A Fortunate Stroke of Serendipity!

Everyone aspires to go on a solo trip once in a lifetime. It is one of the coveted beauties of life or more precisely - "carpe diem." Well, my solo trip didn't turn out to be exactly as I had anticipated, but it was definitely rejuvenating.

This trip was supposed to take place 3 months ago, but due to unforeseen circumstances, it was postponed until the first week of July when one of my close friends was getting hitched.

It was a spontaneous resolution to merge my solo trip with my friend's destination wedding as I like to term it. Surely a destination, few kilometers from lofty hills around the Haldwani's skyline. 

The itinerary looked anchored! One day exploring the panoramic views of Nainital and another strolling by the "Teen Taals" - Bheemtaal, Nakuchitaal, and Suryataal putting the wedding functions on schedule intact. Wait! Did I inform the weather that it wasn't supposed to screw up? I forgot! 

Anyway, with walls of water between me and my desires, there was no way I could climb up to my destination. As a result, nothing could go about as planned, but who knew I would be spending the most amazing days of my life with people I simply adored being with. I met really simple yet elegant people my time away at Haldwani. They were absolutely insane if I am to place it candidly.

Despite my unwritten voyage to the unlisted spots during my day, my time with these people gave me the most cosseted memories of the trip.

With Mamta getting hitched to "the love of her life" - arrange-cum-love - "wink face," I did not imagine myself playing games such as "Chidiya Udd, Dumb Charades and let's see who dances the most - unraveling the secrets of a happy childhood. 

These people - Charu (Radiant Bride's sister), Tanya (Cousin Doll Sister), Yashu(often Smacked Brother), Monu (Enigmatic Cousin), Nitish (Impish Murga), Di (Adorable Bride's Sister), Jiju (Candid Bro-in-Law), Riyansh (Di-Jiju's notorious son who decided on not speaking with me during the entire trip) Hema (Reserved Cousin Sister), Harish (Loquacious Cousin), Sonu (Mr. Undaunted Cousin), Sunil (Ethical & Modest Cousin) and Vicky (Earnest Cousin), and of course, all the elder members of the family who insisted on incorporating me in every event. They made a lasting impression. It is past belief how families I thought of as strangers a day before became comrades of my trip!

I shared my own sort of moments with these much-loved souls that made me realize the integrity they held within.

Notwithstanding that it wouldn't have been possible if I did not have Mamta who is as obstinate and lovable as friends can be. If she hadn't forced me, I would have missed on meeting this wonderful covey of quail!