Dear Pooja
You must remember that adventure is not part of my DNA but for some mysterious reason, you were hell bent on treating me to one adventure after another as soon as I landed in Seychelles.
First, Jugal Hansraj and you took me on a water boat ride during the high tide. With a scorching sun on top of us and salty water lashing on our faces, you drove the boat fast and furious like in action films. We galloped over angry waves but Jugal and you were unstoppable! I was certain that we were not returning alive, but we did!
Jugal and you were so euphoric that you’ll wanted to do it all over again. Thank God the boat man declined and better sense prevailed.
Dinner time, Jugal cracked witty jokes like ‘Lucky table is getting laid’ and come morning, both of you were ready for more mischief. You strolled into my room and asked me if I was game for a drive to the beach? II was, unprepared for what awaited me.. You suggested I go parasailing and convinced me it was the easiest experience. Trusting you I submitted to an impulse. Two men fastened me with belts, the third, whispered instructions and before I could blink, the ropes were set free and I was in the sky!
The higher I went, the faster was my heart beat. Everything that looked divine from the ground appeared sinister up-close. I hated the mountains and the clouds. As I swayed over rocks, pastures, I shut my eyes and chanted Hanuman Chalisa. The Gods heard me and descended me gradually but my perils were far from over.
On landing I was unable to unhook the belts and activate my life saver. The boatman was far away and I had water inside my nose, mouth and drowning. He made it in nick of time and rode me to the shore safely.
I was given a resounding applause by the team but I knew Ill never do this again.
In the evening, photographer Rakesh Shreshtha showed me these images and a smile crossed my face. Had it not been for you Pooja, I would’ve never experienced this. Let’s go back to Seychelles again, will you join us Jugal and Jitesh?