An Indelible Adventure

By Anindita Das

Two weeks…eleven states my partner along

Our car to take us through; a trip pending for long

A lot of planning… endless discussions

To negate the possibility of anything going wrong

Charting a feasible route; deciding on the stay

Trying to explore a little as we move forward

Keeping the ultimate destination and time at bay

Enjoying the travel, replenishing for our journey onward

Meeting the natives as we go, sharing a laugh or two

Trying the local cuisine at a roadside stall or cart

Taking breaks to explore the rustic nature

Realising how every place has a unique art

Realising how life stands still at these villages,

Without the hustle bustle; away from the city heat

Being content feels like an expression here

No more, no less, just enough to make the ends meet

The flatlands were scorching, humid and draining

But the roads were a lot easier to drive through

The only respite were the green pastures and trees

Soothing to the eye while resting under a few

Then came ascend to the mountains, the hills

Passing through which got slower and exhausting

The driving skills were tested, the cars adequacy as well

The adventurer within was questioned; the journey seemed infausting

The majesty of nature was felt; the wrath it could possibly cause,

When we drove across gigantic landslides and waterfalls

The enormous mountain peaks... the endless valleys

Were intimidating, daunting and arrhythmic overall

Descend from the mountains felt reassuring

As if we came out of a probable death trap

A feeling of accomplishment; an ecstasy seeped in

When we successfully treaded the path without any mishap

The journey back home was exciting as well

As we visited a couple of religious shrines on the way

The pious aura of such cities was astounding

A feeling of calmness in the midst of a chaotic day

Every place had its essence, different language,

Different culture and a particular way of living

It's surprising how such diverse tradition co-live

With people being a lot nicer than expected; a lot giving

Travelling from one end of the country to the other

Across terrains, different landscapes and weather

Made us realise how this land is packed with wonders

Waiting to be explored and experienced altogether

By Anindita Das