End of a long and memorable journey

As the only clock ticked at the not so busy  small Leh airport and the seconds needle completed a round,I looked at  Ria, her hairs partially covering her face like dark clouds covering the moon partially.She was sitting next to me with her eyes closed as if savouring the long journey and what all happened in between. It had been a long,tiring ,yet fascinating journey and the memories of whatever happened in the course of the journey  kept me fresh though with  a bit  of nostalgia.Something which started as another trip had become an experience for the lifetime.But the thought of getting separated from Ria in a few hours as we reach Delhi.Our ways would get separated from there for our respective places.

 Karan,our driver for the whole journey,held his hands together in a sign for Namaste and goodbye.I went ahead and gave a warm hug to Karan. Afterall we had come through the treacherous route completely having full trust in him.And he never let us down.Ria, Neeru, Sally and Preeti came behind me and thanked Karan for all he did for us all along. Karan looked at them and heaved a sigh of relief,his face clearly showing it.After all the girls had kept him on the edge all the time during the trip and he had his reasons to feel relieved after dropping them on time and in full.

We started toward security check to board our Jet flight to Delhi.Much of our time was spent in taking a quick nap once we were on board. Ria was sitting next to me and as the flight took off she leaned on my shoulder for a nap,as she did during the most of the Journey while sitting in the front seat with me.Strands of hair flying on her face and partly resting on my shoulder.Another few hours and we would part our ways.I did not know when,while thinking of the time we spent together,sleep took the better of me. Neeru, Preeti and Sally were seated in another cluster.All of them also in deep sleep because of the cumulative tiredness suddenly creeping in.

These were such good days spent in an environment where we only we were there in a world completely different and full of adventure ,love and so many fond memories.As we reached Delhi Airport it was time to say goodbye to each other.While all four of them had to wait for a flight at the airport,I had to go to the railway station to take the train journey. Ria saw at me in a way asking whether I will forget her as ways part and my eyes conveyed to her a sincere gesture that maybe I will remember her till my memory fails.And I promised to myself I would meet her again soon.All this while a pale shadow of sadness coming over all of us as we parted.With a warm hug to Neeru I conveyed to her,that without her initiative and great management such a trip was impossible.Though once the journey started we all had had a hand in making it awesome and unforgettable.

I looked back as I came out of the airport to have one last glimpse of Ria but she was already lost in the crowd of passengers.