Ali, Biswanath and Saswat were good friends since they had joined the school. They were fortunate enough to be admitted to study in the oldest and the best school of the city. The alumni list of their school read like a dictionary of Who’s who. The three of them didn’t lack in anything. They were good students and also excelled in sports too.
The 12 board exams were over and the trio decided to be together in the afternoon at their favourite spot to plan for the summer. It was that place where they went every day after school.That spot under the mango tree on the river bank, offered them comfort and familiarity to relax and open up. Biswanath,the witty one among them, used to call it their “prudent spot”.
That day they discussed about the boring city life and it’s irritating pollution. So eager to create lasting memories they discussed about a trip beyond their city to explore the natural beauties, such as rivers, water falls ,villages,forests and hills.To be in the lap of nature would be wonderful they thought.
Ali’s father had an automobile garage. So he arranged easily a van for the boys’ trip. With the van, a map , a camera,first-aid-box and three bags of their essential things they thought to start the journey.Their mothers saw their preparation and added the most important things,that were a gas stove ,utensils and other essential things such as cooking oil, masala, salt, all that were required for cooking.
One fine morning with their dream along with them they started their journey with the blessings from their parents.
They spent weeks travelling through small towns, villages, vast landscapes and iconic landmarks. Along the way they encountered people and children with diverse stories.It was very exciting for them and they enjoyed it very much.
But the journey wasn’t always smooth. On way they faced storms two times. Sometimes miscommunication worried them.They too got fatigued.Many times the old van gave trouble.They had to stop on way,but anyhow Ali could manage to bring it back to life. They missed the home cooked meals everyday . But these obstacles helped to strengthen their bond further. It grew their resilience and broadened their ideas and confidence.
Inspite of troubles their journey was interesting and enjoying, when rustic boys of the village surround the van with curiosity and peasants from the fields watch in awe as they took photographs of anthills, clouds and temples.Those were their happy moments .Saswat was the main photographer through the journey.His shootings were really good. They too enjoyed their bath in rivers and ponds. Out of the three Biswanath had some knowledge of cooking.
And cooking was real fun for them. Mostly they put their stove under the shade of a tree near a waterbody.Sawswat and Ali used to bring water from the river and grocery from the local market. Mostly Biswanath made rice and egg curry with potato. It was his easy dishes. That way they had a picnic everyday in cooking in a field and eating in the open. .One day while they were having their meals a troop of monkeys approached them.They threw some food towards them and came back to their van and took their meals inside.
Their stay at rural surrounding helped them to learn many things.The people’s simplicity,authenticity and connection to nature was contrasted with the complexity and percieved artificiality of urban life which they have experienced in their city.The rural people’s simplicity was associated with purity of living, that led to essential needs and traditional values.There was poverty no doubt but villagers managed nicely to live happily with minimal.
Their adventure beyond the city became not just a physical journey but also a path of self-discovery.They became strong to endure hardship.Beyond comfort zone they managed without grumbling.They could handle fear in unknown situation.
The time for their return was approaching.They could realise that fueled by excitement to explore, each of them had created unique skill among him.
To be connected to the soil was a great thing.The pure water and the fresh air had already freshned up them.The connection with locals had taught them how good relationships could be maintained.Previously the three were friends but during the trip they had learnt the lesson about valuable friendship.
The journey was to explore natural resourses but they ended up exploring themselves in deeper personal ways.It was not just a physical journey,it showed the path to higher values.It not only enriched their present life but also laid a foundation for a succesful future.
Biswanath had the quality of good observation.During the trip,every evening he wrote every detail of the day in his diary.Saswat chronicled the entire journey through his photography.Ali had managed the occasional breakdowns of the van.The trio had realized their talents.The return trip was much more easier for them than the previous one.
They arrived home tiny bit wiser. Parents and others found them less mischievous and childish.
A few free time were there for them till their results were out. They continued discussing their future careers in their prudent point.
Ali thought of a career in engineering. After the results came out he could get a seat in a good Institute to pursue engineering.Biswanath thought of becoming a public relations specialist. He was confident of his communication skill and keen interest in dealing with human beings . He also tried to write travel stories to become a good story writer. On the other hand Saswat discussed with others about his passion for photography.
Biswanath said, ” come on buddy. You are the luckiest among us. You have a lot of options to choose a career in photography. ”
“That’s true,” agreed Ali. “You may go to study cinematography, or you may become a videophotographer. ”
“You left one more option.” said Bishwanath quickly. “He may also be a graphic designer. ”
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