Days Like These

 

 

                   Days Like These

On a beautiful night at Everest base camp, Rahul came out of his tent. He was mesmerised by the starry night. He rushed in to wake up Varun, his friend with whom he was sharing the tent.

“Wake up Varun,” he yelled.

“What’s the matter,” mumbled Varun, barely able to open his eyes.

“You must come out and see the sky, right now.”

“Let me sleep, Rahul.”

Rahul was adamant though and Varun finally gave in.

“This better be worth it pal,” he said, clumsily making his way out of the tent. But, as soon as he looked up, he too was mesmerised. He gaped at the sky with eyes wide open.

 

“Let’s start a bonfire, make some coffee and wake up the others too,” suggested Varun.

“That’s a great idea, let’s get to it.”

So, the duo lit up a fire and made prepared coffee.

“I’ll go wake up the others,” said Varun.

“Hey, don’t forget Sherpa Dorjee, after all, this is all possible because of him,” said Rahul.

“That’s right bro, I’ll do that.”

One by one the group emerged from their respective tents and joined the party. Sherpa Dorjee made himself comfortable beside the fire too.

After handing a cup of coffee to each member present, Rahul raised his cup and said, “To days like these, may they be plentiful!”

“Aye, may they be plentiful,” said the others in unison.

 

“I’ll get the camera Rahul, we can get some wonderful pictures,” said Varun and went to their tent. He returned with the camera and they started clicking. They took pictures of the group and the mountains. Dorjee observed the youngsters quietly.

“With these pictures, we will forever remember this night,” said Varun.

“I’m sorry Varun, but you won’t!” claimed Dorjee.

“Of course, I will, why won’t I?”

“Because you haven’t experienced this night! You are so busy documenting it for the future and probably for social media, you are missing out on experiencing the magic of this night.”

Varun kept quiet. Rahul, who overheard the conversation said, “Dorjee is right you know, let’s keep the camera away. We have enough pictures already.”

Varun kept the camera in the tent and returned.

“Hey Dorjee,” said Varun. “Thank you. Care for another coffee?”

“Sure,” replied Dorjee.

 

Varun poured another cup of piping hot coffee for Rahul, Dorjee and himself. Now away from the crowd, the silence crept into their hearts and they finally experienced the bliss of the night.

“I had been planning this trek for so long, I’m so happy today,” said Varun with a big smile.

“So am I,” said Rahul. “Life’s been so challenging recently. This gives me confidence to face the future.”

“Mountain climbing has a lot of benefits my friends,” said Dorjee. “And a gruelling one like this is sure to pump up your spirits.”

“True that. I have had a few torrid years myself and even the future looks uncertain,” said Varun.

“Hey, is everything okay with you?” enquired Rahul.

The duo started discussing regrets of the past and worries of the future. Dorjee was a silent listener for some time but couldn’t keep quiet for too long.

“My friends,” interrupted Dorjee. “What are you guys doing? Stuck between thinking about the past and worrying about the future you are missing out on this beautiful present. Days like these don’t come often my friends. What is done cannot be undone, what is yet to come is not in your control. What is in your hand is that cup of coffee and above you is the beautiful starry night, don’t miss out on them! Be present in the present my friends, that is the true meaning of living!”

Varun and Rahul were pleasantly surprised by the Sherpa’s wisdom. 

“Dorjee sir, you aren’t just a Sherpa, you’re a guru,” said Rahul with folded hands. 

Varun chuckled, then folded his hands and said, “True that!”

“I’m no guru my friends, the mountains have taught me a thing or two about life,” replied Dorjee with a smile. “Let’s sleep now, it’s getting late. Tomorrow, I will take you to Tengboche Monastery.”

“Looking forward to it, good night, Dorjee,” said Rahul.

“Good night,” said Varun and the two retired to their tent.