, living life and how important it is to be happy rather than successful.

It's been 2 weeks since the trip has ended, and even though I've still not been able figure out what 'destiny' is or was, but, one thing is sure; everything is planned.

Whoever we meet, how, when, where, it is destiny! We might not get the answer to 'Why?' immediately, but maybe, it is for the best.

Today, even the smallest thing that happens to me, maybe a bus that I missed while going to work, or my knee undergoing a surgery, it is all destiny!

And the one who made me this new person, is none other than the organizer of this life changing trip - Mr. Manav Mujral!

I owe a lot to him. This post is just a small gesture of gratitude. Thank you for the best vacation till date, a new perception towards life and driving me to live more, love more and believe in DESTINY!

Looking forward to many such breathtaking trips. Thank you, once again!!

Lots of love!

P. S. : a lot more I wanted to pen down, but fell short of words.