It was a rare sight and a first. The glimpse of the mighty snowy peaks clean and clear above the clouds came through the window ahead at even height before the descent began. It was a good luck sign to the sight before touching the ground. This feeling of being transposed – between spaces and persons – memories and ground realities of the here and now. The sense of being given something precious not to be lost and having to constantly nudge and nurture to preserve it.

Darjeeling and North Bengal, places that have been part of my life since my teenage, don’t seem to disappear for it is indelibly written onto the shape and feel of self. Such belonging can also be a burden when one has to distance and ‘let go’ and discover the ‘freedom’ of ‘not being encumbered’. The opportunity to be a ‘witness’ and not an ‘actor’ came by during this visit and the heights of the Himalayas provided the perspective. Why does it hurt because something or someone is not as one expected?

Life deepens when trusting what the other does or whatever happens without oneself being part of it is seen as equally praiseworthy. Listening without regrets and being able to see the alternatives; occasionally suggesting feebly what could have been; pathways that might be more respectful of the other young ones in care. The mountains glittering against the sun leave shadows. Shadows hide crevices in the mountain folds to be trespassed very carefully. Being with people who understand is sunshine and not finding understanding is a walk in the shadows.

Flowers and garlands came as a surprise on re-entering the campus even on a Saturday. Passing by without disturbing the routine was the intent and felt grateful for every gesture of acknowledgement. The trees and the tea bushes seem to nod as a sign of recognition. The churning of the earth movers in the vicinity clearing out the decades-old dirt-ridden mount spits fumes and hopefully it will end someday and be a park that the city needs for a breather. Creating beauty out of chaos, peace and tranquillity for learning and quiet discourse in environs that are welcoming is indeed a noble endeavour, one can never tire of being engaged with.