Strings Of Life

The cop whistled at the black Alto and asked to stop.
Knock, knock. "Roll down the windows you freak."
The cop: License Please!
Sorry sir, I don't have one.

Cop: What?, Show the registration.
Sorry Sir, but this is not my car.

Cop: Fine!, Do you know what's the penalty for not carrying the papers?, 500 Bucks!.
Sorry Sir, I'm a government servant, and have not got salary this month.

Cop: OK then, pay me 200, without receipt.
Sorry Sir, forgot my wallet at home.

Cop: What the F***!, go off you bastard.
Thank You Sir. But Sir.
Cop: NOW WHAT?
Sir I need your help.
Cop: FOR WHAT?
Sir, the car is running out of gas, could you please lend me 500 bucks?

Background:
Chitkul is a remote village in the Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh. It is the last village on the Indo -Tibet trade route and the road ends here. After Chitkul the journey is to be made on foot.
It's a small and beautiful village with a population of not more than 700 people. Climate is cold throughout the year. And it's located on the right bank of the Baspa River.

The Trip:
After returning from the night shift, I along with three other friends (namely Yatish Kumar Singh, Sumit Awasthi & Vinod Birdi) started our journey at 8'O Clock in the morning. Chitkul is nearly 120 Kms from our place. After traveling for one and half hours we had our breakfast (Paranthas and Chole alongwith India's national drink (hot tea)) at Tapri - a small station on the right bank of Satluj river. Here we stuffed our cab with plenty of eatables and a large bottle of Coke which we were unable to drink.

After traveling for another hour or so we reached the famous Sangla Valley. Located on the banks of the Baspa river, Sangla valley is a delight for the nature lovers. Especially the stretch after Raksham and right up to the Chitkul. The valley is extremely beautiful, on the left bank of the Baspa river are the snow cladded mountains and on the right bank the whole terrain is full of apple orchids and wooden houses. We stopped at a place called Bhateshwari and ventured into the nearby orchid to have a photo session. There the owner of the orchid - an old man gifted us fresh apples from his orchid, and we enjoyed them as if we have never had apples in our entire life.

After this we headed towards our final destination - The Chitkul.
At Chitkul we tracked for nearly three kilometers and then climbed down to reach the river.

The things which amazed me about the Chitkul are:
Baspa River: Chitkul would not be so beautiful without the Baspa River. I just fell in love with the serene blue water.
Wooden houses and temples: Most of the houses here are wooden and have an unique aroma which still haunts my mind.
Bhoj Patra: Bhoj patra is the bark of a special tree found in the Himalayan belt. The bark is easily removable and resembles the pages of a diary. The Ancient people used it for writing scripts and keeping records. Even today it finds its use for the religious purposes.
Potatoes: Yes, potatoes are grown on a large scale over here and they are the costliest in India. They are known for their sweet taste and heat producing effects.

After a lot of fun we settled at the nearby hotel and enjoyed the delicious lunch. And when the sun disappeared we started our return journey. With a promise that someday we'll again visit this heaven on earth.

PS: For more interesting pics, check out my Flickr stream.

One wrong step and Tim could've lost his life.
Chilling December night was growing darker & Tim was the only passenger in his compartment. Though 12 years old Tim appeared younger than his contemporaries.
As the train pulled out of station Tim was accompanied by a stranger. There was something strange about this stranger; Red eyed, hairs of a wild animal, his body was covered with a blanket.

"When does the train reach Manor?" asked Tim.
"11:30pm." replied the stranger with a heavy voice.
This made fear run through Tims' mind. Firstly because he had not anticipated train reaching so early at the destination, secondly the stranger smelled drunk.
"Why are you going to Manor?" asked the stranger.
"I'm returning home from my boarding school and Manor is my last station via train, the remaining journey is to be made by bus." replied Tim.

The stranger put his right arm around Tims' shoulder and repeated: "There is no bus service at Manor during the night time but you need not worry kiddie, I shall get something arranged for you."
And he kissed Tim on the left cheek. For Tim the situation was heading the wrong way.
Getting hold of his bag Tim rose from the seat to make an escape but the stranger caught hold of his left arm and pulled him hard.
By this time the train was entering some station and before the stranger could make out his second move, Tim shouted for help.

Finding himself free from stranger's grip Tim ran out of the compartment and climbed another populated compartment.
Tim got hold of his furious breaths but fear still gripped him. He constantly asked himself: "Where shall I spend the night?."
As the train started entering Manor station Tim positioned himself at the door to make another escape. The train stopped and Tim cutting through the small crowd ran past the station building and hid himself behind a wall. His eyes could clearly make out the stranger searching for him.

Finally the train pulled out of Manor and the hustle-bustle of people died out. The stranger was nowhere in sight so Tim moved on to the station platform. Tim comforted himself there and was soon joined by another stranger who revealed himself as the station master.
"Where are going son?" asked the station master.
"I'm returning home from my boarding school and my further journey is to be made by bus." replied Tim.
"But the bus service at Manor starts at 6:30 am, where will you spend the night?" repeated station master.
And before Tim could answer the station master asked: "There's one small office room here, If you wish you can rest there till morning."
Tim initially hesitated but then followed the station master.

There was knock on the door and Tim heard:" Get-up son! it's 6:30 and the bus service has resumed."
Tim immediately jumped out of his temporary bedding & thanked the station master.
There was smile on his face & he jumped down the steps from the station. . . . . . as fast as he could.

In a group of four they set to live a day.
A day of freedom, a day of their complete self.

There were moments of happiness, moments of silence,
moments to think of nothing, moments to worry about nothing.

Sitting by the hill top they viewed world and discussed life.
Taking dip in the cold stream they washed their worries and redefined happiness.

But then the day was bound to end, a time to return to their respective nests.
With hand in hands and shoulders to rest upon they wished these moments never end.


~A day I’ll never forget.