The brilliantly rewarding day ended with a charming dusk – a bunch of friends sitting around the campfire, sipping the smooth velvet wine under the full moon sky.
Was I too drunk with the beauty of the whole experience, or was it the spirit seeping through my veins? I could not say.
Again, making people jump after attempts to heat food on a paper plate in the camp fire….or flinging a marshmallow-on-fire after a sincere effort at roasting – can happen to any soberly sensible person, yes? I thought so. 
The cabin (yurt) we stayed was such a cozy cocoon of warmth, we slept tight only to wake up to a juicy-sweet morning. Lying right next to my baby and my man, I shall always remember the thick golden rays from the skylight ..sensuously reaching out to caress the eyelids .
I set out with my people into the valley again, to savor it all some more before heading back home. Half a day of dainty wilderness and no action plans – it could not get better. I would be lucky to spot a few blue jays and deer on the way. It was dainty alright, and I did spot the blue jay and the deer, but an unbelievable coincidence that day made it extraordinary incredible!
Want a slice of the scene?
Flash back, cut to the moment when a car drives into some parking lot.
Zoom inside the car, a silver grey Infinity. Passengers include a chirpy young girl and her smart young boy.
————–
Girl : Hey Boy, AHK said she is going to the valley this weekend. We should ask her details about the overnight stay.
Boy: Sure. Wait…you said AHK? Look there’s a girl in that car parked across ours. It might be her.
Girl: * laughs* Here? Yeah right! As if I’ll fall for that.
Boy: No, I really think so.
Girl: Huh? How can you say? You just know her by the blog.
Boy: There’s a baby in the car too..the stroller..
Girl: Oh, shut up 
.
.
.
That girl who got down the other car with a baby takes one look at this Girl and walks right up to her..
.
.
“Heyyyy Pepper!! Hi ! This is AHK”
The look on the poor little chirpy girl was absolutely Priceless.
Shock. Disbelief. Happy. Arey! What? Really? No way! - all bundled up in one expression.
And me? I was just too excited about seeing Pepper and Mint so unexpectedly, not even sure what else I said/did. Squealed, jumped, laughed, hugged or all that at once. Who remembers?
But one thing I remember saying – “The eyes. I knew it was you right away Pepper. Those eyes gave you away first! “
For the record, she does have dazzlingly beautiful pair of eyes. Cannot miss those. Also, you cannot miss Mint standing right next – sweet and smiling away nonchalantly.
Out of all days and all places, we had to be there the same day, same time, the same location and the same frigging parking lot! Wow, what a beautiful coincidence!
It took a few minutes for the excitement to settle down. As Pepper gushed over Paapu’s (seemingly) innocent looks, Mint got talking with the husband .( Turns out they studied in the same school, same city, although different year).
The visitors walking to a nearby waterfall must have wondered about two girls who spoke non-stop, laughed too much, hugged every other minute and generally acted lunatic together, without giving much of a glance towards the mesmerizing waterfalls right in front of them.
[ Special mention to the part of the conversation where AHK and Pepper were too excited for their bratty little friend, who just bagged her first dream job. An excited little jig was carried out in her honor ;) ]
Now, is there an award for the coolest, most awesome surprise bloggers meet in the best of locations ever? Ladies and Gentlemen..look no further, here is the clear winner.
Sigh!
“It’s a small world”, they say. I agree and add, “full of delightful surprises!”
When we bit through the juicy honeydew slices and hungrily gulped down the spicy lentil rice packed in a plastic box, the sound of the crystal water flowing next to us sounded like music. The day was bright and chirpy .The hubby, the baby and a few friends were all happy and smiling for no reason at all. The hike was yet to begin and we hardly thought of the adventure it may entail.
After we fastened the 13 month old in a sling cozily behind the husband’s back, we set off with a few water bottles , a back pack and a little spring of excitement in our steps.
The trail was smooth and the company was spirited. The gradual catching up of altitude hardly made much difference to the young zealous minds. Between the small talks and the chatter, we prided ourselves over the panting-hapless faces returning back from the hike on the same path. Little did we know..maybe.
About 30 minutes into the walking, when the sweat drops were just forming on the forehead, I stood aside to sip the cold water from my bottle and then drink some greenness around me. That was when I actually noticed the gushing sound and followed to peep down the trail edge. The scene was more than what I asked for, and I was thankful. Much needed rejuvenation and nature compelling to move forward, to try and seek the origin of this ruthlessly beautiful sight.
The trail got steeper and the heartbeats started to get audibly loud with exertion. The altitude brought a cold nip in the air, which graduated to little kisses of icy chillness. The smooth path morphed into rocky hardness and the puddles of water in the mud indicated the upcoming slippery prospect.
I looked up to seek the husband and saw him walking steadily ahead. The little one slept on the sling, blissfully, swaying to the her father’s unperturbed steps forward. I called out and got a quick backward glance to convey all is well. Caring words were exchanged -”Be careful..ice up here. Very slippery. Get on all fours if needed”.
The icy mud sloshed under the shoes, but the dampness smelt sweet, somehow. The distant roaring of the waterfall started sending down cool showers of faint mist wetting our warm sweaty skin..and the heart knew the efforts were going to be well worth it.
There were few moments of faltering, of unexpected slips down the moist cold rocks, of brown black damp soil making silly patters on the palms ..when I fell on all fours..and sometimes just on the butt. However, there were strangers with beautiful souls and helpful hands extending forward to help me get back on track. There was a concerned pause from the husband walking much ahead.. but still next to me.
The minutes and then the hour passed by, without any sign of the end nearing. Though the views on the way were prizes enough to be pleased, the neck still craned to get a glimpse of the real thing. Then, there was the rock. The giant vertical rock, black as kohl tinged with liquid green mossy patches all over . A little chisel of stairs invited the climbers to chug up. The husband, with the now openly awake baby on his back ( silently wondering, ‘where in the world am I?’), stops to ask “What happened?” and I gasp for breath to say “Don’t think will want to go anymore. Give me the baby and you carry on”. “No”, he said. “You are coming” and that was all I needed to pull myself ahead to join them on the vertical rock.
As I walked up the narrow stairs on that rock, feeling the green moss on my hands and the plump water drops on my body, dripping from above, I knew I did right. Those steps, I sensed, promised splendid gifts at the end. I planted a hearty kiss on my baby and then my man for keeping me inspired.
Notice the little line of steps where Im standing?
Right after the stairs ended, the final prize was almost in view. A few more steps and quick climbing over a hurdle ..and there is was!
We stood there…breathless with delight..right on the top of the waterfall !
The innocence of the simple flowing river water suddenly gave way to ferocious jumping down a height of 240 feet ..all right in front of us!
Paapu taking it all in..
This is where rainbows live..
Easily one of the most spectacular moments of my life.
[ P.S : The last weekend was a highly delectable mix of Adventure and Surprise in equal proportions. This narration is the first half of it..Adventure. The latter part, Surprise bit, is coming up next. Watch this space, my dearies]
It constantly lingers in the back of my head- the thought about not updating this space regularly. But quietly ignoring it was easy..until..I received this nice virtual whack on the head from a dear little friend recently. The dialogues were strong and effective. Sample these –
“You don’t want Paapu to grow up without documenting any of her toddlerhood, do you?”
“You’re being so mean”
Sigh!
I know, I know. Pepper, you win. ( and Revs, good training on drama dialogues 
)
So, here is a sincere effort to fill in on what went by, with special focus on ..who else? Paapu ofcourse Now, dozing off while reading is bad ( manners! ), so have a few pictures for you to keep going, okay?
So, the flight from Amreeka to Apna Desh is quite a lo..ong one and the first time in air for Paapu. I was terrified of the thought- “Will my Paapu be one among those shrieking non-stop on the flight? What will I do?!”.The in-laws were travelling with me and so I tried to breathe easy. However, this little girl on the plane was one of the best babies around * insert a big big proud grin here * She not only was her cheerful self, but made a number of friends up there. Here is one proof of Paapu entertaining herself using a few oranges and a Korean guy
Such was the love of a Sardarji uncle on another flight that he just said “It’s okay beta, bachi hai”, when Paapu toppled and spill an entire glass of water on his crisp suit ! He was only worried if the little one was hurt in the process. Sigh!
India welcomed her with open arms, literally. With so much happening and so many to entertain, Paapu never showed a single sign of jet lag. Took off on day one like a puppy to the puddle ( yes, I coined that phrase). My quiet little town, my home and garden is where I spent the first part of the trip and honestly, cherish the most now. Pure unadulterated joy! Laughing, eating, playing, talking – generally being happy while watching my baby soak in the warmth that love brought in.
I also noticed that there are just so many little things, that we take for granted, while at home there – which remain elusive while in the US of A.
For example, who would dare leave a naughty baby walking around ‘free’ and naked like this without a diaper in the carpet land here?
Or, how many times would your baby’s curious eyes follow a row of busy ants right inside the balcony with such amusement?
One other scene that may not have a picture proof, but will forever remain in me is – My Appa, who recently turned 60, holding on to my Paapu, all of 11 months, and plucking flowers for the pooja. He plucks a flower and delicately slides it between her fingers and she holds it tight ( almost squishing the petals) and gingerly drops it into the flower basket. Every morning, every flower plucked and dropped into the basket was a source of such delight to all – the Grandpa, the little girl and of course the mom of the little girl watching them inconspicuously.
The in-laws place houses many kids – of cousins, relatives and neighbors. Paapu was the youngest of the lot and mostly loved the attention from all other kids around. One little fellow became so protective of Paapu, he would follow her like a shadow( literally) to every corner of the house. So much so that a sudden stop or turn and she would bump into him, loose balance and go * plop* on the floor, giggling
Then, there was the big occasion – of turning ONE! ( not by the calendar date but the one according to her star sign, as per traditional norm)
There were invitations printed, hall booked, special pooja arranged, food menu picked – Thanks to the in-laws and their efforts – we ( me and H) did not move a muscle until the D day. The gathering had hundreds of people, everyone wanting to hold Paapu, everyone wanting to pinch her cheeks. She relented for quite a long time, then gave up after a point.I noticed that look -” Who are all these people? I want to run with those kids there..leave me!”. I tried hard to rescue her, I really did. 
After all the pooja ceremonies, came the dreaded moment of the day – the ear piercing! The in-laws, in spite of my pleading against it, arranged for the ear piercing right on the same day, same hall, as part of the ongoing event. Tradition – bah!! I rather take her to a mall on a calm day and get a gun-shot-no-pain ear piercing on her tender ears. Boo hoo. And yes, that’s exactly what I did – Boo hoo-ed all the way. When that bulky man with the sharp thing drew blood from my paapus earlobes, she screamed in pain and I sobbed uncontrollably…holding onto my parents. After a few minutes, when all was done, Paapu went about grinning and I continued my sobbing. Yes, am an emotional fool like that and yes, there were many jokes about a mommy crying as if the baby was being married off and sent to nowhereland
There were only a few days, before tradition took over again. They said – soon after the baby turns one the head needs to be shaved. Not only does it help lustrous thick growth of new hair , but is also part of…( no surprise here)…tradition! I sulked until the last minute, but let them have their way. After all, H supported their views and I respected them enough to not create a fuss.
Off we went to the place known for tonsure – the one and only Tirupati. The drive was beautiful and I kept kissing Paapu’s soft baby curls every other minute. They were too dear to let go..couldn’t anyone understand? Argh!
Anyways, she was a champ when it came to shaving the head with a blade-knife. A little whimper and few tears, then smiles as always Me? I did not let a single teardrop trickle. Just held them tight inside. But, hurriedly grabbed a few of her shaved off baby curls before I left the venue.Paapu will be shown her baby scrapbook one fine day and I’ll watch her as she gets a glimpse of her own baby curls right there ..and scream with utter delight..or..with sheer disgust
The day to bid good bye and fly back soon arrived and while my gut twisted and tossed at the thought of missing ‘home’, I also felt quiet charged up. My days as a “working mom” were about to begin without any help and I was eager to take up the challenge! Oh, who am I kidding? I just had enough of the rules/traditions and wanted to run away to my place and make my own rules
It was hell the first few days after we returned – the jet lag, the tiredness, the cranky baby, the house work with no-help, above all the biting silence…..The Silenceeeeee…
Paapu seemed to be looking for the people and the noise and then constantly running to me when she found none. It was heart breaking, but I held up pretty strong, I think. At least, I did not cry along with her, see!
Time does heal every pain. The silence passed soon and life started rolling at a familiar pace.
When I took Paapu to her day care for the first time, I prepared for the worst, just in case. But, she took one look at the toys and those other little toddlers and went in with a “Aye!”. Not even a second glance at poor Amma. Oh, how happy that made me..and a tiny bit sad
There have been colds, there have been coughs, fevers and sleepless nights, there have been infections, doctor visits and sleepless nights, there have been antibiotics and much crying. And oh, sleepless nights.
But, minus those bad days, life has been sane.
I am/have been working really hard at it and am proud it has been alright so far. Hubby, who was a terrific example of a lazy bum when parents were here, now is seen doing unbelievable stuff like – vacuuming, heating food, readying-up Paapu ..even giving her a bath at times – no, really! I knew I would make my money’s worth from him some day
Paapu is no more the chubby baby I went to India with – she is a toddler sprouting 1.5 teeth, 1.5 millimeter of newly growing hair on the head and a naughtiness 1.5 times notched up. Don’t believe me with the last one?
Sample these -
- If not allowed to play with something ( ex: remote control), wait until Appa-Amma are not looking and then pick it up fast, run even faster in the opposite direction! Doesn’t matter if you trip and fall on the way.
- Amma is all sorry and pouts worriedly while she rubs on your ”boo boo’ ( hurt) lovingly. You imitate the pout and add a pair of puppy eyes to it for extra drama.
- The grandparents repeat the “Hello” and “Namaste” a 100 times for you to pick up and finally you say “Hey!” in true American style.
- The crying is not just crying when you don’t get your thing done in a given 3.8 seconds. The voice graduates to a customized scream almost sounding like an order, that cannot be ignored.
- To get a point across, you talk matter-of-factly with your right hand raised up and the index finger pointing to the sky. Always! The daycare provider claims you are a leader in the making, just because of this.
Okay, enough for now
Leaving you with this favorite pic.
Send in much of your loves, alright?
