Journey to Mysterious Kutla
It was my sister’s birthday in the coming couple of days, so my cousins randomly planned to celebrate the occasion in the hills, during an evening chat. I messaged my immediate supervisor that I am going on holiday for the next 3 days & she said OKAY in one go. In her voice, I felt assurance as if she knew what I was going through for some time & agreed upon my leave immediately. As if the universe was helping me, giving me a chance to BREATHE with a blank mind.
With the experience of 7 years, I was going through severe work depression for the last 2–3 months with continuous flaws in my work leading to criticism from various stakeholders. I guess we are all humane, no matter our place on the success and experience ladder. We all crave some space, encouragement & kindness at every step.
I had already prepared & mailed my substitution task for all my classes. We were supposed to leave our house the next evening, for boarding the bus. The night went away in packing the travel gear & essentials. It was tough to attend school the next day as a teacher; I suddenly remembered the excitement we used to have for school trips.
But, why does this feel— different & less similar?
The answer was simple — the difference lies in the heavy burden of adulthood on our shoulders.
Boarded the bus, got seated on our seats & received the complimentary water bottles. The journey begins, but the destination stay was not yet finally accepted by all, so you can guess how random this plan was. One of us came up with Mysterious Kutla page recommendation on Instagram, everyone liked the pictures & idea of a secluded place, contact was made with the person in charge there & our stay was finalized on the bus. Everyone slept with legs & heads tugged over each other happily for the rest of the bus journey.
We reached Kasol & it was pouring heavily. Was nature elated to welcome us happily, too?
So we covered our bags & walked to search for a place for food when it was drizzling after a while. Ate a heavy breakfast, boarded the next vehicle & reached the place from where the foot hike began.
The hike was steep, muddy, long & tiring. Some parts of the terrain welcomed us with beautiful waterfalls with the most “delicious” water. We reached it when it was dark. But the destination was worth the effort & energy. It was a small and secluded village with pretty little cottages and scrumptious meals. And most importantly, the breathtaking panoramic view in front. My heart knew that 2 days stay will never suffice for the scenic view. Ohh … & I was breathing with a blank mind.
Maybe that’s why probably every heart feels —
“Mountains are home for your soul.”
