"Just take my hand, lead, dance with me...

and I will simply follow the blueness of the water,

the white waves rolling free...

where the earth beneath my feet and stars make my heart whole again...

in long and priceless moments of shared solitude..."

― Oksana Rus

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Jealousy

As I zipped up my last piece of luggage, I went through a mental checklist once again, making sure I hadn't forgotten anything. This trip to Manali was going to last a week, so I needed to ensure I had all the essentials packed, along with some backup items just in case. I was so absorbed in my thoughts and calculations that I didn't hear Sahil approaching, ready to carry my bags down for me.

"Hey! I'm not finished packing yet," I protested as Sahil began to take my bags.

"What's left? We're running late," Sahil said, looking at me eagerly, his impatience evident.

"Um, well..." I hesitated, realizing that I had blurted out those words without even thinking. I had been so lost in my thoughts that I didn't know exactly what was left to pack.

"Di, I think you're just nervous," Sahil remarked, trying to reassure me. "How did you even manage to come to New York on your own then?" He added the last part humorously, expecting a lighthearted response.

His words hit me like a jolt. I didn't have an answer to that question. When I embarked on the journey to New York, I was driven by a desire to start fresh, to escape my previous life and its struggles. That journey had felt like a new beginning, and I hadn't really reflected on how it felt at the time. Now, as I faced the prospect of this camp in Manali, my mind was filled with doubts and uncertainties, and I couldn't help but wonder how I had managed to make that life-changing trip alone.

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Embarking on this journey to Manali with my friends was like a dream come true. It was my first time traveling with friends alone, and the anticipation of exploring a beautiful place together was exhilarating. After Sahil dropped me off at the airport, I met up with Tanya, and together, we boarded the flight.

Our adventure began as we touched down in Amritsar, India, just a few hours ago. We savored a delicious breakfast of parathas there before embarking on a bus journey to Manali. The winding road treated us to breathtaking views of untouched natural beauty. Lush green slopes, charming villages, and the sight of white sheep grazing under the clear blue sky all contributed to the serenity of the journey. I wished it would never end. As we neared Manali, the mountains grew taller and more majestic, enveloping us in an aura of peace and splendor.

Upon our arrival in Manali, we were greeted with pre-booked hotel accommodations, where we could freshen up and rest. Tanya and I shared a room, and after taking turns to shower, we took a much-needed nap. We were given a day to explore the area before our actual camping adventure began the following day. We needed to inform our families that we wouldn't have any contact with them for a week due to the lack of network signal during the camping trip.

The village offered us various small activities to engage in. We witnessed a traditional wedding where a bride was carried in a carriage called a 'Doli,' a beautiful cultural experience.

Manali, I had learned from my research, was not just about the Solang Valley and Rohtang Pass. It had so much more to offer, from sightseeing and trekking to water rafting and temple visits. Beyond the well-known attractions, there were hidden gems to discover, like vibrant neighborhoods, captivating museums, rejuvenating yoga sessions at the orange-roofed ashram, and the soothing melodies of cascading waterfalls. Each of these experiences allowed us to uncover a different facet of this popular hill town.

As we explored, we also indulged in the incredible local culture, history, and food, savoring delights like Mittha, nutty red rice, and Channa Madra. Manali was a destination frequented by travelers for sightseeing and corporate events, offering a rich tapestry of experiences.

Back at the hotel, Tanya was still asleep when Rishabh came to inform us about lunchtime in the dining area. Before waking her up, I decided to make a quick call to Sahil. His groggy voice greeted me as he answered the phone.

"Hello!" he mumbled, clearly still half-asleep. I realized it must be nighttime in New York, considering the early morning hour in India.

"Hey, it's me, Misha. Sorry, I forgot about the time difference. I'll call you later," I said, disconnecting the call before he could respond.

TIME SKIP TO LUNCH

After the instructor announced the schedule for the day during our meal, a wave of excitement swept through the group. We were informed that we had free time until 5 pm, after which there was a planned program followed by dinner. The next morning, our trekking adventure would begin at 5 a.m. The prospect of the upcoming activities filled the atmosphere with joy, and everyone was buzzing with enthusiasm.

Following lunch, Tanya and I returned to our dormitory so she could change her outfit for the day. As she was getting ready, my thoughts inevitably drifted to Karan, whom I hadn't seen during lunch. 

I had overheard some gossip suggesting that he was sharing a room with his girlfriend, which sparked a pang of jealousy within me. I left my food unfinished, unable to bear the thought of witnessing their togetherness throughout the trip. It promised to be a long and challenging experience for me.

My thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. I hurriedly went to answer it and found Rishabh standing there, looking handsome in a simple blue shirt and jeans. I must have been staring at him for an uncomfortably long time because Tanya playfully waved her hand in front of my eyes to snap me out of my reverie. 

Both Rishabh and I blushed, and the rest of the evening was spent exploring Manali, shopping, and sampling some of the local specialties.

As night fell, we made our way to the hall where the evening's programs were scheduled to take place. The darkness had already descended outside, making it difficult to see people passing by. However, one particular scene caught my attention—a couple engaged in an intimate moment at the end of a small alley. 

The guy had his back to us, but the girl turned out to be Mahira. Strangely, the boy didn't appear to be Karan. Their physical attributes, height, and body structure didn't match, and I had been observing Karan quite closely due to my ongoing crush on him.

I averted my gaze, feeling a mix of shock and confusion. Suddenly, Mahira looked in my direction, and I couldn't help but wonder if she was cheating on Karan. 

My mind raced with questions and doubts. Why had I looked away if she was indeed the one cheating? 

I turned back, only to find an empty alley before me, with no sign of the couple.

Few minutes after entering the function hall...

Amidst the vibrant and enthusiastic crowd of Manali, the atmosphere was electric with cheers and applause as the local performers showcased a puppet show and other special acts. However, my own emotions starkly contrasted the celebratory mood around me, as an unsettling discomfort gnawed at my insides, urging me to escape this place as swiftly as possible.

I found myself seated on the opposite side of the gathering from where Tanya and Rishabh were perched, the two of us forming an inconspicuous triangle with Karan, who was engrossed in an intimate embrace with Mahira. Their lips met in stolen moments, making me feel utterly powerless and seething with a mixture of jealousy and anger.

Seeing them together like this ignited a burning desire within me to divulge the unsettling truth that I had inadvertently stumbled upon in that dimly lit alleyway earlier. Yet, a looming question overshadowed my turmoil: would Karan even believe my words? Our relationship was far from the kind where I could approach him casually and reveal his girlfriend's infidelity, expecting him to confront her based solely on my account.

The thought of remaining a silent spectator to their amorous display, pretending nothing had transpired, was unbearable. It was an option I couldn't accept. With a heavy heart, I excused myself from the festivities, yearning for a respite from the emotional whirlwind that engulfed me.

Stepping out into the cool night air, I sought solace on a bench thoughtfully placed in a serene park adjacent to the accommodations where we were staying. This tranquil setting offered a moment of reflection, a sanctuary where I could begin to clear my cluttered thoughts.

I had feelings for Karan, that much was undeniable. But I was hesitant to intrude into his life recklessly and potentially sabotage his relationship with Mahira when I possessed no concrete evidence of her betrayal. The identity of the other person involved in the clandestine affair remained a mystery, adding to the ambiguity of the situation, and making my course of action even more complex.

Third person's POV:

Misha remained deep in contemplation, her mind a turbulent sea of emotions, unaware of her surroundings. As her thoughts swirled, she failed to notice Rishabh emerging from the hall, his eyes searching for her until he settled down on the same bench, captivated by her ethereal beauty. He gazed at her, silently admiring her for an extended moment, the intensity of his feelings evident in his tender expression.

Moments later, Karan also emerged from the hall, his eyes darting around the park, scanning for something elusive. His gaze eventually locked onto a small bench beneath the shade of a tree, where Misha sat, her eyes fixed on the heavens, lost in introspection. Beside her, Rishabh's loving gaze remained firmly fixed upon her.

A sudden surge of anguish and frustration overwhelmed Karan upon witnessing this tableau. His fists clenched involuntarily, and he ground his teeth together, a surge of anger pulsing through him. His frustration found an outlet as he delivered a resounding punch to the nearby wall.

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Thanks for reading

Lots of love

Xxx