The day of our journey to the hilly landscape began. I was accompanied by my three friends who are pursuing LL.B at Delhi University. We went to the bus station as instructed by our friends from Shimla. we all are heading for the first time and we were unaware of train facilities. The day was fine and an excitement grew in the sky. The excitement kept us alive to take up the journey. The bus we were traveling was reasonable and provided with air conditioning facilities not to upset the travellers.
The bus stood on its gear and the journey began with smiles on four of our face. The bus roared through the busy and noisy city traveling in full gear. All people and in particular four of us were staring out through the large sound proof windows enjoying the scenario. As the bus went by, we passed through the green paddy fields, thick jungles, village areas, graveyards, mosque, temples, industry sites amongst many. The green paddy reminded me of my small native land, Bhutan and my peaceful village Punakha. People in Bhutan grow rice and is indeed their main cash crop in western region. My illusion dragged back to my village and i felt i was back to my country. I kept seeing outside and that resulted my eyes feel heavy and sleepy. The bus played no music so i got my phone and was enjoying music and i felt asleep. In my sleep i felt the bus was gearing slowly and at once i opened up my eyes. I was right! The bus reached at a place surrounded by green paddy and a one single storey house serving as hotels for travelers.
We reached in Haryana and the bus stopped at for lunch. We didn't know until the sign boards showed us. Still drizzling, we got out and stayed outside the hotel. We were sitting outside the dhabha which was roofed to prevent sun rays. Each one of us placed order for rice but different curry. Some few moments later, a man placed a steel plate with roti and we are left in confusion. Hesitantly we asked to one of the waiter about our rice but to our astonishment he replied there is hardly any rice.
We are left with limited options, either to eat what they have provided us or go empty stomach. We certainly knew the journey would be hard and tiring one, so we had those rotis and left the chicken curry uneaten. We enjoy indian foods but we always preferred our Bhutanese rice and curry when we travel. We went to counter to clear our bills and that even surprised all of us. Its not because we didn't want to pay but because of the fact that they charge more knowing we are new. Huh!!! What a cheat i thought unable to digest their demands. Is this a culture, i thought??? Shopkeepers increase price looking at customers face, auto drivers drive long way to charge high, rickshaw pullers pretend!!! These thinking made me missed my country so much. Having no option, keeping silent and getting frustrated with peoples around, we searched our pockets to pay the bill. Still not believing with the price, we asked for bill receipt and they did provided as if the bill was true. We asked the bill which in reality would be of very little use but to make them little uneasy but it made them no hesitation in providing the bill.
The journey continued and i was always keeping my self alert and looking at maps. Its not because of bad road condition but we are told by the people at the counter to catch another bus from a place called Ambhala. We all believed to every word they spoke and we followed the directions provided. I was using my mobile as a guide and a map guider. After traveling some distance, some people in the bus gathered their belongings but we were not sure where we actually reached. We hesitantly asked the bus driver and we are told we reached to our said destination and we must get off the bus.
We got off the bus and in a moment few auto drivers came asking about our destination. We looked around and what we saw was endless highway and a vast barren land. Some few meters away were some settlements. That settlement was Ambhala and we not even in proper Ambhala. Alas!!! I thought the people at the terminal again fooled us in healthy manner. Anger occupied my mind and deep,bloody face poured out still we left no option but to be determinate in order to reach our destination. With out wasting much time, we said we are heading towards Shimla and they said we are still far from Shimla. We got inside an auto and that took us to the nearest bus station. We did not believed any of these people around but the options are very limited. My watch rang its 4:10pm and the long distance gave me kind of nervousness within but was determined to overcome it.
The auto took us to a place where ordinary buses wait for passengers underneath a flyover bridge. We got out and looked out and again we came to know we are just near that station and auto driver took the long way to claim high fare. Buses piled up like swamps and it was one of the most busy terminal i have ever seen. People run along with bus and what surprised me more is lack of proper bus terminal and no sign board either.
Four of us were lost the moment we saw many buses without any sign boards. Facing the difficulties encountered earlier, we did not hesitate to ask the localities about the bus towards Shimla. The good news sparkled into my ears. We are told that the bus to Shimla is coming in a moment. We are happy to hear but which bus??? Countless buses, thousand passengers, drozen cheaters made us very sick. Uneasiness and nervousness surrounded me in a crowd, dusty and noisy area not knowing which bus to catch.
Several buses came and gone, people jumped inside the bus like monkeys changing from one branch to another. We are left nowhere and seems lost in that place. I looked at my watch and we wasted one hour searching for bus to Shimla. My mind full of curse and hatred occupied for people those cheated us.
Still standing at that passerby, we were worried as we are still half way. At that moment a tall man with 6" plus, finely dressed, looks like in early twenties called us from behind. All of us looked at him as we are expecting someone to help and show us the exact bus to Shimla. For us we wanted to be sure that we are not cheated again. His voice showed some kind of passion and pity one though we thought not to trust any strangers. Wearing a fine black trouser and a printless white collar shirt, he said "Woh bus Shimla tak jayen gi" meaning that bus is going to Shimla. Huh!!! I was very happy within and thought as if god had answered my prayers. Thanking him from far we got nearby bus and asked again whether the bus was heading to Shimla ??? yes it was. We rushed inside horribly and occupied our seats. There were so many people with different character. Some were drunk, some looked at us in a strange way while others were sleeping as if they owned the bus. We at started our journey in ordinary bus where there was no proper windshields.
I was always with my mobile looking at maps and at the same time looking through glassless window to make sure that my mobile provided right map and direction. After miles of travel, we approached to a place called as Bhagat Singh Nagar. Remembering the film of 'The Legend of Bhagat Singh', i was sure we are in Punjab. My presumption was right and i thought every thing is a guide if we use it in a said manner. We reached in Chandigarh bus terminal and some passengers left while some new faces occupied new seats. We are seated in our seats not to miss the second chance.
The bus boarded from the terminal and the journey continued. The sun occupied the west region and the moon stood on its throne. As we moved on gearing fast, some tiny hills started to pope out like lotus flower pushing through the muddy soils. I thought, India is such a endless and vast country and within hours we are into the hills from noisy plain city. As we moved on the height of hills seem to get taller and taller
After few miles the world outside turned dark as if a large dark blanket was poured. Everything turned very dark outside except the black painted road in front. My mobile was also in verge of getting off for not recharging batteey fully. My friend in Shimla advised me to get off at a place called Vidhan Sahva and i copied his number in one of my friend's phone.
As the journey continued i could see many hills. I started going back to my country and compare with that in India. Through the half opened window i took the fresh and clean air of the great Himalayas. The fresh air bought some smells of vegetation along with it. I could smell the teak bark, bamboos, Sal and others and that made me a flashback to where i belong. The mountains are decorated with countless lights like the stars in the dark clear sky. It felt to me like some festivals are to happen in next few hours.
I called my friend Dorji Wangdi who was eagerly waiting for my call. Dorji Wangdi commonly known as 'dophu rai' amongst us was my college friend and indeed a good friend of mine. He joined the Royal Audit Authority after completing his Post Graduation in Financial Management. He was in Shimla for more than a year and always invited me to join him. He was training at the National Academy of Audits and Accounts (IAAS), Shimla. He is upgrading his audit knowledge and furthermore to learn from the highly intellectual professors from India. What makes me smile is the way when Dorji makes everyone laugh. He is a man filled with humour and a smile on his face. He will always find time to make people smile around and most people find him funny and adorable for his humour character.
Though he is much privileged to be in one of the finest training institutions, he had made lots of sacrifices like me. Leaving behind a day old daughter, a caring wife and a loving family was his toughest decisions. When i look at him I could feel the pains and sufferings he experiences though he seems hide under his bolt fatty body. A responsible and caring father like Dorji had even taught other trainee officers in IAAS how to live life with love, care and responsible man.
The late night journey hampered us not knowing where exactly where we reached. Our worry and past experience did not kept us in silent. We almost asked everyone sitting near to our seats but no one gave us a satisfying conclusion. A saying in Bhutanese goes, "u pray to god, u will never loose bet" and i thought this saying was true. A man in his forties sitting just infront said that we haven't reached our place. He came to our rescue otherwise we would have got off few miles away. He advised us not to panic instead he is willing to help us. I thanked him and introduced my self at the same moment.
My friend Dorji rang back again and i responded we will be there within few minutes. I knew we are very much near to our place as the mans appearance seems to talk us that we have reached the place. We were standing near the exit door and trying to capture some images outside. Just then I saw Dorji leaning over an iron fence just above the road side. My happiness couldn't keep me at bay and at once i shouted at the driver to stop the bus. What a relief and what a journey i thought. Long night and never reaching journey up in the mountains was just memorable one. Finally we are in Shimla....
Huh... What a trying journey i said to him, my friend Dorji.... but then he started his humor. He was accompanied by another Bhutanese officer much senior to us but he seems to be a gentleman too. Known as Kinzang Wangchuk, he was too patient waiting for four of us and that made us very happy and gay. He also works for RAA and i see him a man with completeness. His speech, dress up and friendly conduct made us adapt with him immediately.
The weather reminded me of Bhutan as it was kind of cold. As we moved on through the quiet and peace hilly area, my mind seems to be singing for admiration for mother nature. We entered the Academy boundary and it was so calm and peace that even a dropping of dried leave was heard. What a place I thought, so peace surrounded by trees, its as if i was taking journey in the woods.
The IST rang 11:30 and all of us were exhausted especially Yangchen had a tough time. I felt so sorry for her but we had no options. She had some difficulties and she avoided to talk with us. She went all cold night opening the half broken window. I was just behind her and the cold breeze nearly turned me half ice. We entered the IAAS trainee officers room and it was very nice. Two beds, flat LCD TV, two chairs, one table, fixed line phone and a bathroom attached to it. What can they expect i thought. They are indeed more luxurious than home because they have servants at their door steps. These people do all kinds of room services and bring meals inside their room if they wish to.
We are cordially invited for dinner in the dinning room. Four of us entered the dinning room quitely as if we are afraid to disturb some sleeping dogs. OMG!!! I looked at the dinning room and it looked much better than my sitting room back home. It was properly maintained with one TV, glass tables, portraits, spongy sofas amongst many. The dinner was very nice one. The hunger did not stop us from having as much as we could until we are satisfied. Some good desserts were also served before we left the room.
We were escorted to the guest room where my three friends are supposed to spend night during their stay at Shimla. Dorji opened the door and it was simply amazing. I couldn't believe my eyes and i looked at the facilities provided in guest room. I went to think directly whether a person who pays several thousands could avail such a facility???? The room was big with a double bed size with fully maintained. A WiFi connected desktop, LCD TV, water boilers, tables and chairs were some facilities that caught my attention.
Outside the guest room stands a very well maintained open ground covered with green grass. The guest room was decorated with flowers and foreign herbs hanging like about to commit suicide.
The night was awesome one. It was indeed first time I saw thousand of stars after coming to India. I was in Dorji's room as he was alone. The meeting of friends after long time kept us late night sharing every topic. We stood awake till our eyes could hold us. That was an aweful night with cool temperature and that made me sleep well all night.
The new day started with new plans, new hopes and excitements. As usual we had our breakfast and indeed a very heavy one as if we had gone without food for months. Pouch egg, milk mixed with flakes, roti, apples,,,,, . Our two friends had already decided before our trip began.
As a Buddhist and being devoted to Buddha and its teachings, we visited to a sacred place in Shimla known as Kusum toe. A local bus took us to Kusum toe and the Buddhist institute was a magnificent one. The monastery was located few miles away from IAAS campus. Located just below road, the whole area was very peace. Though it was located on steep slope, it still roar high in air. The institute was one of the main seats for nyingmapa sects and believed to be a sacred place in Shimla. We offered our prayers and we are lucky that as the day was auspicious one, some offerings in the monastery was going on. I prayed for the ever lasting peace and harmony all over and with a much hope to visit again. My prayer to follow the teachings of Buddha and its path. The monks stood aside staring at us when we took photos to keep as a memoirs. A very young monk may be just five year old happen to be from Bhutan. It surprised me to see such a child joining as monk and staying very far parents. Thoughts resembled me thinking how brave is the boy!!! This taught me about impermanence of life and further to live independently. This consolidated me as i always missed my families back home.
The day was cool and we still wanted to visit some places. We are told that our two friends will again take to the famous Shimla Mall. Excitements grew amongst us . We wanted to know and experience the kind of mall at Shimla. Unlike the malls we have in Delhi, the malls in Shimla are actually small shops on the side of the road showcasing the best products. There isn't any large buildings, nor we saw any elevators or any security guards at the exit doors except for few. The mall was located at a gentle sloppy area and that attracted thousand of people from nearby and some tourists. The best thing about the mall is a free vehicle area. Vehicles are not permitted to enter the mall area and people roam freely on road taking snaps.
The goods attracted us but our budget constraint made us look at the products only. We had lunch from a Chinese restaurant and the quality of food served was superb. We had many items starting from porridge to fried rice, drinks, noodles and many more. The price was reasonable and it didn't cost much for six people. In reality it was much cheaper in mall area than the one we paid in one of the dhabha. I always thought it was a good lesson but a harsh experience. You learn from your mistakes and nobody is perfect. A person who never makes mistakes are those who never try new things.
The heavy lunch made all of us lazy and restless but the beauty of nature pushed us to explore more. Thousands of people populated the vehicle free road and all people seems busy in their own little ways. Some were seen with families while others walked holding hand. I missed my only loving and caring wife not being near by me. I thought my trip would have been a long memorable one, had my wife been with me. The area was so packed and it was famous at the same time after shooting of a blockbuster film 3 Idiots in Shimla. We went to that place and took many snaps knowing we wont be able to come on our own. We all had a great time snapping and seeing around. The hilly area with civilizations on slope area made visitors take nice shots to keep as memories.
The day was late afternoon and we were exhausted but still our mind made no move to go back and rest. Still not believing some of the structures built during the British rule, we continued to see things around. After enjoying so much, we headed back to Yarrows, another name for IAAS. The body language showed all of us were tired and we certainly needed some rest. We all went to our respective rooms.
The evening came without any warning. The next thing was to explore the academic blocks in IAAS, so that one day in the near future Bhutan can also have one of such kind. The classes are good one, spacious and clean. Besides their daily training, so many sporting facilities are equipped. Gyms for body builders, tennis for game lovers, squash and many. The main way to academic block took around ten minutes with more than 200 cemented steps.
It was a blessing in disguise for Bhutanese to be a part of this famous and well equipped academy. Considerably learning from one of the best institution can surely bring change for Bhutan and its people. We came back and was sitting in an open grassland where their attendees bought evening tea for us. We had a nice talk and believed ourselves that "there is no substitute for hard work". We touched every topic from politics to breaucaeats, from training life to college life, personal talks and sometimes unwanted jokes to keep us focus and enjoy our talk.
The day ended with delicious dinner and all of us preferred to go to bed early. As i lay in my bed, many thinking came to my mind though i hardly had any solution. I thought whether i will be ever in position to repay back to my country??? How and till how long will i be able to serve my country??? Am i not privileged to have come here and pursue my study??? Will i always stand for my country to defend and serve Tsa Wa Sum ??? These are the questions that remained with limited answers but i was always optimistic to solve and answer it one fine day.
The days at Shimla ended as if i was watching a short documentary film. The day came for us to return back with heavy hearts and not wishing to come back. Mr. Dorji was really kind enough that he arranged institute car to drop us till bus terminal. A day of hope and a tie of friendship remained undisturbed. A trip to remember and a day to cherish. We are very much thankful to Mr. Dorji Wangdi and Mr. Kinzang Wangchuk for making our trip a memorable one. The support rendered by them is far from measurable and beyond expression but we will always remember your great hospitality. The trip that will always be remembered and remind ourselves the time of togetherness.
The journey back to Delhi started from Shimla and it took some ten hours to get back to the nosiest and busiest city. As we approached the line of Delhi, hot air started to pass through the small open windows like hot vapours rising out of the boiled water. The hot air made me sick again and unhealthy smells like decomposed materials passed through the windows. As we got off the bus, it was much hotter outside and within few minutes sweats grew from my body.
We are finally to our place a small apartment with just two rooms, a kitchen, a bathroom and a toilet. Ants ran through our beds during day and mosquitoes ruled the whole night. Yet, this is the best apartment we could afford in a very fast changing places like Delhi. Getting some good rooms within reasonable rent was a good dream here. People don't hesitate to charge as high as they can and deceive strangers. But this cannot be denied because we are informed that thousands of people from near by States enter the capital for one purpose or the other. We are atleast happy to be lucky few to have a good landlord in place of house. Whether we like it or not, the time has to go on and we must fight to survive and learn the lessons. The hardships i suffer here will teach me a lesson in my life and know the value of every little things.
We are all exhausted and took a short break and took our dinner and got off to bed. In my bed i still went back to those places visited and cherished that if i not gone, i would have never known such a nice place on earth. Going back to the places in Shimla led me a very good and sound sleep though the heat was terrible thing. After all it was such a memorable trip not forgetting the hardships we faced during our journey. It was awesome one!!!
No comments:
Post a Comment