That's life! How quickly things get back to
normal, while we are still struggling with the
demons from our past!
We finally got done with our paperwork around
4 pm and rode towards the first check post,
which is about 5 km beyond Phinsoling. At that
point we realized that we had gotten a permit
for one bike and the second rider was
mentioned as a passenger, with means pillion.
We called Sanjay's people, who in turn called the
officer, who assured us that our papers would be
corrected immediately. This was possible in
those late hours, as we were VIP Guests! It was
nearly 7 pm when we got our revised clearance.
Sanjay had warned us about the narrow roads
and ice on the road. I was like, "IIICCCEEE". I
guess it did not register properly in my mind, so
before we left. I added merely 2 layers of
clothing!
If the same thing had happened to me, how I would
have behaved! I kept trying to catch up with him. It
was already dark by then and there were no lights on
the road. A few curves later we realized - Yes! Wrong
direction..
I then recalled my first rule - 'Happiness is a choice.
Nothing can take away our happiness!'
We retraced our route back to the first check post and
took the right road. The cold wind was finding ways to
get into my riding suit and my gloves. I could feel the
movement slowing down in my fingers.
Notions started to form my mind - "It's too cold. You
can't make it. You cannot do it. Look at your fingers -
they are not able to move!" And then a battle started
within my mind, as I believe we are controlled by our
minds.
My eyes nearly popped out of my head. I tried to
show no reaction or emotions, but in my head,
my mind was racing - his ride will be over right
here, without the original papers for his bike.
And my mind went numb again. I put up my hand and gave Partner the signal to stop.
we found the first restaurant and we pulled over. I ran
inside and hugged the fireplace. I almost kissed it too!
Pankaj was about to ask, "Any problem, Partner?" But
when he saw me hugging the Bokhari (fireplace), he
understood. We ordered what I call noodles and chai'.
I kept ordering anything and everything, just to buy a
little more time beside that warm fireplace. I
whispered, "It's too cold, I can't make it. Can we stay at
this place for tonight?" Partner checked with the
restaurant, but they had no rooms available. I could
feel the tears fill up in my eyes. Partner was evidently
disappointed and he looked at me and asked, "Is this
how you want to conquer the world on your bike?"
It is unbelievable what Pankaj and his bike have
been through in the past 2 weeks. Everyday
presents him with a new challenge. I have come
to a firm conclusion that if someone wishes bad
things on a person, it can clearly affect that
person. I could not do anything, but pray. Sometimes we need a sudden jolt to bring us back
to reality. I got back to my bike and got my bag
into the restaurant. I unpacked whatever I had
and wore it - 6 layers on top, 3 layers below, I
switched off my mind and we rode ahead to find a
room to stay.
I believe in prayers, in any language and in any
form. Prayers are positive words sent to the
universe and at this point, prayers are what
Pankaj needed the most! We both called our
moms and sought prayers. Pankaj was
disturbed. I could see it in the way he changed
gears and negotiated the curves. He needed his
space. I could not even imagine - We saw a signboard 500 meters ahead - 'Rooms! 5
kilometers ahead!' We got there but there were no
rooms vacant for that night. The temperature gauge
on my bike read 4°C, but my fingers said -10°C! My
mind finally shut down. We rode on for another 29
kms and we then remembered that we were told not
to go any further at night, as the road was windy and
very narrow, with ice - which would drop the
temperature by another 5 degrees!
Just before getting onto our bikes, Pankaj
suddenly asked, "Do you have my bike RC? I gave
it to the guys at immigration for the paper work".
I told him that I did not have it, but it was okay
as we could get another print on the way. Then
he said," No! That was my original RC paper!"