After a mentally arduous and emotionally challenging last month at the workplace, we planned for a much-needed respite by planning a week-long tour of the pride of Odisha, the Chilika Lake. I have always been much fascinated by long drives navigating through the plush green forests. And what better place would you find than one of the most scenic places in Odisha to titillate your visual senses?
Fortunately, this time, the toxic people at the workplace weren’t accompanying us as Karma had bitten them, and they were assigned to complete their week-long not-so-interesting 5S training under the external faculty. Our team had already chewed (and rightly) the bitter tablet last month.
I have always been pretty excited towards long drives, especially when I am at the driver’s seat. Don’t know why but I just hate sitting next to the driver or in the backseat doing...nothing (absurd yeah, but it is what it is)! I have a special liking towards keeping my hands, legs, and senses engaged and at the same time participating in the conversations that are making rounds in the car.
It was a five-hundred-odd km of journey that certainly was quite too much for me in one stretch. So, controlling my urge to be affixed to the driver’s seat, this time I was forced to switch the seats after every couple of hours.
 |
| Photo by Sven Vee on Unsplash |
As expected, the journey didn’t turn out to be all glam-green (rather a cacophonous, smoky, and littery affair) until we crossed the industrial towns and coal mining clusters. But, after travelling a few hundred km and actually getting into the heart of Odisha, we were exposed to the greenery we all were dead-waiting for. Comforting myself in the driver’s seat, I opened the windows to let the pure and fresh air embrace our souls, heal our mental ailments, and help us all do an emotional detox.
And yes, within a few minutes, the loud conversations and banters on a huge array of topics ranging from the T20 WC, to the new season of Panchayat; from the 2024 General Election results to the future career discourse; from the advancements in the Power Sector, to the love birds in our group hiding their feelings and miserably failing every single time creating a lively environment, gradually came down to a pleasing halt with every single one of us losing into the green haven.
.
(Hey Anant, we are here.)
.
I didn’t really realise what all transpired in the last 7 hours. The only thing that I remember was switching my seat from the driver’s to the back some five hours ago to take an immersive dip into nature’s elixir and relieve my aching lower back. I had exposed myself to medications and narcotics before to detach myself from the personal and professional vagaries of the ruthless world; but, never in the past had it ever happened like this. Never had I so lost in the tranquil aura even after spending tens of thousands of rupees to achieve the same. This time, however, miraculously, it didn’t actually cost me anything, nor did it sabotage my health to any extent. Instead, I found my mental and emotional well-being at its peak right from the moment I stepped out of the car.
.
.
.
“What was wrong with you during the journey, Anant? I mean, the music in the car was so loud that was making us all grooving. Aman and I were actually having a heated argument for the pass he made at me that lasted for hours and eventually culminated in a loud, grieving apology from his side. It all went unnoticed to you. What were you so lost in? It felt like glueing your head to the headrest and passionately squaring at the scenic beauty, you had completely detached yourself from what all was happening inside the car.” Smita asked handing me a hot cappuccino as I was scrolling down the daily media feed. “Less sugar and strong” she added with a firm smile.
“Oh, that’s how lovely of you. Thank you so much Smita. I needed this”. I reverted gesturing her to sit.
“Well…what! Aman made a pass at you? How come I didn’t get to know about that. I was sitting right beside you. You good, yeah?” I uttered in a caringly.
“I am all fine. Rest assured! But I really wanna know what happened to you during the journey. It felt to me as if you had entered a new world. I was actually petrified at the time and wanted to ask if everything was fine when you still remained silent on seeing a wild elephant obstructing our way”. She responded fondling the orchard on the table.
“Wh…aat, really???” I exclaimed.
.
.
.
"I have just heard that 'nature therapy' works well if you wanna extract the benefit out of it by investing solicit efforts and utmost concentration. And yes, Smita, I did realize it well this time. You are aware of all the downs that I have been through lately, and thus you better know that I keep looking for a mental and emotional nature detox as and when I find time. But this time, the way it happened was something...you won't believe, unprecedented! I was so lost in the magnificent nature passing by, embracing my soul, and bidding me heartfelt adieu that I completely unplugged myself from this cruel yet wonderful world. As I said, I have absolutely no idea what all happened during those couple of hours in the car. I am feeling much better now. As if someone has relieved me of tons of torments". I monologued with a poker face.
Awkward silence surmised for a few seconds, with both sitting and looking straight at each other in awe.
"You're madly interesting, Anant!" She broke the ice yet again in a jiffy.
"Cheers to the cherishing trip that lies ahead!" I responded with a quirky smile.
.
.
.
The cappuccino tasted luscious like never before.