Rafting xPedition...A trip to God's country - 1

Preface:
The Cast...

Lead's...

Rishabh: The Foody, Zilch swimmer, Knee Head, PeaNut Slinger, RoadHog.
Aparna: The Philosopher, Void Architect, Road Sign BroadCaster.
Kunal: The Iron Man, Knee Head, Systematizer.
Raghavan: Mr Funda, Witty, Jaundice Crusader. [a.k.a. Raghav]

Supporting Crew:
Pappu and Garry: The Saviours, River Messiah's

Special Thanks To...
Neeraj, Sushant: The Organisers

Guest Appearance
The bufallo who made full use of the traffic and licked the rear glass of the car as per convenience.

Uncertainity, if's, but's, how's and whom's. These were the questions when the idea was first concieved. Some people walked off right at at the onset, some screwed up the next day, some said "Sure thing. Just tell me when to leave." Finally it got set. Four of us were all set n xCited to leave on the rafting xPedition. Everyone was charged up.

Friday, 15'th April
The day begins as usual. Stuffed my bag in the car and left for office. The plan was to pick up Kunal in the evening and then the rest two. Reached office, took some driving precautions and route directions from felllow colleagues. Recollected the ToDO and Checklist of the stuff to carry with Kunal and Aparna. Also Drafted a plan to pick whom from where.

Aparna left for home 5:40 to pack her stuff. Kunal went to his room. Initially he waited patiently for me to wind up my work and leave to pick him up. Finally the iron man lost his cool and I had to leave office with work finishing just on time. Drove the car to his place. Collected his belongings, some cash and in the process committed a mistake. On enroute to my aunty's place to collect the camera and waist pouch, Kunal suggested to take the Kapashera Border route instead of National Highway. Any other day the mind would have clicked just on hearing Kapashera Border but that moment was just not ours. Got stuck in a massive damn jam. Finally reached aunty's home, collected the utils, did some shopping, had a decent dinner and left to pick up Aparna and her brother a.k.a. Raghav. After a small search/find exercise, we found these two looking for us on the streets.
So everyone was there. The luggage was placed in the boot, damaging the left speaker wire in the process. Kunal in the pilot's seat and me as the co-pilot. And in 15 minutes, we left for the place of the Gods.

The drive was a pleasant one, Raghav gave all the route directions, roads after roads, reached Delhi Border and then the highway to heaven. the journey had begun.

Saturday 16'th Apr, 00:00:00, Somewhere in U.P.
Tried to get some air for the car tires but simply failed. So continued what we had...stopped on a dhabba to straighten our backs. My one quote was challenged and tossed around in the entire journey. I commited a sin by asking my fellow wanderers if they need a break (infact brake, as i realised it later) as they were sitting in the same location for more than 2 hours. The penalty...they kept asking me every then if i need a steering or a clutch or an accelerator throughout the journey. Couldn't get rid of all car parts until i reached home. It was a great time travelling. Had discussions on varied topics...physics, trucks, their families the names of their children and wive(s) etc. The weather was pleasant and the wind was chill. There was pitch darkness on the two sides of the road. We were moving @ an average speed of 80 kmph. There were a few thrills with some of my breathtaking turns and maverick driving, so recieved some deadly stares and safety fundas from the other passengers. Agreeing to almost every voice in the car, we zipped ahead.

Crossed the beautiful and well planned Roorkee Cantonment city. Last time i visited this place, it was raining like bulls and elephants. Never witnessed such a downpour in my life. This time it was very calm and serene. Aparna and Raghav were almost sleeping with nodding sometimes to mine and Kunal;s comments and talks. Kunal was feeding me with wafers, cookies and soft-drinks every 15 minutes to calm my starving self and also ensured i do not sleep while i'm on the steering.

Then came some adventure n xCitement. I made a general comment that we'll touch Haridwar in 20 mins. It was still around 40 Kms. from our location. Suddenly my statement turned into a bet. Me versus Kunal. Aparna was the time keeper. And Raghav, i'm sure by this time was humming Hallelujah's and praying hard for safety of everyone. I raced, the car, speedometer touched 110 KMpH, still kunal was sure about his victory and i was about mine. But the luck wasn't on my side. After a fine strech which lasted around 5 minutes, there were trucks and more trucks on the road. The road also had no mercy on me. And to top everything, there was a security barricade in front of me. I lost by 5 minutes. I now owe "something" to Kunal.

So, we reached Haridwar. Time around 03:45 A.M. The weather was just getting better and better. We could also hear the river Ganges flowing nearby. We stopped the car just after reaching Haridwar and decided to take a "break" for sometime. I was sitting on the road, Kunal almost disappeared to answer nature's call, Aparna and Raghav preferred to sit in the car.

Here comes a dilemma. Where to go next? 'coz it would be so early to reach our base camp. And too late to check-in the hotel in haridwar which was booked for us! I suggestedan option to unwind ourselves near the bank of river Ganges. Kunal had a better idea to drive to the base camp and relax our bodies before the real thing begins. But Aparna gave a superb idea to go to an area called "Triveni". It was a small bank of the river with mountains all around it and white sand on the shore. We all agreed unanimously. we drove to the place, it was beautiful. Although there were people there taking holy dips and doing some religious stuff, we found the place amazing. The water was chilly and the flow was quite rapid. It was difficult to stand in there even for two minutes. We laid a bed sheet there and lied down. Kunal slept for whatever time he had, while Raghav and I appreciated the flute play by Aparna. Me and Raghav talked about the mountains around and the sunrise time and Aparna was practicing meditation. We were there as the first light of the day was about to unveil itself. And when this happenned, we left for our base camp with a zeal in the eyes and envisaging the things to come. We were headed towards some supernal experience.

Rafting xPedition...A trip to God's country - 2

After getting fresh… (Well no details about how's and where's)…we left for our base camp. I was again the nap-deprived driver as Kunal was in no condition to drive. But he was kind enough to be in the co-pilot zone. The journey began on a hilly track. I had no experience of driving on hills but after 15-20 mins of driving, it becomes usual. So by this time I was driving in my usual self, fast and maverick, but not reckless. Kunal was already dozing while me raghav and aparna were enjoying the picturesque surroundings. Aparna requested to be the co-pilot and kunal agreed instantly. The reason, well he would be in a better position to sleep sitting in the back seat with raghav. The route was dangerous and whatever traffic existed was weighing more than 5 times the weight of the car. Aparna was performing the duties of the co-pilot very well, by reading almost every road signs and safety warnings as they appeared on every turn loud and clear. Also she insisted that I follow these. Don't know if three of these were scared by my driving but I was enjoying the ride passionately. We drove and drove as per the instructions given by Garry on phone @ Triveni. After driving for an hour or so we reached the camp. The time was 7:30 am. There was a guy (don't know his name) and a doggie to welcome us. He showed us the way to the tents and it was down-the-hill. We parked the car, carried our luggage and started descending down on a stony pass way through the jungle. Soon we were able to see our tents. It was an amazing view from the top. Big mountain ranges, a river flowing making great sound, rocks and white sand on the beach and around 10 camps. Pappu and Garry came to greet us as we reached in there. They took our luggage to our tents. We chose the one's which were just 3 meters from the bank of the river. The bedding was nice although there was sand all over. Me and kunal were sharing one tent while the other two siblings were in the adjacent tent. We all just gazed at the marvelous beauty there. Calm and serene. The river was flowing contributing to the only sound which existed there. We roamed around the white sand, throwing rocks in the river, getting a feel of the entire area. On one corner there were our camps, a few meter apart was the breakfast tent and pantry. The loo's were quite innovative although we had a terrible experience every time we had to reply to nature's calls. We rested there for 1 hr or so, had a great breakfast which we never expected in such an isolated region. Played volleyball for a while and by this time, the other group arrived. Very jovious guys n gals. Mostly newly married couples. Seeing the fair ones, Raghav had the sudden and desperate urge to get clean shaven ;).

They took some time getting fresh and having breakfast. And when everyone was ready, we could see Pappu and Garry inflating the Rafts. We were given life jackets, helmets and the paddles. There was a small debriefing session where we were told about rafting, the river, the raft, paddles and the life jackets. We were also ensured safety provided we stick to the instructions and carry the life jacket. Garry was the faculty and he explained the commands and the a's b's and c's of everything in a very humorous and entertaining way. We were divided into two groups as there were two rafts. After been familiarized with the river and the equipment, we were as'd to practice the paddling commands in the shallow waters near the banks. Did fairly well there to respond to the commands of the river guide sitting at the back of the raft. I was sitting at the front side with raghav at the other corner. Aparna was the "<>". So rafting began. Everyone in our raft were following the instructions and responding unlike the other raft. Everyone seemed to be the river guide in the other raft. The assigned river guide must be having a terrible time with 11 undisciplined rovers.

Rafting xPedition...A trip to God's country - 3

The river was getting turbulent as we moved ahead. The initial rapids were easy and lasted just for seconds. But the real ones were very furious and we were feeling being slapped by the waves as they hit the raft. The raft was almost rocking on the waves. Beautiful experience. Something that I never experienced before. When the water became calm and less turbulent, pappu told us to jump into the river and float along the raft holding the lifeline. The swimmers just jumped but the novices like me were a bit hesitant. The water was deep and I am a zero swimmer. But thanks to kunal, aparna and raghav. They made me feel confident and assured to be with me all the time. Having full trust in them, I splashed into the river. It was the experience of the life time. I was floating in the river holding the hand of aparna and kunal. Ragav was trying to teach me swimming but in vain. We floated in the river until we heard the river guide as'd us to get back to the raft. There were big rapids ahead. We got in the boat and took our respective positions. Had a great time with the rapids. The other raft was always ahead of us despite our various attempts to over take them. Everyone on the other raft was doing everything right except following the instructions of the guide. The result…they smashed there raft on the rocks leading to a puncture which left the raft unusable. Thanks to god no one was injured. We somehow got them to the bank of an island. Now we were no where to go. And no one was there to provide any help. Our river guides decided that they will go to the camp in our raft and will get a new one. We were stranded on the island without food, water and boats. Some of the guys in the other group decided to climb up the hill to get something to eat and drink. The four of us decided to trek on the hills. We found a nice place a few meters above the rocks and rested there. There was absolutely nothing to do. After an hour or so, these guys came with whatever they could arrange. They were able to find a small shop over the hill and got some food. They were very kind enough to offer us the cold drinks. We had to wait for another hour or so before Pappu came with a new raft and a new guide. This new guide as'd everyone to be disciplined and to follow the instructions to avoid any accidents. We were again in the river. Facing g rapids as they were coming. The river was getting more and more turbulent but we were also gaining experience how to handle the situation. We were in water for around more than 7 hrs. And doing so everyone was tired and exhausted. As the Marine drive was approaching, everyone was paddling harder to make their raft hit the shore first. Despite being the runners up all the time, we managed to touch the bank first. We were victorious. But there was a tough task ahead of us. To carry the raft uphill where the vehicles were waiting to take us back to the camp. The rafts were heavy and we were tired. But somehow managed. The raft was placed on the top of the sumo and we were being taken to the camps. As we hit our camps, we had no energy left to do anything. Everyone was hungry and a very tempting lunch was prepared for us. We ate like there is no tomorrow and went to sleep. Slept real hard for 4-5 hours. There were plans to play volleyball, cricket but all went into vain as when we got up, it was already dark and the time was nine'ish. After the sleep everyone was feeling fresh and lively. Had nice snacks in the evening. After which we sat and started talking, various subjects, various fundas, leg pulling etc. The protocol was to change the topic of discussion whenever anyone throws peanuts at the others. Usually I was the one who was slinging peanuts at kunal and raghav. The dinner was served. After the dinner we clicked some photographs lying down in the cold white sand. Weird, I would say the photographs were. Spending some memorable time there, we went to sleep. But why should aparna let us sleep? She came to our tent with her flute and started playing it. Kunal also joined her and took some lessons while I was feeling very sleepy. I requested these two to let me sleep but why should they listen to me. Finally I went on sleeping with the cover all over my body and these two played flute on and on as I can remember.

We woke up to a beautiful day. Played volleyball, clicked some snaps, had a decent breakfast. I got this idea to take sand baths, but was too lazy to dig sand. Kunal started digging the pit and we all covered him with sand once it was done. Next it was my turn. Gawd. These three covered me with sand and started playing around with my carved body. These three nuts challenged God's creation and transformed me into something which I can't explain. A photograph says it all.

This splendid time was coming to an end as we had to leave on the same day. No one wanted to leave this paradise. Packed our bags and we were on the wheels again. Kunal and Raghav were driving some other car which was required to be taken to Marine Drive. Me and aparna drove while I introduced her to the music of U2. She was so lost in the music that she slept. Four of us were together at marine drive. We traveled around 20 kms, when Raghav realized that he has left his camera in the other car. Came back, collected the camera and once again set out for home. Traveling was fun. I was feeling very guilty for aparna and raghav as they were treated to loud rock n roll music which me and kunal enjoyed. But these two never complained. Tough people I must say. ;)

Reached Ghaziabad. Heavy traffic. Buffaloes carrying sugarcane everywhere. One such buffalo licked the dust off the rear window. God it was yuck. But nothing we could do about it.
We were hitting our homes soon. Dropped aparna and raghav first. Kunal stayed over at my place. Last 2 days were like a beautiful dream. And this dream was very much over now leaving some unforgettful and memories which will be treasured for life.

Next day when we met in office, we were planning for our next trip…which was also to be realized soon…

When is my time going to come. Why do i always have to carry the unlucky flag with me. For how long i can be positive with the things going around me, acting like unbothered. Why do i have to be the one who has to play a scape goat everytime. Why am i always taken for granted. Disobliged. Dispensable.

I'm a human too...like others. I also have some desires, expectations, pains, feelings and emotions.
I'm going through terrible times these days. Almost hell. This is going to be a very difficult and traumatic experience for me. Everything in universe is in a balanced state. For every suffering moment there should be an equal relishing moment.
When will the time come when i'll be at peace with myself and the events around me. Whem am i going to feel satisfied and fulfilled with what i've got.

My ill fate started since December 2003. A year and 5 months have passed. Instead of moving forward i'm taking giant leaps backwards. I wish there was someone with whom i can share everything. Who could help me out of my blues. Show me the right path. The person who should have been standing next to me and supporting me doesn't even recognizes me anymore.
When is this test going to end. And what goodness its going to bring once/if it gets over.



Right now this blog seems to be a best friend. Listens to me, never complains, never consoles but thats fine.



I need to come out of this hell. I have to make a transition.

xPansion elucidated...

If everything is contained within the universe then where/how is it xPanded? Is there some space outside universe also which facilitates the xPansion?

Listen to me first completely before interrupting...No one will fire rounds at you for listening peacefully.

Consider a hypothetical boundary of the universe. Light is travelling with a velocity = 'c' which is quite a high speed trust me (3e8 m/s). At any given moment of time, the best telescope on the planet can see distance till 'd' light years since light hasn't reached beyond that point. As the Light is travelling, the dark, unexplored portions of this universe are being concealed. So my hypothetical boundary is being xTended coz i can see more. So with each smallest unit of time elapsed, say 't', some more part of the universe is being unveiled. So we say the Universe has xPanded, wherein what's actually happenning is something else. In other words...The Universe is not xPanding you better understand that.

Contradictions: Rishabh how wud you xPlain the concept of doppler effect, the shift of galaxies from each other etc, because your crap is contradicting.

Well right now i may not have the proper reasoning for these but all i need is just a couple of more sleepless nights under the black sky. BTW i dont believe in your concepts about the drift of galaxies and associated blah's. [If a debate starts on this, i have a very sharp weapon to retaliate...my Anti-Kouting philosophy ;)]

This is the only explanation I can think of to live harmlessly with the fact that "Universe is expanding".