The Three Letters

Dear Akarsh,

I don’t know if I’ll ever get the chance to see you again in this lifetime, but you will still be the most pleasant memory of my childhood. You had gate crashed my black and white life filling it with vibrant colors of innocent gaiety and emotions. I am still unable to believe the fact that it’s been whole four years since we had seen each other last time, probably because you have always been as fresh and delightful in my memories as you were on that beaming summer morning twelve years ago, when I first saw you.

You were like a beam of pure white moonlight which filled the lifeless cold winter night with life and joy. You took me on that magical ride, etching all those wondrous moments within the permanent pages of memories, you bloomed the spring flowers in the long dead valley of my soul. You allowed me the stop and enjoy the essence of amusing moments life offered to me, allowing me to venture into your optimistic world.

I was revived, but the time passed away too soon and one day you just vanished like a wisp of smoke. All these years, had been an endless time loop for me, I am like a hamster caught in the wheel of rapidly advancing life, but the memoirs left by you still give me the opportunity to pause by and admire the beauty of living.

I would have become a tiny fragment of your long lost memories by now, I don’t know if the life would be merciful enough to give me a second chance to write the unfinished story, but if it does, I am willing to try and give it a marvelous ending this time. You are and will always be the ray of light awaiting me at the end of every dark tunnel. You are the delicate snowdrop that brought this long dead lily to life…

Adhika

A couple tears escaped down her delicate cheeks as she sealed the piece paper in an envelope putting it away in her diary. Twenty years old Adhika Mishra was a second year medical student at Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi. Despite being a top notch student all her life she had a little circle of close friends owing to her introverted and timid nature. Her school life had been a covered with a shade of boring grey, her only most memorable memories of school were with Akarsh Gupta, a bubbly and outgoing boy with stunning looks to complement his chivalrous and cheerful nature. Adhika had met Akarsh at age of eight, when they had been put together in same class. Her monotonous life had suddenly become more fascinating and amazing.

Gradually, Adhika had fallen for his quirky yet interesting charms but the thought of losing a friend had held her back. When they had turned sixteen, Adhika’s parents decided to move from their hometown, shifting to a new city for her higher studies, Adhika’s heart was shattered at the thought of never getting to visit Akarsh. She tried to confess her feelings before leaving, but her attempts were in vain. They had stood on the opposite ends of street, separated by cars hurtling away; Adhika’s heart sank a million miles deep as she had looked at his lean figure on the other end, she could not make out the expressions of that angelic face but somewhere deep in her heart she was sure about seeing the strange shadowed sadness deep in those deep set black eyes as she bid him a tearful farewell. That time felt like a whole different century now, they had come a long way, engulfed by the ever increasing desires of mankind. For past three years, Adhika had written him three letters, this one being her latest one, strewing her unsaid feelings into words, he could maybe never get a chance to read it, but writing her emotions gave her an inexplicable strength.

Adhika let out an anguished sigh as she remembered the carefree days of childhood. She had officially finished her freshman year four days back and returned back to her family for half a month long break. Somehow she had succeeded in convincing her defensive parents into allowing her to take the solo trip to Himalyas which she had been planning for ever since she received her scholarship for term. With no further detain, she had booked her train tickets to Amritsar, from where she had decided to take a road trip relishing the beauty of pristine nature and enticing mountains. Her eventual destinations were the obscure and quiet towns of Dalhousie and Macleod Ganj, concealed under the enchanting beauty of hills.

That night she hit the bed extra early to ensure availing to her first ever single vacation.

                                                          ----xxx----

‘Yes mumma, I’ll look after myself, have my meals on time, stay away from weird people and stay in touch with you and dad. Now don’t tear up, I will be returning by next Monday…’Adhika told her weeping mom as she gave her a tight warm embrace.

‘Look after yourself well’, her dad told her as she hugged him.

‘I will dad, take care of yourself and mom’, Adhika replied trying to swallow her bubbling emotions.

She waved to her parents until the platform disappeared from the view, stifling a sob. After arranging her luggage, she suited herself into a comfy cross legged position and opened her newly purchased novel. She would have just finished reading the introduction when an unusually familiar voice called out to her.

‘Excuse me, do you mind moving your bags a little bit, I need to fit in my luggage’, the person said. Adhika’s head snapped out of the book as the voice tickled her senses; she looked up at the man before her. Deep set black eyes, perfectly chiseled jaw, tall lean frame stared down at her. It was the face she had least expected to see ever again, it was the source of her joy, sorrow and pain, it was Akarsh Gupta, standing before her as though jumped out of her vivid imagination and embedded into flesh and muscle.

‘Akarsh…?’, she whispered, more to herself than to him. Her heart was diving into the pool of profuse happiness she had not sensed for past four years.

‘Adhika!’, said Akarsh, realizing the identity of girl seated before him, his eyes dazzling with pleasure.

Adhika jumped to her feet and greeted him with an awkward handshake.

‘It’s been a long time’, she said, her cheeks turning a light shade of pink.

‘Yup, I can’t remember how quickly these four years swept away’, said Akarsh, remembering his school days. Akarsh arranged his luggage and settled down on his berth opposite to Adhika.

‘So how had you been, I never got to hear anything from you after our board exams’, began Akarsh.

‘After moving, we had been caught up with the job of fixing our home, later on the classes had started so I barely had time spared out to relax’, Adhika replied. She eliminated the fact that despite that she had thought about him almost every day without fail. Akarsh nodded understandingly.

‘So, how’s it been on your end? I heard you managed to crack engineering entrance test’, asked Adhika, recalling her school best friend mentioning about Akarsh’s selection.

‘Yeah, I was allotted college in Delhi. The term was completed six days ago, I dropped by to visit my aunt and take my planned solo vacation’, explained Akarsh.

‘Oh, coincidentally I happened to be pursuing studies at Delhi Institute of Medical Sciences’, Adhika said, flabbergasted at her own fortune.

‘Woah ! We must catch up sometime you know ’, Akarsh told her excitedly.

Adhika agreed to his statement, her eyes twinkling with exhilaration.

‘So where are you headed to?’, Akarsh asked.

‘Oh, I am also on a solitary holiday to Dalhousie and Macleod Ganj in Himachal Pradesh’, Adhika replied.

Akarsh’s eyes opened wide from the shocking fortune. They were both going for trips at same destination.

‘Guess what, I am also going for one week long savoring trip to same spots’, Akarsh said, elation evidently visible in his voice. Adhika’s mouth dropped open at revelation, she wasn’t expecting running into Akarsh ever again; this was far beyond her vision.

‘I can’t believe it…’, Adhika whispered softly, gazing longingly into his sparkling deep eyes. Akarsh did not turn away; he held the contact, looking back with anguished frailty, into her deep brown doe eyes, trying to decipher the words veiled inside them.

It wasn’t until Adhika broke the contact that they were awaken to reality, they both turned away, startled by the fierce moment. Adhika stared out of the window her mind processing the recent set of events.

‘Umm… Adhika, I don’t know if you would allow me to accompany you on this trip’, Akarsh began awkwardly.

‘I mean we are holidaying at same places, hanging out with each other will allow us to explore them more prolifically’, he quickly said seeing the confounded expression on Adhika’s face, and turned a bright shade of pink.

‘OK, that would be amazing’, Adhika replied, her insides were squirming with joy. She could feel blood rushing inside her veins by the effect of excess adrenaline secretion turning her a deep shade of red. She looked away, praising her luck.

                                                  ----xxx----

It was a fourteen hour train journey to Amritsar. The long and mundane journey had become more lively and electrifying with them laughing heartily at their childhood memories and sharing their lives of past four years. They arrived at Amritsar junction next morning. Each had booked hotel rooms in nearby lodges to freshen up and prepare them for road trip ahead. Akarsh insisted on staying with Adhika until her cab arrived, though she tried to convince him not to as it wasn’t her first time visiting the city, she had accompanied her father on his business trips to Amritsar. They had decided to visit the exalted Golden Temple before leaving for Himachal Pradesh.

‘Adhika, now that we are travelling together, do you mind giving me your number for convenient communication?’, Akarsh asked.

‘Yeah, I almost forgot it, note it down’, Adhika said, dictating her phone number. Akarsh saved her contact as cab pulled up in front of them.

‘I’ll get going, see you in two hours’, Adhika called to him as she got into the back. She was taking him around for breakfast and sightseeing. Adhika gave him a wide smile before leaving, she was over the moon. Their solitary tours had turned out to be something more anticipating, exciting and worth remembering.

‘Yes maa, I am alright, arrived at Amritsar this morning. I would be leaving for Himachal around two or three in afternoon’, Adhika told her hysterical mother. She had informed her parents about Akarsh and how they happened to be vacationing at same places; her parents had been relieved after hearing the news. They had known about Akarsh through their daughter and Akarsh had successfully built a good boy image in front of them.

‘Don’t worry maa, I will take care of myself. Besides, Akarsh is also there; I’ll get going now, love you’, Adhika cut the call as Akarsh got in the car beside her.

‘Bhaiyya, to Golden temple’, Adhika instructed their hired driver for tour.

‘Yes madam’, he said putting the car into gear. Akarsh and Adhika offered their respects at gurudwara and took in the ancient ascetic vibes of place. It was one of the most exotic sights they had ever seen, with the most special and pure aura. Adhika took Akarsh for the traditional and celebrated Punjabi breakfast of Amritsari Chole Kulcche topped with a huge glass of lassi. After exploring the heart of Punjab, they packed their bags to leave for Dalhousie.

                                                          ----xxx----

It was almost noon by the time they exited the boundary of city, mountains were still four hours away. Tall trees of eucalyptus were lining the highway on either side; the summer sun was glowing fiercely creating illusions on the road. Adhika dozed off as her head dropped into Akarsh’s shoulder. Akarsh was stunned. He turned to look at her sleeping soundly, and smiled lovingly at her charming and innocent figure.

Akarsh had befriended Adhika when they were still kids. Adhika was a reserved but brilliant student with a withdrawn existence while he was a social butterfly with exceptional looks. He had always been a campus heartthrob with his amiable yet aloof and slightly arrogant nature. Initially he had approached Adhika due to her intelligence, but slowly discovered her desire to live an ordinary school life which she had been deprived off. Gradually, with consistent efforts he had encouraged her to open up her true self enabling her to see the world from a new window. With time, he had begun to appreciate and care about her existence in his life. Adhika had risked her perfect image in an attempt to save him from suspension. Every time he had been stuck in trouble, she had helped him get through it. On the core she appeared to be a meek topper but inside she was just a frail girl craving for affection and acceptance. Slowly but surely, his admiration transformed into inviolable affection which he had nurtured all these years.

When Adhika had announced that she would be leaving the city right after exams, he had been heartbroken but masked away his pain with a bright smile, he cannot get in the way of her dreams which she had cherished all her life. He had waved to her hiding his tears under that falsified grin. Two years later he had received admission in his desired university, his career had reached the very first stepping stone, but his heart had remained lifeless and agonized. Little had he expected that destiny had written a different story for them, he had met her again, and the girl he had loved with all his devotion returned back into his forlorn life.

The car took a sharp turn and Akarsh instinctively steadied Adhika’s head, afraid of disturbing her slumber. He looked at the slightly round face with high cheekbones and perfectly carved rosy lips, sleeping peacefully and engraved that memory forever in his heart.

‘Adhika, wake up, we have arrived in the valley’, Akarsh purred softly. Adhika stirred in her sleep at the sound of his voice. She woke up, looking around dazedly. She looked at Akarsh, staring out of his window, his cheeks flushed. Her eyes nearly popped out of sockets upon seeing her hands wrapped around his arm, she had fallen asleep on his shoulder. Adhika turned beetroot red in embarrassment. She quickly untangled her hands and moved to her end of seat.

‘I-I am… sorry… for that’, she managed to murmur an incoherent apology, without turning to look at him.

‘It’s alright’, he replied, his voice slightly riffled. Adhika wondered about the disheveled tone but she could not bring herself to ask the reason after her recent humiliation. She chided herself mentally for being so imprudent and turned to look at the view outside her window.

It was awe inspiring scenery. Blue Mountains stretched across the horizon merging with the clear blue sky, a deep valley stretched between her and nearest hill, filled with jade and emerald green ferns sprinkled with bunches of pink, white and yellow flowers creating a perfect hue against the clear blue sky with white tufts of clouds. She can make out the outlines of hillside houses with sloppy roofs and angular architecture on the one side, with crops in stepped fields around them dancing cheerfully in bracing and cool breeze.

Adhika captured the revitalizing picture within the gallery of her mind and later on in the gallery of her camera. She looked at her side, Akarsh’s meticulously styled deep black hair had turned tangled and messy by the effect of mountain wind, but somehow he still managed to look like those fashion models in hair gel advertisements. His eyes were shining with impish merriment as he cracked a breathtaking dimpled smile towards Adhika. Adhika’s heart stopped for a moment, mesmerized by the stunningly handsome boy before her.

‘It’s beautiful’, he said, smiling in the most spectacular way. Adhika nodded finally remembering how to breathe.

‘I am glad to come on this vacation’, she beamed at him. She took out her camera and clicked a candid photo of Akarsh grinning heartily. She had caged that admirable picture forever in the diary of her heart.

                                                   

It was eight hours long journey by curvy mountain roads, night had fallen over the country by the time they arrived at Dalhousie. It was the peak holiday season, tourists from all around the world would be coming over to retire in the hill stations, Adhika had pre booked her room at one of the home stays in town with highest rating. Akarsh too had reserved a room at same home stay. They met downstairs for dinner after dropping their bags in their own respective rooms.

There was only a single vegetarian restaurant in whole town, which was about a fifteen minutes walk from their temporary stay. The temperature had dropped by several degrees at height of about two thousand meters; the weather was like mid-winters instead of scorching summer heat of May. They trudged down the narrow road, covered under warm clothes. The restaurant was doubtlessly crowded being the only one offering pure vegetarian cuisine. After waiting for about twenty five minutes they finally managed to get a table. They talked over the dinner having a round of shooting comical jabs at each other.

‘Adhika, can I ask you something?’, Akarsh asked Adhika as they walked back uphill.

‘Hmm’, Adhika looked up at him inquisitively.

‘All these years, did you ever thought about me?’, Akarsh said, slightly anxious. Adhika looked at him, remembering each and every tormenting day she had experienced in past four years.

‘Everyday’, she answered, her stare burning fiercely with all those untold emotions. Akarsh turned to look at her, meeting her moistened eyes with his own intense gaze. Akarsh saw the agony in her eyes and Adhika saw the painful regret in his. Akarsh looked away before his feelings could give him away. They walked silently for next five minutes, trying to decrypt the unsaid exchange between them, both afraid of hurting their friendship by revealing their feelings. They bid each other goodnight at lobby but none of them was able to sleep soundly that night.

Adhika met Akarsh at the reception area next morn, today’s list included visiting the waterfall landscape near town, it was an hour’s drive from town. Adhika had selected a pair of blue jeans, plain white shirt and light pink jacket with a high ponytail for her day’s attire, while Akarsh looked nothing less than a runway model with his black sports t-shirt and navy blue jeans. They reached the waterfall after one and an half hour drive owing to unfavorable traffic conditions. The intact cascade was burbling noisily, surrounded by dense foliage of ferns and shrubs. They could feel the sprinkles of water droplets every now and then. The descending drops reflected the dazzling sunlight creating a rainbow pattern. Adhika snapped at the indelible landscape. About half a kilometer down the waterfall, a narrow path led to adventure arena which was accompanied by few stalls selling handmade customized key chains and trinkets. Adhika had never been much of a sports person as a result Akarsh had to drag her to play, requesting her cutely; Adhika had eventually given in to his endearing attempts.

They enjoyed rock climbing, zip line, tree climbing and many more mountain sports. Adhika was contented beyond her own imagination, for the first time she had thought sports and adventures to be fun. It was already noon, by the time they had experienced every adventure.

Adhika decided to look around the stalls, which Akarsh agreed to. She stopped in front of a key chain customizing shop and enquired about the price of having one customized for her own self.

‘It will be sixty rupees for an individual, you can choose the layout according to your preference’ the middle aged shop keeper told her. Adhika rummaged through the wooden key chains and selected the one shaped in the form of a leaf. The owner painted a beautiful pattern and wrote her name in calligraphy. Adhika paid the amount while waiting for art piece to become dry.

‘You can have one more customized; it will only be hundred rupees for two of them, special discount for couple key chains’, the owner told her as Akarsh came up to her asking what she was doing.

‘We are not a couple’, Adhika explained, red in face. Akarsh nodded, equally blushing. Adhika collected the keychain and walked off quickly. She got back to their car waiting for Akarsh. He arrived after about ten minutes, carrying a newspaper parcel.

‘What did you buy?’, Adhika asked trying to peep inside the contents. Akarsh shoved it behind him.

‘Nothing’, he said nonchalantly. Adhika gave him piercing stare which he deliberately ignored. Akarsh suggested going to nearby view point and church. Adhika agreed. The church was located in a small hilly settlement. Akarsh climbed the crumbling leaf strewn stairs to church followed closely by Adhika. After paying their reverence they visited the edge of cliff where settlement was located. Cool breeze greeted them at the brink, a wide valley stretched before their eyes with turquoise and faded blue hills hovering over it magnificently, five or six houses were located at some distances apart, surrounded by fields cultivated in the form of steps, the vale was filled with every color of spring.

‘It’s so beautiful,’ Adhika breathed softly. Akarsh looked beside him; Adhika was smiling jovially, Akarsh was immediately intrigued, he looked at her tender face dazzling brightly under warm sunlight, and smiled adoringly.

‘Yes’, he whispered, he had the most lovely view right beside him. Adhika turned to look at him; he was looking down at her lovingly. Instinctively, Akarsh reached for the loosened locks of her hair blowing delicately in the breeze and placed them behind her ear. Adhika could feel the adrenaline surging inside her veins as her heart thumped noisily. She turned to look at the scenic view in front of her, stunned by his sudden action; she could feel the butterflies erupting inside her as her mouth cracked into an involuntary smile.

It was late evening by the time they returned back to their hotel. Locals had advised them to visit some neighboring villages to enjoy the essence of true regional culture. They had taken the delight in watching aesthetic dance forms performed by local villagers, and wide plantations of tea with women dressed in pastel colored conventional outfits with huge baskets behind their backs singing melodious Pahari songs, children were running around in settlements playing and grazing their sheep and goats, men could be seen working in field or talking about politics and world beyond their tranquil hills at small tea stalls smoking cigars and drinking cups of tea. They had relished the simple and peaceful lives of hills.

Akarsh asked Adhika out for a walk down to the main market after dinner. Dalhousie was a settlement established during British reign; as a result it still reflected elements of medieval British culture. Ancient cottages which were once owned by British generals and viceroys could be still seen standing steadfast along the narrow roads. Akarsh had skillfully acquainted few natives with his charms and wits. Adhika was amazed to hear that it was his second visit to the main town; he had walked downhill during dawn socializing and catechizing about tourist spots. Akarsh led Adhika to a small tea shop. The owner greeted him warmly recognizing him from his morning visit.

‘Is this the friend you had mentioned this morning?’, the man enquired Akarsh as he flashed a cheerful grin towards Adhika. Adhika smiled cordially towards him.

‘Yes, she is the friend’, Akarsh said returning his friendly smile. The man served them two cups of steaming tea in clay pots with complimentary biscuits.

‘I can see you have managed to make some good friends here’, Adhika told Akarsh, giving him an appreciative look.

‘That’s my talent’, Akarsh replied proudly, running his hand through his hair.

‘Narcissistic’, Adhika laughed at his pretentious reply.

                                            

They had reserved the following day for visiting Khajjiar, mini Switzerland of India. They left their residence by six in the morning. Khajjiar, was a small plateau located amongst the hills of middle Himalyan range, surrounded by dense forests of pine and deodar and covered under the blanket of lush green grass. Due to its geographical significance and unique landscape it was also known as Mini Switzerland of India. Adhika was overwhelmed at the sight of picturesque landscape; Khajjiar was the soothing sight for every sore eye.

‘Dare to race against me?’, Akarsh called to her gleefully as he ran ahead of her into the cool green field.

Adhika laughed at his youthful challenge and ran after him. They had a marvelous time playing around, their childish personalities had been stirred awaken by the pristine vibes of nature.

‘Adhika, would you like to go trekking on the hill nearby our home stay today evening? Locals told me the sunset from there was fabulous ’, Akarsh asked her as they sat in the middle field.

Adhika nodded in agreement. After returning back they were prepared to climb the hill to enjoy the sunset amongst mountains. Akarsh led the way clearing the path for Adhika behind him. They arrived at the top after an hour’s vigorous trek. They emerged out into the clearing at the top of hill. The scene before them was one of the quaintest views they had ever seen. The sky was covered in the flawless hues of golden yellow and orange, clouds drenched in vermillion hue were gradually accumulating behind the western hills occasionally hiding the golden orange sun, preparing to rest behind the hills, streaks of violet ran across the eastern and northern skies, the impending night was waiting patiently to engulf the endless sky. Birds were returning to their abodes, chirping thankfully for another soothing day. The old forests of pine and deodar welcomed its residents back to their abodes on the slopes of sturdy mountains. Adhika and Akarsh sat down on the moist grass below their feet, admiring the tranquil beauty of nature. 

‘God had painted this picture with the most admirable colors’, Adhika said, enchanted by the magical view.

‘I am glad I met you on this trip, Akarsh, or I would’ve never managed to savor such a captivating moment’, Adhika told him, her voice cracking with intense emotion. Akarsh turned to look at her; her eyes were saturated with unshed tears.

‘I won’t leave again’, he said softly, wiping a tear off her cheek. He smiled his quintessential dimpled smile at her. Adhika looked at him; she had finally found the shining ray of light back.

                                                     

They left for Macleod Ganj at the break of dawn next morning. Adhika had booked a trekking adventure to ancient mountain village and riverside for them both. After one hour, they arrived at the popular Buddhist pilgrimage. Macleod Ganj was a small town situated in the secluded sections of Himachal housing the prominent Namgyal Monastery. The town resembled ancient settlements of Ladakh with a long alley selling all kinds of goods which were a centre of tourist attraction.

They checked in their rooms at the only hotel in town. Adhika called the guide they had been assigned for trek, discussing the details and route of hike. They were supposed to meet the guide at sharp 7 ‘o’ clock that morning. Adhika packed a shoulder bag with water supplies, few snacks and medical kit. She pulled on her black and white jumper along with a classic black cap. Akarsh was already waiting for her in the car by the time she reached downstairs. They met their guide, Sandesh Verma at the foot of the hill they were climbing this morning. The trek was supposed to be seven to eight hours long. Their instructor, Sandesh was an amiable and jolly fellow in his early twenties. He greeted them with an energetic smile followed by a set of vital instructions for their tour.

They began their hike going through the dense forests of old conifers. The environment around them was as quiet as the dead mouse, except the hooting of mountain birds and occasional sounds of harmless wild animals and insects. They passed across two or three waterfalls gurgling down the steep hills surrounded by huge boulders. Adhika was clicking pictures at furious pace. After walking for about three hours they stopped near the bank of a stream of crystal clear water gushing down from glaciers. They had never seen a water body with pure and drinkable water in their hometown. The stream was free from the effect of voracious human touch, lost among the dense hills of Himachal. The water felt peculiarly warm and tranquilizing as it splashed against their feet.

‘It’s like a dream destination’, Akarsh said, riveted by the pristine nature around them. Adhika nodded sucking in the calm fragrance of gushing water and engrossing forest. She took out her camera to capture the beautiful scenery when a strong gust of wind blew the water from stream on her, startling her. The camera dropped from her hands right into the water below them. Akarsh’s hand moved quickly catching it before it could flow away with water but it was too late. Camera was completely drenched. Adhika tried to restart it but her efforts were in vain.

‘Don’t freak out, I’ll take a look at it once we get back’, Akarsh told a tensed Adhika. After all, he was a student at computer science engineering; he could try to extract their photos from memory card.

Adhika nodded a bit comforted. They continued following the trail, they arrived in a village settlement with houses made out of wood surrounded by fields growing vegetables and well known mountain crops. Sandesh introduced them to various varieties of crops and vegetation of area. They could see locals filling their clay pots with a hand well attached to nearby stream. Children were splashing around in the water while their mothers chatted with other women from locality while awaiting their chance to fill water for households. Older men and women were visible sitting outside in verandah of houses, their crinkly skins speaking of the experiences they had in their own youth. A couple of children would run back to their homes, their little feet carelessly splashing the puddles of mud, as their grandparents smiled tiredly at the young souls. They had their lunch at the café next to village. Sandesh made them try special cuisine of region, which was appreciated heartily by both.

By the time they came back it was already four in the evening. Adhika proposed to look around the town after an hour’s break. Akarsh met up with her outside their hotel, they trudged down to the street entering the alley packed with tourists bustling around from shop to shop, trying to bargain over the price or looking around the attractive items sold by shops. Adhika entered an antiques store with high shelves filled with merchandise exhibiting classical culture.

‘How may I help you, madam?’ the owner asked her solemnly. Adhika looked around the displayed articles deliberating over prices. Eventually she selected a set of twelve porcelain monk dolls playing various musical instruments. After a debate over price, owner finally gave in to her demands giving her a discount.

‘You are quite good at bargaining’, Akarsh said, amazed by her skills. Adhika sniggered at his comment and proceeded to look around the alley, handing him the cautiously packaged dolls. She stopped in front of a bookshop, examining the books on stand.

‘Adhika, would you like to try this one?’ Akarsh came up besides her carrying a fictitious novel. Adhika took the book from his hands and skimmed through the summary.

‘Yeah, thank you’, Adhika beamed at him.

‘I remember you loved to read these novels back in school’, Akarsh told her, his ears burning red.

Aarushi buried her nose in book, pretending to read, she could feel the color filling her cheeks. Akarsh had bought a set of primitive chess game which costed him quite a fortune. They enjoyed having roasted corn cob covered with spices and lemon juice. Adhika reached inside her bag, to retrieve her mobile when a spiraled notebook fell out. Akarsh picked up the notebook; it had three enveloped sticking out of it. Curious, Akarsh was about the open the notebook when Adhika snatched it back from him leaving him stunned.

‘It’s…It’s mine…’ , Adhika stammered hastily, slightly disheveled as she stuffed the notebook back inside her bag.

‘Oh, I am sorry’, Akarsh told her, baffled at her uncanny behavior.

                                                         

They returned back to hotel after enjoying a delicious meal at a local vegan restaurant. Adhika went back to her room ready to hit the pillow after a tiresome day. She was about to fall asleep when the broken camera struck her, she jumped out of the covers trying to fix the damage unsuccessfully. She deliberated over whether to disrupt Akarsh or not as she stood outside the door of his room. At the end she decided to disturb him, she could not catch sleep until she was assured about the safety of content in it. Hesitantly she knocked on his door twice. Akarsh opened the door, his hair were disarrayed and wet after the recent shower, he was dressed in his pajamas, all prepared for a goodnight’s sleep.

‘I- I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour, but can you take a look at camera?’, she stuttered, allured by his tempting appearance. She scolded herself halting her wildly running thoughts.

‘It’s fine, come in, it might take a while’, Akarsh said, clearly unaware of her inner turmoil. Adhika stared at him dumbfounded.

‘You can also select the pictures you want to keep’, Akarsh said to her. Adhika followed him inside and took the couch beside him, handing him the camera. Akarsh got down working and inspected the contents. Adhika couldn’t be of any particular help as she had next to negligible knowledge about digital objects. She looked around his room which was exceptionally meticulous. She took a glance at Akarsh completely concentrated on the task at his hands. At that moment he appeared to be more handsome and appealing than ever, with his jet black dampened hair dripping the water droplets, drenching the back of his neck with tiny water droplets. Adhika tore her gaze from his irresistible persona, turning crimson. She tried to distract herself from the unrestrained thoughts running across her mind. She picked up a random magazine, flipping unconsciously through its pages.

‘Adhika, where’s your laptop?’, Akarsh asked her after about an hour, he turned his head in her direction when he was met with silence. Adhika had fallen fast asleep on the couch. He laughed softly. He straightened her head and covered her with a blanket.

‘Adhika, where’s is your laptop?’, he asked her again.

‘In my bag on table’, Adhika mumbled in her sleep, she dropped the keys to her room in front of her and turned in her sleep. Akarsh stifled a giggle as he picked up the fallen keys. The camera was connected to her laptop therefore he required it to extract the images.

He hesitated before opening the door to Adhika’s room, it felt immoral, but images needed to be transferred before they became corrupt. He took in a deep breath and turned the knob. It was neatly arranged with her bags stacked in one corner beside the mirror table. Her laptop bag was lying on the desk. Akarsh took out the laptop and resumed his work. After about two more hours of intense work he eventually managed to transfer the images to her desktop. He accidentally knocked over her handbag while putting away the laptop. The contents spilled out on the floor. He saw the spiraled notebook amongst those objects and recalled Adhika’s peculiar attitude upon seeing the notebook with him. He put the things back inside except the notebook. He was now very curious about its content now.

He sat on the couch and began reading the handwritten notes. Adhika had recorded her all her important moments for past for four years inside those pages. Akarsh read it keenly, recording every word in his memory and living those past moments through her words. Eventually, he came across the nameless three letters filed at the end of the notebook. He opened the first letter and began reading. To his vast astonishment, it was addressed to him, he continued reading the letter.

Dear Akarsh,

This one year was longest year of my life. I remember hoping for you to come up beside me miraculously life you always did. Alas! I’ll probably never get a chance to hear that familiar voice filled with warmth calling out to me at the end of every dark night.

I wanted to extend my gracious gratitude towards you for teaching me the art of loving and being contented, for just being there in the golden phase of my life. I don’t recall exactly when I fell for you, but all the phenomenal moments with you are inscribed with golden ink in the pages of my life. Who would believe that the cherubic Adhika cries her eyes out alone during midnight, looking back into the time’s sphere?

Life had played a weird and ruthless game with me. It offered me a momentary ray of liveliness and snatched it back almost immediately. One year ago, we had stood on the opposite ends of street, sadly, we’ll always be on the opposite ends; I can’t reach out to you on the other side, ‘cause you moved away just too swiftly, never pausing to look back, leaving me in the mid way.

But it doesn’t matter; you can break my heart, if you must, because it was only ever yours to break, and even after the decades it will only ever be yours to break.

Adhika

Akarsh finished reading the letter; tears were flowing impregnably down his face. He opened the second and third letter with trembling hands; both of them were written to him.

Dear Akarsh,

I heard from Shruti today, congratulations on completing your entrance test successfully. I am glad that you found your desired path eventually. As for me, I have been selected for medical school in Delhi. I would be leaving for college next week.

It’s been complete two years; I have matured a lot in past two years, but the most peculiar part of story is that my heart is still as tender and fresh as it was two years ago. Sometimes I still imagine you coming up to me asking me to stay forever beside you. I know these are the childish fantasies but they give me an unexplainable happiness.

Somehow, I still feel that it is not the ending written by destiny, but then I am brought crashing into this realistic world of miseries. I had always desired for a simple but memorable proposal, but the poor soul of mine did not know that it desired for the impossible. Every tale wasn’t a happily ever after, so was it with me.

There are times when I question the heaven’s above why had they chosen me to fall in love with you and bear this agony for life, the answer is really simple, falling in love with someone is not your choice, but loving them is yours. You are the choice I have made for this lifetime, and I am willing to wait for you until the very end, I am willing to love you across the infinite millennial before me…

Adhika

Third letter slipped from Akarsh’s hand, dropping on the floor. Tears were rolling down his face, suffering of past four years visible distinctly in his moistened eyes.

‘So she loves me’, Akarsh thought to himself, laughing hollowly. He picked up the letters, putting them back in diary as though untouched. The heartache for past four years had subsided, Akarsh viewed himself in the mirror, his eyes were red and hair was in a complete mess. He smiled at his reflection. After all these years, she had always loved him; he was euphoric to realize the fact.

He went back to his room. Adhika was soundly asleep; her double eyelids were relaxed absorbed in the unknown dreams. Akarsh caressed her face gently, careful not to disturb her.

‘I’ll make up for you for past four years, Adhika’, he thought, tucking her open hair behind her ear. He gave her a longing look and lightly pressed his lips to her forehead.

Adhika woke up next morning and was shocked to find herself sleeping on Akarsh’s bed. He had tucked her in and requested for another room for night. Adhika was amused by his thought process. She got out of the bed and hurried to her room. Their agenda for today included visiting Namgyal Monastery, Dharamshala cricket stadium and famous Jwalaji temple, one of the Shaktipeeth temples in India.

Adhika wore a white one piece dress with light pink splashed on it, and complimented her outfit with a light brown straw hat; she had left her hair loose for extra effect. Akarsh was waiting for her in the reception. His heart skipped a beat upon seeing her, Adhika looked bewitching in that white-pink outfit and her chocolate brown hair falling down her shoulders.

‘You look gorgeous’; Akarsh complimented her, smiling her favorite dimpled smile.

‘Thanks’, Adhika said, smiling shyly. They trudged down the street towards monastery. It was an old pilgrimage site, which housed a beautiful idol of Lord Buddha. The monastery was build out of resilient wood from conifer forest, which had enabled it to stand stoutly for past many years. They paid their respects in temple and strolled around the premises.

‘When are your return tickets?’, Adhika enquired Akarsh.

‘Sunday’, he promptly replied. He had purposely altered his tickets to coincide with her. Adhika was elated; she asked him if he would like to explore Chandigarh with her tomorrow, which he was too enthusiastic to do.

They exited monastery and had deliciously steamed momos with garlic sauce and mayonnaise for breakfast. After which they visited the popular Dharamshala cricket stadium which had hosted many well known cricket tournaments and Shaktipeeth temple.

They returned back exhausted from their day’s tour. They were leaving for Chandigarh next morning; Adhika was particularly delighted to spend this vacation with Akarsh. She settled on her desk looking through her pictures of holiday, uploaded previous night by Akarsh. Camera had been damaged beyond repair but Akarsh had managed to save their memories. She paused at a picture of them both looking at each other, chuckling adorably. Night had fallen over Dharamshala, Adhika looked out of her window at the star studded sky. The moon was dazzling brightly under his radiant glow. She smiled graciously. This was the most pleasant vacation of her life.

Akarsh too was looking at the artistic night sky, adorned with stars and a big dappled moon. He called Adhika, she answered the call after two rings.

‘Adhika, look out of the window, the moon looks beautiful tonight’, he told her.

‘Hmm’, Adhika said, smiling a lovely smile at ravishing night.

They checked out next morning prepared for a six hour long car trip back to plains. They arrived in Chandigarh during late afternoon. Akarsh asked Adhika out for shopping and sightseeing. Adhika met him at the eminent shopping area at half past four. They went to almost every store in sector. Adhika successfully got a discount in her as well as Akarsh’s purchases, whom she chided for being heedless towards expenditure. Akarsh bought her ice cream as apology and her mood immediately brightened up.

It was almost twilight by the time they arrived at Rose Garden of city. Vehicles were dashing across the road, Adhika was waiting for Akarsh on the pavement; he was on the other end of the road. She waved at him. Akarsh waved back. She recalled the scene four years ago; they had stood on the opposite ends just like today, he had gone to his own path, never turning to look back while she had stood watching him getaway, this time it was different. Akarsh hurried through the traffic towards her, joining her on the pavement. Adhika smiled at him lovingly.

They entered the paradise of scented flowers of all shapes and sizes. The sky was covered in the streaks of golden yellow, vermillion hue and crimson, evening star was shining high above them, the moon was still low in the violet eastern sky. It was the most heavenly time of the day. Adhika was clearly enthralled by the evening.

‘Twilight… isn’t it the saddest time of day?’, Adhika said, thinking about their separation the next day.

‘I think it is the most glorious time, it brings us the night with stars and moon and hope for the magnificent dawn the following day’, Akarsh told her.

‘Akarsh, thank you for accompanying me on this holiday, it was really memorable’, she said to him, smiling pleasantly.

‘Adhika, I am willing to make your every holiday worth remembering’, he said to her. Adhika looked slightly perplexed at his statement. He took a step forward, standing right before her.

‘I can’t bring back those four years, but I am willing to give you another lifetime of beautiful memories. I am willing to accompany you on every journey. I am willing to laugh and cry with you at every moment of life. I am willing to give you all the happiness and love. Adhika Mishra, I, Akarsh Gupta, promise to love you until the very end. Will you still be willing to accept my love?’, Akarsh said, his eyes flowing with intense love for the woman before him. Adhika could feel tears whelming in her eyes, this was the moment she had dreamt of, this was the instance she had always desired to see, Akarsh had proposed to her, she could still not believe her fortune.

‘Yes, I am willing’, she whispered, her voice breaking at the last word. Akarsh took her into a warm embrace; she let down her tears, crying silently in his chest. Adhika caught a hold on herself and pulled back, her arms around Akarsh’s waist. She looked up at him, beaming blissfully. Akarsh smiled his alluring dimpled smile.

‘Is the proposal you desired for?’, Akarsh asked her. She nodded, and then it hit her, he had read her letters.

‘Did you…’, She left her sentence incomplete, looking away and turning bright pink. Akarsh chuckled blithely and took her face in his hands, turning it to face him again.

‘I did read the three letters’; he confirmed her speculations, his eyes twinkling with playful joy.

He looked at her skeptically; after a moment’s consideration, he bent down and pressed his lips tenderly against hers. Adhika kissed him back with emotions boiling inside her; she could feel the adrenaline surge inside her blood as her cheeks flushed. Her heart was beating loudly, she wondered if Akarsh could hear her accelerated heart beat. They pulled back after what felt like a brisk sweet moment.

‘I must say, your confessions were far more decorated’, Akarsh told her, as they strolled in the garden, hand in hand. Adhika gave herself a pat on head and sniggered proudly. They settled on a bench beside the white rose bushes. Akarsh produced a wooden keychain with their names written on it and a crystallized pendant from his pocket.

‘For how long did you plan all this?’, Adhika asked, astonished to see him holding the keychain and pendant.

‘Initially, I had planned to keep the keychain as a memoir and hand over the necklace to you before we depart as a memory of this trip, but after reading the letters I had decided to propose’, Akarsh told her happily. He gently kissed her hand before seeking permission to put on the necklace. Adhika gave an approving nod. He tied the crystal around her neck.

‘This twilight is really beautiful today’, he whispered. Adhika looked at the wooden keychain in her hands, with their names carved on it in calligraphy, smiling earnestly.

‘Eventually, it is a happily ever after’, she thought to herself as she snuggled closer to Akarsh, smiling affectionately towards her destiny.