An Unforgettable View

 “I am very tired. The grit is getting insane. We have been working tirelessly, day and night for over a month”, my coworker Arun declared in a serious tone in our all hands meeting. “It is a critical project for our company and I am happy to put all the hard work it needed, but I feel that I am nearing burnout”, Anita, the project chief architect, added empathetically.  “Exactly! How about we take a break for few days, we all go together somewhere”, said Arun, the unofficial chief planner for all our recreational activities, he is now enthusiastic that his plan is getting some acceptance. “Work hard but play harder, right?” someone else added. Everyone now curiously looks at the project manager for what he has to say. “Well, Thank you for all the hard work you guys have been putting into this. I must say you guys deserve a quick vacation. It’s been in my mind for some time, but better late than never”, said the project manager. “Woo hoo! Team vacation!” everyone chorused. “Be safe! No selfies from edge of mountain cliffs! I know some of your middle names are adventure”, joked the project manager as the group burst into laughter.

That’s how our trip to Gangtok, a hill resort in the north eastern part of India was born. I must say that some of my coworkers (they are my dear friends as well), are really good in making snap plans. Within no time, all logistics were arranged and we are on a train. We reached there at late night, around 3 am. We exhausted from the long journey and slept moments after checking in the hotel room.

Next morning, I was the first one to wake up. I opened the window blinds and what I saw was an experience I wish to hold with me forever. I was looking at this beautiful mountain in its absolute beauty as the morning sun rays fell on it.  The orange rays of the sun are soaking the white snowcapped mountain.  I feel like I am having an out of body experience and I felt so calm and peaceful. Later I learned that it was Mt. Kangchenjunga, the 3^rd tallest peak in the world. I opened the glass window and I felt a cold breezy wind on my skin; it was very refreshing and I am fully awake now. The breeze, with a scent of mountain flowers, a big relief from the musty smell of the room. The nature’s aroma beats anything man made, hands down. The sky was clear and the view was totally unobstructed. Though this was many years ago, I clearly remember being so ecstatic.

I am now in dilemma. “Should I wake these guys and show them? No bad idea. They barely had few hours of sleep”, I was arguing with myself. Finally I decided to wake up everyone else to share this wonderful moment. My friends, though a bit upset with me initially for rudely disturbing their blissful sleep, appreciated me for showing this. Everyone admired this beauty. Then someone said, “how about a hot tea?” Everyone without a bit of hesitation agreed that it would be wonderful. Someone quickly rang the phone, we all enjoying the moment with the hot beverage. Now everyone felt so fresh, even after having only a few hours of sleep. It clearly provided a perfect start for our 3 day wonderful trip.

Why is this such a memorable moment? Perhaps, because I was least expecting it and a pleasant surprise always spices up things. Or maybe it is because of the creative Mother Nature’s art work through its morning sun rays on this magnificent mountain. I don’t know for sure but I couldn’t care less. All that is important to me is, I have the had pleasure of experiencing this breathtaking moment, something that doesn’t happen very often, that I can cherish forever.