Ziro

She taught me a song, in Apatani.

I was in Ziro as a student of agriculture, to learn about the sustainable form of farming practiced there.

I gifted her a chocolate bar. Unfortunately, we lost contact once I bid farewell. I missed her.

Decades passed. I became Dean of an Agriculture College. During the Cultural Program, a young girl sang the same familiar song.

Amazed, I asked her backstage, "Are you from Ziro?"

"Yes."

"Where's your mother?"

She smiled, and looked skywards. Those were the same eyes.

My voice choked. She held my palm, and gifted me a chocolate.


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• A to Z Challenge: Letter Z

Yercaud

"I'm going to meet my friend," he used to declare, but he never divulged further details.

"Another woman?" His wife wondered. Even at 75, he had the exuberance of youth.

"Follow your Dad. You are his Doctor too," she commanded her son.

He obliged, and was surprised to see his Dad driving all the way to Yercaud Lake, and buying Chili Bhaaji and masala tea from a stall. Then, he gossiped with other people of his age.

Chili wasn't good for his health, but his Dad's childlike happiness made him smile. Today, he wasn't a doctor, but a son.


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• A to Z Challenge: Letter Y

Xelvona

"Dolphins? In Xelvona?"

"This is Goa. There is magic everywhere," he said.

They were meeting after 10 long years. He wished he had confessed his feelings at the right time.

"Mom, let's go," her daughter, 8, was excited.

Soon, they were all aboard his boat. The little girl leaning over the deck, suddenly slipped and fell into the water.

They were horrified. The mother wailed, while he prepared to dive.

Just then, out of the waves, the child emerged, laughing, safely perched on the back of a dolphin.

"You were right," her mother was relieved, "there is magic everywhere."


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Wayanad

At what age he held a camera, he remembered not. What he recollected, though, was his first photograph - a pigeon feeding on porch.

Photography became his passion since then, and animals his love.

3 decades in an MNC pushed his hobby to the backyards. Post retirement, he drove towards his favorite destination, Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary.

Elephants were spotted, and deer. But where were the tigers? And vultures? And so many other species?

He had clicked them when he visited 30 years ago. Unfortunately, now only a few traces remained.

He sighed, dejected, his passion on the verge of extinction.


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Varanasi

He inhaled slow, and exhaled, his eyes searching for a spot in the busy Manikarnika Ghat. His 90th birthday brought him to Varanasi.

And the search for salvation.

He was tired. A week here, and he was still alive. Why wasn't he dying?

He observed deeply, and got the answer. The cremations took place amidst families and friends.

Who will cry for him? He had none.

He spread his food around. Soon, hungry birds, dogs and cats came . He watched them eating in content.

The next dawn he breathed his last, amidst his weeping friends - birds, dogs and cats.


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• A to Z Challenge: Letter V

Udaipur

"You do like Rajasthani history, right?" she asked.

He smiled.

A boat ride on Lake Pichola seemed a perfect start to their post engagement vacation.

"I am glad our parents agreed," she sighed, relieved.

He came closer, and hugged her. The pristine lake reflected their bond in glittering hues.

Suddenly, the reflection changed. Image of a Maharana of Udaipur, and his Rani, who looked exactly like them, appeared on the lake.

He recognized the Maharana. He had read how much he loved his wife, but their marriage failed.

Was history showing him the future?

The dilemma enveloped their silhouette.


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Tirupati

The Venkateswara Temple, Tirupati, witnessed thousands of devotees everyday. Her parents came here too with their own share of 'mannat.' Nandini was too young to know what that meant. Her attention was fixated at a group of people shaving their head.

While her parents looked away, Nandini ran towards the spot, and pocketed a fistful of hair.

Later that evening, her parents conversed, "May God cure our daughter soon."

Nandini, however, was excitedly trying out different styles by covering her head with those hair. Chemotherapy had stolen her tresses, but she was happy again today.

Her 'mannat' was fulfilled.

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• A to Z Challenge: Letter T

Srinagar

"Are you a guide?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Can you show us around Srinagar?"

"Sure."

We passed through Dal Lake and Shalimar Bagh. The couple, on their honeymoon, handed me the camera, as they posed against beautiful backdrops.

The Apple Orchard came next, my favorite.

"Look," the husband pointed towards the bark of an apple tree. It was his wife's name, engraved within a heart.

She was surprised, "Wow. When my Dad was posted in Srinagar, I often played here with a friend. He made this mark. But I can't remember his name. "

I hid my name badge inside my pocket.


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Rishikesh

I closed my eyes and chanted 'Aum.'

A revered spiritual guru had organized a 3 day Meditation Camp, and people flocked in large numbers. I was one of them.

I had come to Rishikesh for a special mission, to do what I was afraid of. I needed all my will power.

Three hours later, I was walking towards the bank of the Ganges with my friends. They were all excited about river rafting, while I was scared.

However, it was a different experience today. I never knew I could befriend water so easily.

I had finally captured my fears.

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Quilon

They reached Quilon by noon.

"Welcome aboard," the Captain greeted.

Backwaters! She felt at home.

The houseboat waded along Astamudi Lake. Suddenly, a thunderstorm erupted out of nowhere. With no time to anchor, the boat overturned.

The crew hung on to their life jackets. Her husband was caught unaware, and struggled to stay afloat.

She swam faster, and brought him on shore. Her husband was unconscious, but he would be fine.

She was, however, worried he would know her secret. The mermaid had to dry herself before he regained consciousness, so that her tail would again turn into legs.


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