Solo TRIP for 8 days! [Article 2: The Journey with the Wings]

I usually prefer sleeping for 7 hours at least but it had to be a short sleeping window because I had to rush to the airport as my flight was scheduled at 6 o’clock in the morning. I had to reach there before 4 o’clock for the routine check-ins. I had pre-booked an airport cab which was right on time. While I was on the way, the scary cloud within started taking the shape of a scary clown. I prayed and bowed to every temple on the way for my family’s well-being if an unfortunate incident happened during my trip. Now, some would ask why I had to go through such a painful-like journey. I say, I had to do it because nothing seems to be helping out.

Anyway, I reached the airport on time like an obedient student as instructed by SpiceJet (The teacher) but when I reached, the teacher was two hours late. My desi side suddenly said “If SpiceJet would have told me before, I would’ve had another two hours of good sleep”. Anyway, I am usually open minded but this felt like a warning (or a hint) that going on a trip may not be a fruitful journey. I could have returned back but found a few people who seemed like they were going on a trek too. I convinced myself that it’s just a hiccup. I realized that no journey can be seamless and joyful, everyone, at some point, has to go through some hiccups to reach their destination. The question is, how determined can one be?

I wanted to use the lounge access (One of the perks of having a good debit card) but I had used it in the same month when I was traveling from Bengaluru to Pune. I could have paid but then it would have been a luxurious trip. The purpose of this trip was to explore my boundaries and learn from wise people. Luxurious trips won’t help much. I got out and reached the cab stand where my pre-booked cab to Nainital was waiting. I booked cabs when I had to travel long distances. I thought it was necessary. Safety reasons, you know!

By the time I reached Nainital, it was already 8 pm. I was exhausted and hungry. I quickly checked-in in a hotel and had the Thepla that my family had packed for me. I had booked a hotel in the center location near Nainital lake where nearby tourist spots were walkable distance (<2 kms) as the dormitory was not only far but equally priced as the hotel.

I went out for a walk wearing everything that could keep me warm (It was less than 5 deg). Most of the shops were closed. All I could see was couples in each other's arms sitting on the bench near the lake and street shopkeepers trying to sell them things they didn’t need. I walked for a few hundred meters when I heard men asking me if I needed a room. I walked past them pretending it wasn’t for me and found a place where I could rent a bike for the next day. Then I finalized a place for my breakfast for the next morning. With some satisfaction, I walked back to my room. I had another Thepla and went back to bed. My body was aching and my mind was restless. I wondered if I came at the wrong time or was it just another hiccup. I started missing my wife and my family. I was uncomfortable and disappointed as I had expected an exciting night life. It took me some time to realize that I was not in a ‘fancy’ superficial city but a beautiful place where life has some meaning and purpose. It made sense!

Article three will be out soon. Please like and share this article. Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it.