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…